stats counter Latest News – Page 260 – soka sardar

Latest News

Latest News

Horror as shots fired at two houses in Galway & gardai launch hunt for ‘dark-coloured saloon’ car amid ‘ongoing’ probe

GUNSHOTS were fired at two residential properties in Co Galway shortly before 4am last night, it has been confirmed.

Criminal damages occurred at the properties in St Grellan’s Terrace in the Ballinasloe area but gardai have confirmed that no injuries were reported.

Gardai rushed to the scene of the incident at around 3:50am this morning.

Investigating officers have urged anyone who may have any information to come forward, particularly if it relates to a dark-coloured saloon car.

A garda spokesperson said: “Investigating Gardai are appealing to any person who may have information in relation to this incident to contact them.

“Any person who was in the St Grellan’s Terrace and surrounding areas at Brackernagh, Ballinasloe between 3:30am and 4:30am and who may have mobile phone or dash-cam footage, is asked to make this available to Gardai.

“In particular, Gardai are looking to speak with anyone who may have seen a dark-coloured saloon car at these locations.

“Any person who may have information or footage is asked to contact Ballinasloe Garda Station on 09096 31890, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.”

Gardai said that investigations into the incident are “ongoing”.

Separately, gardai confirmed today that two bodies were discovered in Co Kerry.

Gardai say they are “investigating all circumstances” following the find of the man and woman, both believed to be in their 50s, at a house in Glenbeigh.

The scene has been preserved and an examination by the Garda Technical Bureau is taking place.

It is understood that the bodies may have lain undiscovered in the house since late last year.

The two bodies remain at the scene, pending preliminary technical examination, and will be removed for a post-mortem examination.

Gardai confirmed that the course of their investigation will depend on the results of the post-mortem examination.

Garda station sign.
Gardai are investigating both incidents
Garrett White - The Sun

Read More »

Emmerdale and Coronation Street axe 75 jobs as episodes are slashed in huge soaps shakeup

AS MANY as 75 people will lose their jobs on Coronation Street and Emmerdale after ITV announced plans to slash its soap schedule.

The channel will make an hour less soap content a week and air the much-loved programmes as two back-to-back, 30 minute episodes amid a budget crisis.

Eileen Grimshaw, Stu Carpenter, and Yasmeen Metcalfe in a cafe scene.
ITV
Sue Cleaver is just one of the days to leave the soap recently[/caption]
Amy and Matty meet with a social worker.
ITV
Emmerdale’s new schedule has come in the wake of budget cuts[/caption]

It means 75 roles will be lost across cast, crew and writers, with redundancy talks now underway.

The teams were told last night that they needed to be on site this morning for a formal meeting, with the news reducing most to tears.

Around 600 people work across Corrie and Emmerdale.

The brunt of the job losses are likely to be felt in production.

Currently, Emmerdale airs six episodes per week, Monday to Friday with a double episode on Thursdays.

Coronation Street also airs six episodes per week, spread across Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, with two episodes each night.

Now just five 30-minute episodes of each soap will air.

Under the new changes, which will begin in January 2026, Emmerdale will air for half an hour every day at 8pm, followed by a half-hour episode of Coronation Street straight after at 8:30pm.

It is being dubbed a soap “power hour”.

ITV boss Kevin Lygo said: “This new commissioning pattern will mean five hours of soaps a week, rather than the current six.

“We are conscious this will have an impact for the people who work on the soaps team.

“We will support our colleagues in ITV Studios as they work through these changes, and will do what we can to mitigate the impact on our people.”

He went on: “These changes are motivated by doing what we believe is best for the continuing success of these important programmes in the long term.

“They also create headroom in the overall programme budget for investment in programming that can help ITV grow reach in a very very competitive market.”

The Rovers Return Inn on Coronation Street.
Fans will be seeing a bit less of the Cobbles
Rex Features
Three people sitting at a table in a restaurant, having a conversation.
ITV
Helen Worth also stepped down from her iconic role as Gail Platt on Corrie[/caption]

Insiders at the channel say it will help make both Emmerdale and Coronation Street more “streaming-friendly”.

The new structure will launch with a huge stunt on both soaps.

A source added: “Soaps are incredibly important to ITV and this is about preserving their longevity for the future.

“There has been a super squeeze in production costs and it was necessary to make changes but Corrie and Emmerdale both remain integral to ITV.”

