7 days agoViral XComments Off on Top jockey Kevin Stott hoping to reignite his UK career after return from New Zealand following tough 18 months
KEVIN STOTT is hoping to announce his return to the UK with a bang at Doncaster.
The former Amo Racing No1 rides Naepoint in the Spring Mile on Saturday having spent the last six months in New Zealand after a rough first season as a freelance.
GettyStott was sacked as Amo Racing No1 after riding at the Curragh (above) in September 2023[/caption]
He enjoyed plenty of highs in 2023, when he won a hatful of big races as Kia Joorabchian’s retained jockey, but was sacked in September of that year and split with girlfriend Megan Nicholls around the same time.
Denmark native Stott decided to go freelance for the first time but rode just 30 winners last term, his lowest tally in nine years.
But he had a good bit of success Down Under over the winter, riding 22 winners including a big Group 1 sprint in Wellington in January.
Stott said: “It was great there, I had no idea what to expect but I got some opportunities and it went really well.
“On a personal level as well, last year was a struggle, it was very difficult and it was great to get down there and have a bit of a reset.”
On Saturday, Stott, 30, rides the well-fancied hat-trick seeker Naepoint for Ed Bethell and on Sunday he’ll get the leg up on Aleezdancer for old ally Kevin Ryan.
He continued: “I got back only about three weeks ago and I’m back up in the north where I started my career.
“I’ve been riding out for a few trainers, Kevin Ryan and Ed Bethell mainly, and I’ve got a new agent in Chris Dixon which is big for me.
“I’m going to get my head down, work hard and try to get going here again, I’m willing to get stuck in.
“I haven’t got any deals or agreements in place, I’m still freelance and I’m going to work hard and hopefully someone will give me regular rides.
“I actually rode a winner on my first ride back at Newcastle the other day, but the best way to remind everyone you are back and you can still do it is with a big Saturday winner.
“I’ve won on Naepoint at Donny before and he has been in good form at home.
“He’s a lovely horse and goes there with every chance. It’s a big weekend.”
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
Never chases their losses
Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
7 days agoViral XComments Off on Paul O’Grady’s widower shares final video of star taken just 20 MINUTES before his death
PAUL O’Grady’s widower Andre Portasio has shared a heartbreaking final video of the beloved TV star recorded just 20 minutes before his sudden passing.
The late TV legend sadly passed away on March 28 in 2023, devastating his legion of fans and friends.
InstagramPaul O’Grady’s pictured with his husband Andre Portasio[/caption]
Andre shared a final video of Paul taken minutes before his deathPaul was sitting with his dog Eddie, who he’d noticed had been ‘very quiet today’
Even in his final moments, he was doing what he did best – spreading warmth, kindness, and gratitude.
In the bittersweet clip, discovered in Andre’s phone two years after Paul died, the much loved comedian and TV personality is in good spirits, sitting with his beloved dog Eddie.
Animal lover Paul, who first found fame asLily Savage, thanks fans for their support of his children’s book Eddie Albert and the Amazing Animal Gang.
Looking relaxed and happy, Paul, 67, says in the video: “Hello everybody, I’m Paul O’Grady, and I just want to say a massive thank you for reading me book, Eddie Albert and the Amazing Animal Gang, and also for voting for it.
“I’m absolutely delighted with my award. So thank you very much.
“And by the way, this is Eddie. This is my dog. And Buster in the book is based on this little one.”
Turning to Eddie, he says: “You’re very quiet today, eh?
“Anyway, once again, thank you so much. I really appreciate it. Look after yourselves.”
Paul’s widower, Andre, captioned the emotional post: “It’s incredible how our minds can shield us from the pain of loss in moments of shock.
“Today, my iPhotos reminded me of a lost video I recorded of Paul just 20 minutes before he sadly passed. What became the last recording he ever made to camera.
“In this bittersweet moment, you see him as the genuinely kind man he was, expressing heartfelt gratitude to everyone for supporting his book, which he recorded for an award ceremony he couldn’t attend.
“It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since his passing.
“All the while, he’s surrounded by his beloved dogs. We miss you dearly, @paulogrady. Happy heavenly birthday!”
The post was met with an overwhelming response from fans and celebrities alike, who expressed their shock and sadness.
EastEnders actress Michelle Collins wrote: “This is unbelievable, so sad.
“Makes you realise what a wonderful person he was. Life can be so fragile, we have to really embrace it like Paul did. Such a loss—wish there were more like him.”
TV presenter Gaby Roslin added: “Miss him so much. This is special and precious. Big love, Andre.”
Another heartbroken fan commented: “I think maybe Eddie was quiet for a reason. Dogs know things. Paul, you are missed.”
A fourth added: “How was this 20 minutes before he died?! I cannot cope with this—I cannot even imagine how you have been… Sending so much love to you all who knew him, as the beautiful soul he is.”
Paul O’Grady’s sudden passing in March 2023 left a void in the entertainment world, with fans still mourning the loss of the kind-hearted comedian, presenter, and devoted animal lover.
His death was previously ruled as sudden cardiac arrhythmia – which happens when a person dies from a cardiac arrest, and no obvious cause can be found.
He also left half a million pounds to the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
Animal lover Paul left a total of £775,000 to organisations close to his heart, including donations of £50,000 to elephant and orangutan charities.
He also gave £50,000 to the Salvation Army, whom he’d been a lifelong fan of as a result of them helping the needy in his native Liverpool when he was growing up.
Prior to his death, Paul had spent 11 years at the helm of ITV1’s Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs, which focused on the tireless work at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
The comic had made an entire career while playing his drag queen alter-ego Lily Savage. Paul hosted shows including The Big Breakfast, Blankety Blank and Lily Live! as Savage.
GettyPaul’s widower Andre was supported by fans after sharing the video[/caption]
Cover ImagesChantelle dropped three stone in three months after starting Wegovy[/caption]
Cover ImagesThe 32-year-old was a size 22 at her heaviest[/caption]
“People say it’s cheating, but it’s just the next step,” she said.
Chantelle’s struggles began early. “I was nothing out of the ordinary, just a bit chubby,” she recalled.
But her weight was constantly mentioned by family, and at seven or eight, her GP had told her to keep food journals.
She had dreams of becoming a dancer but was told she was “too fat”.
“It was horrible,” she said. “It stuck with me. It made me feel like I wasn’t good enough.”
As she grew older, her weight increased, and two years ago, at 23 stone and a size 22, she had reached her heaviest.
Her size left her open to abuse.
“People can be really cruel,” she said.
“I remember being in a bar when a man moved back. I thought he was being polite, but he said he was just making space for my ‘fat ass.’ That shocked me.”
Cover ImagesThe weight loss jabs stopped her cravings for sweet treats[/caption]
Cover ImagesShe insists injections were not an easy way out[/caption]
“I loved savoury snacks – crisps, nuts, takeaway,” she said.
“Once, I brought a bag of large cookies into work, shared half, and ate about 15 myself. I felt sick after.
“I’d always had so much negativity about being overweight, and it just made me feel worse. So I’d eat more to feel better—it was a vicious cycle.”
THE TURNING POINT
In 2022, Chantelle asked her doctor for weight-loss injections and was enrolled in the NHS-funded Oviva Tier 3 Weight Management service, which combined medication with diet, exercise, and mental health support.
She started Wegovy in July 2023. “It was amazing. I just didn’t feel hunger most of the time,” she said.
“I ate because I knew I should, not because I needed to. I probably ate two-thirds of what I used to.”
The results were dramatic. “In the first three months, I lost three stone I’d now lost nearly five stone, averaging about two pounds a week.”
The reaction from others had been overwhelming.
“People kept telling me how great I looked, how I was ‘disappearing’,” she said.
“It was always said with love, but it was a lot. It came from friends, family, colleagues – just everyone. I had to ask people to stop.”
‘NOT CHEATING’
Since starting the injections, Chantelle’s eating habits have improved – she no longer binges on sugary treats after meals.
“I couldn’t stomach that anymore,” she said.
“If I ate something rich or too sweet, I didn’t feel well. I had a Krispy Kreme one day, and it affected my tummy really badly.”
Chantelle now insists the injections were not an easy way out.
She said people always ask her “‘Why don’t you lose weight the normal way?’
“I’d tried that. It wasn’t an easy option. I’d done everything else, and this was just the next step.”
“The alternative would have been surgery, which I really didn’t want to do.”
For Chantelle, Wegovy had been life-changing.
“I didn’t feel that different, but I did feel happier. I was doing really well, and it had given me a bit of a boost. It was a miracle drug.”
Fat jabs fact vs fiction
By Vanessa Chalmers
IN a world with soaring obesity rates, fat jabs have arrived and taken the world of the rich and beautiful by storm.
Ian Budd, pharmacist for Chemist4U and MyBMI, says: “Using injectable weight-loss medications for cosmetic reasons or without a medical need is not recommended and can be potentially harmful.
“Misuse of these medications can lead to serious health consequences and should be avoided.”
Dr Iqbal added: “They are for the management of chronic obesity, so they may not be the first step to take if your weight gain has been more recent or over a shorter period of time.”
Experts warned a legitimate prescriber will have their credentials listed in registers provided by the General Medical Council or General Pharmaceutical Council and pharmacies should be registered with the GPhC.