It comes after a string of big name stars quit Coronation Street and many have called out the budget crisis which has left them struggling to make ends meet.

Coronation Street's 2024 shock exits

Corrie has said goodbye to several cast members this year. Let's break down who's left the famous soap:

Eliza Woodrow (Savannah Kunyo) has said farewell to Corrie to start a new life in Germany.

The youngster moved to live with her dad Dom Everett, who went back on the £10,000 bribe Eliza’s grandfather Stu had offered to keep him out of her life.

Paul Foreman (Peter Ash) will bow out of the soap this summer when he loses his fight with motor neurone disease (MND) in tragic scenes.

After being diagnosed last year, the fan favourite was devastated to learn he only had months left to live.

Viewers know he is planning to take his own life to end his suffering.

Summer Spellman (Harriet Bibby) departed the cobbles after being offered the opportunity of a lifetime to study in America.

Though she struggled to decide with her stepdad Paul’s impending death from MND, she was convinced she had to live her life to the full.

Simon Barlow (Alex Bain) has struggled with the sudden departure of his father Peter from the cobbles.

The Weatherfield legend left his family and loved ones behind on Boxing Day, 2023, when his wife Carla Connor encouraged him to travel around the world with a friend.

Simon’s been on a downward spiral ever since and his exit could end in tragedy.

Alya Nazir is set to leave the cobbles as actress Sair Khan prepares to go on maternity leave ahead of the birth of her first child.

It looks likely she’ll be heading to Dublin after securing a lucrative new job, leaving her colleague and fling Adam Barlow behind.

Show stalwart Sue Cleaver, who plays Eileen Grimshaw, is taking a break to star in the Sister Act The Musical UK tour. She will be back filming in May once her dates on the tour come to an end.

Her character left the Street after her son Jason broke his back after falling off a moped in Asia.

Read More »

Ultra-rare 60s Jaguar dubbed ‘the most beautiful car ever made’ by Enzo Ferrari up for sale – it can be yours for £120k

AN ULTRA-rare Jaguar from the 1960s – dubbed ‘the most beautiful car ever made’ by Enzo Ferrari – is up for sale.

Images showcase the striking 1961 Jaguar E-Type 3.8-litre Series 1 FHC in Opalescent Silver Blue, a colour that highlights its sleek and timeless design.

Front view of a blue 1961 Jaguar E-Type 3.8-litre Series 1 FHC race car.
mediadrumimages
An early-production E-Type, with many decades as a successful race car[/caption]
Close-up of a classic car's control panel with gauges and switches.
mediadrumimages
The car will be auctioned by iconic Auctioneers on Saturday, 22nd February 2025, at Stoneleigh Park[/caption]
Interior view of a racing car's driver's seat with safety harnesses.
mediadrumimages
The refined interior of the 1961 Jaguar E-Type 3.8-litre, featuring period-correct leather seats crafted for comfort and racing heritage[/caption]

This particular Jaguar E-Type, is an early-production model with a remarkable motorsport history, having spend decades as a successful race car driven by British racer Allen Lloyd.

The car will be auctioned by iconic Auctioneers on Saturday, 22nd February 2025, at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry.

“The car presented here is a 1961 Jaguar E-Type 3.8 litre Coupe, and apart from being a very successful historic race car, it was fascinatingly the 58th example ever built,” states the listing.

In recent times, the Jaguar has campaigned successfully at the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps multiple times, winning its class before making regular appearances in Motor Racing legends pre-63 GT series, a prestigious championship for Iconic FT cars of the late 1950s, supporting major racing events across the UK and Europe.

On its debut on 15 March 1961, legendary Italian carmaker Enzo Ferrari, founder of Ferrari, famously called the E-Type “the most beautiful car ever made.”

Known for his pursuit of speed and perfection, Ferrari’s praise cemented the Jaguar E-Type as an icon of automotive design.

The car has an official certificate confirming its eligibility for historic racing.

While its documents are up to date, it is recommended that interested buyers verify all details and ensure the safety equipment (belts, seat, roll cage, fuel tank, fire extinguisher, etc.) meets current regulations.

Comprehensive details of the car’s mechanical specifications and championship eligibility are available to serious buyers.

As this historic E-Type takes centre stage at auction, Jaguar itself is undergoing a bold transformation.

The British marque has announced plans to relaunch in 2026 as a fully electric, high-end luxury brand, moving away from its traditional petrol-powered lineup.