In case you’re an existing Amazon shopper but new to the Audible platform, Audible makes it simple to dive into a world of audiobooks, podcasts, and exclusive audio content.
Whether you love thrillers, self-improvement books, celebrity memoirs, or tales told through conversation, Audible has something for everyone.
But you’ll have to act fast, as this deal won’t last forever and is limited for the Spring Sale.
How to get Audible for 99p?
Securing this limited-time offer is quick and easy.
All you have to do is visit the offer page and sign in or create an Amazon account.
To qualify, you must be a new or eligible returning Audible customer.
You’ll then be able to subscribe to Audible and enjoy the first three months for just 99p per month instead of the usual £7.99 per month. This will save customers over £20 over the three months.
Once you’re subscribed, you will instantly have access to thousands of audiobooks, Audible Originals, and exclusive podcasts.
After the three-month promotional period, your subscription will renew automatically at £7.99 per month. This can be cancelled at any time to avoid future charges.
GettyGet access to thousands of audio content[/caption]
7 days agoViral XComments Off on ‘This suitcase is a lifesaver’ – Travel fans set to love new ‘game-changing’ luggage that’s hit shelves in Penneys
TRAVEL fans will be scrambling to get their hands on a new luggage set that’s landed in Penneys – and there’s four different sizes to choose from.
The It Luggage Soft Shell Suitcase is available online and in Penneysstores across the country.
There are four suitcases to collectprimark.comThe luggage ranges from €45 – €65primark.com
The suitcases, available in black, are lightweight, allowing holidaymakers to pack more.
Shoppers can choose from a small costing €45, medium €55, large €60 or extra-large €64.
Penneys chiefs said the luggage is a “game-changer”.
They said: “It may or may not be an exaggeration to say that this eight-wheel suitcase is a lifesaver, but it definitely is a game-changer.
“With an eight-wheel design for greater manoeuvrability, this it Luggage suitcase boasts zip fastening and a combination lock for added security.
“Thanks to its lightweight design, you can spend less time worrying about airport weight restrictions and more time filling it with essentials (or, if you’re like us, a spare outfit option or two!).
“Complete with a retractable and two carry handles, this suitcase is a sleek solution to your travel troubles.”
The retailer added: “The load capacity of this suitcase is as follows, the small option is 15kg, the medium option is 20kg, the large option is 25kg and the extra large option can hold up to 35kg.”
The fashion giant has also dropped an eight-piece travel set retailing at €8.
The handy packing cubes are now available online and in stores across the country.
Penneys have taken the pain out of packing and unpacking with their new travel cubes.
The packing cubes come in a set of eight, ranging in all different varieties.
The cubes, priced at just €8, come in a light brown mix and all black set.
They are perfect for organising your outfits when travelling.
Jetsetters can keep clothes, accessories, and toiletries neatly separated and organised during travel.
The cubes will help maximise luggage space and ensure no holiday favourite is left behind.
The item description reads: “An eight-piece packing cube set, perfect for travel.”
The smaller cube is perfect for underwear, socks, tights or accessories.
Pack small tops or t-shirts in the medium-sized cube.
While the larger cube is ideal for packing in shorts, skirts and cardigans.
THE HISTORY OF PENNEYS
THE Penneys brand grew from humble beginnings on Dublin's Mary Street, where it opened its first store in 1969.
Known as Primark outside Ireland, the company was the brainchild of Garfield Weston, who hired Dubliner Arthur Ryan to make his vision reality.
Penneys branched into the UK in 1973 with its first store opening in Derby. The UK now has 191 Primark stores in total.
However, the Penneys name could not travel to Britain as the American retailer JC Penney had the right to use the name in the region.
And in 2006, the expansion into Europe began with an opening in Spain, followed by the Netherlands, Portugal, Germany, Belgium, Austria, France and Italy.
Primark went Stateside for the first time in September 2015, with the opening of a store in Boston. There are now 27 stores in America with branches in Florida, Brooklyn, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
The retailer’s opened its largest store in Birmingham in 2019.
It spans five floors and features Primark’s biggest beauty studio to date, a barbers and three restaurants.
Penneys fans will need to act quick to snap up the luggagewww.marcosullivan.ie
ITVJoe Tate received some very bad news when he woke up from his kidney transplant[/caption]
itvCrowley warned him that the police were onto him[/caption]
He had arranged for Caleb to be attacked and knocked out, but the thug he hired stabbed him instead.
It left Crowley battling to both save his life and remove his kidney for transplanting into Joe.
But as Caleb flatlined, Joe began to panic and was swiftly sent out to prepare to receive the stolen kidney.