The shift is already making waves, with Jaguar’s recent unveiling of the Type 00, a striking electric concept car that sparked debate among enthusiasts.

While some see it as a radical departure, Jaguar insists the reinvention remains true to the company’s ethos of fearless creativity and innovation.

Jaguar’s Chief Creative Officer, Professor Gerry McGovern, said: “Jaguar has no desire to be loved by everybody… Some may love it now, some may love it later, and some may never love it. And that’s okay, because that’s what fearless creativity does.”

History of Jaguar

Brief timeline:

  • Jaguar was founded in 1922 as the Swallow Sidecar Company before evolving into the Jaguar brand in 1945.
  • 1966 – Merged with the British Motor Corporation (BMC), later forming British Leyland in 1968.
  • 1975 – Jaguar struggled under British Leyland due to financial issues and declining quality.
  • 1984 – Jaguar was privatized and became an independent company once again.
  • 1990 – Acquired by Ford Motor Company, becoming part of Ford’s Premier Automotive Group.
  • 2008 – Sold to Tata Motors (India) along with Land Rover, forming Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).
  • 2013 – Jaguar introduced the F-Type, reviving its sports car heritage.
  • 2018 – Launched the Jaguar I-PACE, its first all-electric vehicle, winning multiple awards.
  • 2021 – Jaguar announced its plan to go fully electric by 2025, transitioning into a luxury EV brand
Blue 1961 Jaguar E-Type 3.8-litre Series 1 FHC race car.
mediadrumimages
The sleek, aerodynamic curves of the Jaguar, a timeless icon of automotive design[/caption]
Close-up of a chrome wire wheel on a Jaguar E-Type.
mediadrumimages
The classic wire-spoke wheels and period-correct tyres of the 1961 Jaguar E-Type 3.8-litre, built for both style and speed[/caption]
MARANELLO, ITALY: portrait of Enzo Ferrari dated 17 March 1987 in Maranello during a press conference. Enzo Ferrari died 14 August 1988. (Photo credit should read DANIEL JANIN/AFP/Getty Images)
On its debut on 15 March 1961, Enzo Ferrari called it ‘the most beautiful car ever made’

Read More »

EastEnders icon reveals why she won’t return to BBC soap for 40th anniversary

AN EastEnders icon has revealed why she will not return to BBC soap for its 40th anniversary.

This is despite her close link to a current BBC One storyline involving the departing Natalie Cassidy.

Portrait of Lindsey Coulson, arms crossed.
BBC
Lindsey Coulson is beloved amongst EastEnders fans her her role as Carol Jackson[/caption]
Patsy Palmer and Lyndsey Coulson in a scene from a television program.
BBC
She first made her debut on the show back in the 90s[/caption]
A distraught woman cries while clutching her chest.
Handout
Fans are sure to be devastated as she has ruled out a soap comeback[/caption]

Lindsey Coulson, 64, is beloved by EastEnders viewers for her role as the matriarch, Carol Jackson.

She first made her debut on the show back in 1993 and her last appearance came in 2015.

Viewers have been wondering why she hasn’t appeared in the long-running serial drama as her family has come under fire.

The actress is busy working on other projects, as she is about to make her debut in the hit BBC drama, Waterloo Road as the new head teacher.

A host of other legendary names have made cameo comebacks to the soap, including Joe Swash and Tracy-Anne Oberman in anticipation for the soap’s 40th anniversary.

But when asked if she will be making a return amid fan demand, Lindsey poured cold water on the possibility as she has left the character behind.

She told Radio Times: “No. I feel that if you’re trying to portray another character and trying to put the work in, it would be odd for me to do another character I really loved playing.”

However, she has nothing but her best wishes for her co-stars, saying: “I really think it’s brilliant that that program is celebrating 40 years because it’s incredible that the audiences have still kept with it.”

Recently on EastEnders, her daughter Sonia Fowler (Cassidy), was arrested and charged with the murder of Debbie Colwell.

Just as she stood trial, Carol’s other daughter Bianca (Patsy Palmer) went missing.

This is because Sonia’s fiance Reiss (Jonny Freeman) has kidnapped her and is holding her as his prisoner in a remote and soundproof storage.

Recently, viewers saw how Bianca recorded a ‘confession’ video for the killing of Debbie, in a bid to help her sister and escape from Reiss’ evil clutches.

However, fans are still concerned by the absence of Carol as she is nowhere to be seen amid the trauma surrounding both her daughters.