As he lay in the operating theatre ready to be knocked out, he begged the surgeon to give him an update on Caleb, but he refused.
Meanwhile Crowley had Caleb transferred to a hospital, telling them he found him injured and rushed him to his private clinic.
He convinced the staff that Caleb’s stabbing caused damage to his kidney and he had to whip it out to save his life.
An awkward run-in with Ruby left Crowley squirming as the police arrived to launch their investigation.
And things took a worse turn when the detective dropped a bombshell.
“Your donor’s doing very well,” Crowley told Joe before telling him to prepare himself for some unfortunate news.
“The problem is that our associate has made a poor endeavour to expedite his egress. Knifey Sean has been arrested.”
As Crowley began to spiral about going to prison, Joe told him it was much worse than that.
Darkest soap storylines
Over the years the likes of EastEnders, Emmerdale and Coronation Street have all tried to try outdo each other with their outlandish plots in a bid to keep us tuning in each week. But here are some of the darkest that had fans in shock…
EastEnders: Tony grooming Whitney (2008-2009) – Tony King first appeared in Albert Square in 2008 as the boyfriend of Bianca, played by Patsy Palmer. But it was quickly revealed he was a paedophile who had been grooming vulnerable Whitney, Bianca’s adopted stepdaughter from a previous relationship, since she was 12. The shocking storyline attracted more than 200 complaints within a week of it beginning. Whitney waited until her 16th birthday to reveal the truth to a horrified Bianca, who called the police.
Emmerdale: Holly’s drug addiction and shock death (2010-2016) – In 2010, Holly Barton (played by Sophie Powles) became Emmerdale’s first teenage drug addict. The shocking storyline saw her taking cocaine on a night out before developing a deadly heroin habit. Parents John and Moira desperately tried to help get their daughter clean but when Holly returned in 2016, following a four-year absence, she quickly relapsed. Fans were left stunned and heartbroken when distraught Moira found Holly dead in her bed from a heroin overdose.
Hollyoaks: Luke’s rape (2000) – Actor Gary Lucy was just 17 when he took on this groundbreaking storyline, which saw his character Luke Morgan become soap’s first male rape victim. Luke had endured a long-running bullying campaign by football rival Mark Gibbs – who raped him after Luke stood up to him. Luke was left suicidal following the brutal attack, before opening up to his brother Adam. Gibbs was sentenced to eight years in prison. Gary won the Best Actor gong at the British Soap Awards in 2000 for his performance.
Coronation Street: Evil Richard Hillman (2001-2003) – Just a mere mention of ‘Richard Hillman’ is enough to send a shiver down the spines of soap fans. He is often ranked one of the most evil soap villains and it’s not hard to see why. The smooth-talking financial adviser bashed his ex-wife Patricia over the head with a shovel. In a bid to keep his mother-in-law Audrey quiet, he set fire to her house. And when Maxine caught him trying to murder Emily Bishop, he took a crowbar to her head. He made his exit from the cobbles in 2003 when he drove Gail Platt, played by Helen Worth, and her family into the canal. They survived, but he didn’t.
He said: “If he talks and my kidney donor finds out what’s happened then we’re both dead.”
Secrets never stay buried for long in Emmerdale so how will Caleb take his revenge?
7 days agoViral XComments Off on King Charles seen for first time since being taken to hospital for side effects of cancer treatment
KING Charles has been seen for the first time since being taken to hospital for side effects of his cancer treatment.
The 76-year-old waved at well-wishers as he left Clarence House in London in a car this morning.
PAKing Charles III is driven by car from Clarence House, his London home, along The Mall towards Buckingham Palace[/caption]
He was taken to hospital yesterday afternoon after suffering side effects from his cancer treatment.
Buckingham Palace confirmed Charles experienced “temporary side effects” from hiscancer treatment, and he has now pulled out of a string of engagements set for Friday.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “Following scheduled and ongoing medical treatment for cancer this morning, The King experienced temporary side effects that required a short period of observation in hospital.
“His Majesty’s afternoon engagements were therefore postponed.
“His Majesty has now returned to Clarence House and as a precautionary measure, acting on medical advice, tomorrow’s diary programme will also be rescheduled.
“His Majesty would like to send his apologies to all those who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result.”
Charles was admitted to hospital on Thursday afternoon
7 days agoViral XComments Off on ‘Orb: On the Movements of the Earth’ Isn’t the Last We’ll See of Uoto’s Creative Genius as an Anime Adaptation
Uoto, the legendary mangaka behind Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, has already made a significant impact with his historical and philosophical storytelling. But something that perhaps isn’t as well known to fans is that Orb is but one of the many gems of Uoto’s work, and that 2025 will see us have another […]
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