EastEnders' 40th anniversary cameos so far

With the 40th anniversary of EastEnders coming up, fans are looking forward to some more incredible cameos from iconic faces of Walford's past. But who have we had so far?

Tracy-Ann Oberman – Oberman returned as Chrissie Watts, a character she last played nearly two decades ago.

Paul Bradley – Bradley returned as Nigel Bates, a character he last played over 25 years ago.

Micheal French – French returned as David Wicks, a character he last played two decades ago.

Patsy Palmer – Palmer returned as Bianca Jackson, a character she last played in 2019.

Coming up this year…

Ross Kemp – Kemp will reprise his role as Grant Mitchell, a character he first played in 1990. The BBC has described Kemp’s storyline as “explosive”. Kemp said it was an “absolute honour” to return to the show.

Other aspects of the 40th anniversary celebration include: A wedding between fan favorites, A huge explosion at the Queen Vic, and A live interactive episode.

Brenda Collins (Nichola McAuliffe) in an EastEnders courtroom scene.
BBC
Carol’s daughter Sonia stood trial for the murder of Debbie Colwell[/caption]
Bianca from EastEnders sitting in a storage unit.
BBC
Her other daughter Bianca went missing after she was kidnapped[/caption]
Two women sitting on a couch talking.
BBC
Despite momentous events for her family, Carol is nowhere to be seen[/caption]

EastEnders continues on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer.

Read More »

Millions of drivers warned of UK-wide petrol AND diesel shortage with major supermarkets hit

MILLIONS of drivers have been warned of a nationwide petrol and diesel shortage.

Unless 200,000 new lorry drivers are recruited, a repeat of the 2021 driver shortage could lead to fuel station chaos.

Person pumping gas into a car.
Alamy
Millions of drivers have been warned of a nationwide petrol and diesel shortage[/caption]

The Road Haulage Association warned ministers that the logistics industry faces “significant structural challenges”.

And reports suggest plans launched four years ago to tackle the trucker shortage have not been as successful as hoped.

The looming crisis could hit home and supermarket deliveries.

Supermarkets such as Tesco, Morrisons, Asda, and Sainsbury’s rely on a stable supply chain.

A report said: “2021 was a year of genuine crisis with an HGV driver shortage which saw empty shop shelves, delivery delays and supply chain disruption.

“We must avoid a repeat of this.”

Sally Gilson, policy manager at the RHA, said: “We need to keep these young drivers in the sector as we don’t want to see people get funded training, get their licence and then leave shortly after.

“We saw quite a number train up, stay for three to six months and then leave the sector.”

The shortage of lorry drivers is also threatening to derail government building plans.

A government spokeswoman said: “We understand the pressures facing the housebuilding industry, which is why we are making sure that they have the skilled workers they need to help us build 1.5 million homes and deliver our new towns.

“Alongside this, we are getting more HGV drivers onto our roads through our Skills Bootcamps, giving people the skills they need to start their career.”

Fuel duty STAYS FROZEN

FUEL duty was frozen for a 15th historic year in a massive win for drivers and The Sun’s Keep It Down campaign.

The Chancellor used Budget to stop petrol and diesel prices rising with inflation.

And in a huge boost for cash-strapped Brits, Rachel Reeves confirmed the temporary 5p cut will also remain in place.

Motorists have enjoyed frozen rates since 2011 thanks to our campaign with FairFuelUK to protect people at the pump.

If the duty had been allowed to rise in line with inflation since 2010, Britain’s drivers would now be paying 93.47p on a litre of fuel rather than the current 52.95p once VAT is included.

Read More »

‘Next time he might make a better decision’ – Cristiano Ronaldo taunted over UFC allegiance by Man Utd fan fighter

CRISTIANO RONALDO was jokingly mocked by MMA star Michael ‘Venom’ Page for backing his UFC Saudi Arabia opponent.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was cageside for MVP’s Saudi showdown with new fan favourite Shara Magomedov on Saturday night.

Turki Alalshikh, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Dana White posing together.
GETTY
Cristiano Ronaldo had one of the best seats in the house for UFC Fight Night 250 in Saudi Arabia[/caption]
Cristiano Ronaldo with a fan, presenting a signed jersey.
x@ALNASSRFC_EN
Ronaldo was cageside to see Shaa Magomedov in action against Michael ‘Venom’ Page[/caption]
Michael Page throwing a kick at Sharaputdin Magomedov during a UFC fight.
REX
Man Utd fan MVP had some words for the CR7 after beating Magomedov[/caption]

Ronaldo had enjoyed a warm embrace with Magomedov at Al-Nassr‘s training ground, where he signed a shirt and posed for snaps with the one-eyed fighter, earlier in the week.

And he was just a few feet away from the Dagestani as he suffered a decision defeat to avid Manchester United fan Page, who had a message for him after the fight.

In his post-fight press conference, the 37-year-old said: “I actually didn’t see him. But he was definitely in the wrong corner.

“But he needs to come back to me, the Man Utd supporter by the way. Next time he might make a better decision.”

Page even had some words for new Red Devils gaffer Ruben Amorim, whose troops endured yet another defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace last Sunday.

The London Shootfighters standout said: “It’s difficult [for Amorim]. You see Ronaldo talks about it himself.

“He even spoke briefly about [being] in charge of the club he’d know exactly where he would make new decisions.

“I think he’s talking about a situation above the manager’s head.

JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS

Michael Page celebrating a victory in an MMA fight.
REUTERS
Michael ‘Venom’ Page also had a message for United boss Ruben Amorim[/caption]

“Right now, all he can really do is try to make the team that he’s got in front of him work as much as he can.

“But also, I’m gonna give him until the next transfer window to find new players and bring them in and see if he can recreate the team in his own image.

“You’ve got to give him that chance. But for right now, he just needs to make sure we don’t get relegated.”

Victory over Page saw him bounce from his defeat to Ian Garry at UFC 303 last July.

Read More »

‘Get her out,’ beg Love Island fans as they hit out at star for ‘aggressive’ behaviour amid villa feud

LOVE Island fans have hit out at Elma after she became embroiled in a bitter feud with Ekin-Su last night.

The drama kicked off following a racy strip tease during the Heart Rate Challenge.

Two women in bikinis sitting on a couch and talking.
ITV
Ekin-Su and Elma had a chat about the shock moment[/caption]
Screenshot of a couple kissing while others watch.
ITV
Ekin kissed Sammy during the heart rate challenge[/caption]

EKin-Su was keen to win the task for the girls and vowed to kiss all of the boys.

But Elma didn’t like the sound of her pal snogging her villa partner and put her foot down.

Ekin-Su agreed she wouldn’t kiss Sammy, but then forget her promise.

Dressed in a devil costume, she gave Sammy Root – who is partnered with Elma – a peck on the lips after a saucy lap dance.

But it was nothing compared to when EKin-Su passionately snogged Curtis Pritchard on the floor.

Back up on the terrace Elma asked Ekin-Su had she kissed Sammy, to which the former Love Island winner insisted “no”.

She was quickly reminded that she had, and admitted she did but it was only a peck.

The next day, Elma pulled Ekin-Su for a chat and told her she felt betrayed.

Close to tears, Ekin-Su apologised for going against her word and said she “blacked out” while in character as the red devil.

Fans didn’t like the way Elma spoke to Ekin-Su, with one writing: “Elma thinks she is on towie not love island ..she is not a very nice person…she gives bully vibes..loves an argument.”

A third said: “Elma love island is not for you girl, Why so possessive,
Sammy we know might likely still move mad before the show ends.”

Another said: “Guys to stop the whinging can we all collectively VOTE ELMA OUT” as one more chimed: “Elma needs to stop taking up space in this place.”

It comes days after Elma’s explosive clash with Scott Thomas.

Elma was left seething for her pal Tina and ranted about Scott.

However, last week Love Island fans turned on Ekin-Su after she chucked a drink over Curtis.

Sammy’s arrival came after Ronnie Vint ditched Elma to reunite with Harriett Blackmore.

He and Elma had past history, having already met on the Towie circuit.

EKIN-SU BREAKS PROMISE

After the kiss, Sammy shouted up to Elma “I didn’t kiss her back”.

While Elma remarked: “She didn’t kiss anyone else’s fella” .

Elma asked her fellow villa girl if she had indeed kissed Sammy.

To which Ekin-Su responded “whoops”, how it had been just a peck and said it wasn’t “that deep”.

Discussing further, Elma replied that it is deep and asked if Ekin was her friend or enemy.

Love Island All Stars continues on ITV2 and ITVX.

Love Island contestants gathered around a fire pit.
Love Island All Stars has been packed with drama this season
Eroteme

Read More »