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More Brits receive access to free channel boost filled with much-loved BBC shows

DOZENS of TVs are receiving three free new channels dedicated to some of the most beloved BBC shows.

Thanks to a new partnership with distributor All3Media, TVs using the Titan operating system (OS) will have Great British Menu, Homes Under the Hammer, and So… Real channels join the TV guide.

Group photo of six Homes Under the Hammer presenters.
BBC
Homes Under the Hammer will have its own dedicated channel on Titan OS, alongside Great British Menu and So… Real[/caption]
Great British Menu logo with cutlery over a Union Jack.
Great British Menu / Facebook
The channels are what’s known as FAST channels – free ad-supported streaming TV[/caption]

Titan OS is the software used to power Philips smart TVs and selected Sony Android TVs.

“By having channels centred entirely on a single show, we give fans seamless, easy access to the content they love,” Judith Díaz, content partnerships director at Titan OS, said in a statement.

“It’s all about enhancing the viewing experience and making it easier for audiences to immerse themselves in their favourite programming.”

The channels are what’s known as FAST channels – free ad-supported streaming TV.

So, there are ad breaks during and in between shows like cable TV.

But instead of coming through a wire, they’re beamed to the screen via the Wi-Fi.

Amanda Stevens, global partnerships executive at Titan OS, added: “We’re thrilled to the expand the reach of our FAST channels with Titan OS, bringing our key brand single IP channels like the iconic cookery competition Great British Menu, the beloved home renovation series Homes Under the Hammer, plus a mixture of top reality shows like Tattoo Fixers through So… Real.”

The channels should already be on the TV guide.

Philips switched to Titan OS from Google TV with some of its lower-end models in 2024.

The platform is relatively new, after launching in January last year.

And it has spent the last 13 months bolstering its TV guide to more than 50 free channels.

In December alone, Barcelona-based Titan OS added seven new channels, including: Real Crime, Real Wild, The Chat Show Channel, History Hit, Wonder, Don’t Tell the Bride, CNN as well as the Max app.

Is Titan OS on my TV?

Titan OS is on Philips entry-level OLED TVs, Mini LED and LCD sets.

While it is also available on the following Sony Android TV series:

  • A8
  • A9S
  • XH80
  • XH81
  • XH85
  • XH91
  • XH95
  • ZH8
  • AG9
  • XG85
  • XG95
  • ZG9
  • AF9
  • ZF9
  • AG8
  • XG80
  • XG83
  • XG90
  • AF8
  • XF75
  • XF80
  • XF83
  • XF85
  • XF90
  • A1
  • XE80
  • XE85
  • XE90
  • XE93
  • XE94
  • SD80
  • XD70
  • XD75
  • XD80
  • XD83
  • ZD9

If you’re still unsure if your TV has Titan OS, go to Settings > All Settings > System > About > Here you will see your OS version.

How to cut streaming bills with top FREE TV

Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime don't come cheap - and year on year subscription costs seem to go up.

Fortunately there are loads of free streaming TV alternatives not everyone knows about.

And we’re not just talking about BBC iPlayer and ITVX.

Here are some free alternatives worth trying:

Read More »

Inside new Motherwell boss Michael Wimmer’s coaching journey from developing ‘humble’ Man City star to relegation battle

NEW MOTHERWELL boss Michael Wimmer’s faith in young players saw him work with new Manchester City scoring sensation Omar Marmoush.

The Egyptian, who scored a hat-trick for City against Newcastle on Saturday, was on loan at Stuttgart when Wimmer was assistant manager there in 2021.

Michael Wimmer, head coach of FK Austria Wien, applauding on the field.
Michael Wimmer is the new Motherwell manager
Getty
Manchester City players celebrating a goal.
Getty
Omar Marmoush is Man City’s new main man[/caption]
Nicolas Gonzalez of Juventus reacts during a Serie A match.
Getty
Wimmer has worked with Nico Gonzalez[/caption]

Marmoush, a £59million signing for Man City from Eintracht Frankfurt last month, has quickly taken the English Premier League by storm.

At the age of 26, he’s a bit of a late bloomer and five years ago he was working alongside the new man in charge at Fir Park.

Wimmer has been confirmed as Motherwell‘s new manager, replacing Stuart Kettlewell who quit last month.

44-year old Wimmer was assistant manager at Stuttgart from 2019 until 2022.

Marmoush was on loan there during the 2021/22 campaign, a temporary switch from fellow German club Wolfsburg.

Wimmer, who is known for his faith in young players, spoke highly of Marmoush in a recent interview.

Describing him as ‘humble,’ he revealed how he saw the Egypt international as a player with the ability to succeed at the highest level.

New Well boss Wimmer has coached plenty of big names during hisc areer.

He also worked with Juventus frontman Nico Gonzalez, as well as Switzerland keeper Gregor Kobel, West Ham defender Konstantinos Mavropanos and former Bayern Munich frontman Mario Gomez.

Wimmer told allfootball in an interview earlier this month: “Omar is incredibly ambitious and humble.

“He possesses top-level technical quality and a fantastic attitude.

“His development at Frankfurt was impressive, and his move to Manchester City is a testament to his hard work.

“I believe Omar is a player who can succeed anywhere. He combines talent with relentless effort—an ideal combination for a player at the highest level.

“Nico was always up for a joke but he could be moody at times.

“On the pitch, though, he gave everything.

“He was instrumental in Stuttgart’s promotion to the Bundesliga in 2020 and formed a lethal strike partnership with Sasa Kalajdzic in the Bundesliga.

“Seeing his progress, first at Fiorentina and now Juventus, makes me proud. He has worked incredibly hard to get to this level.

“The other players I have worked with weren’t just great footballers but also strong personalities. As a young coach, I learned so much from them—how they think, how they work, how they handle pressure.

“I had the advantage of being an assistant coach at the time, which meant I could communicate differently than how a head coach would.

“It allowed me to understand their mindset deeply. They were all professionals who gave everything for the team.”

Wimmer had a modest playing career before moving into coaching.

It began as a youngster at 1860 Munich, which he himself as described as “the best experience for me.”

Wimmer checks in

By ROBERT GRIEVE

NEW Motherwell manager Michael Wimmer insists he’s ready to make an immediate impact at Fir Park.

SunSport Online broke the new shock news early yesterday morning revealing the ex-Austria Vienna boss was set to be named Stuart Kettlewell’s replacement.

Our exclusive was then confirmed within hours after the 44-year-old German’s work permit was rubber-stamped.

Wimmer is joined by coach Ahmet Koc in a new-look management team which sees Stevie Frail exit the club.

And he said: “I’m ecstatic to be joining this football club.

“This is a hugely exciting club whose core values align with mine. 

“Speaking to the board was insightful, and it was interesting to hear their vision.

“It’s not a club standing still, and I feel Ahmet and I can really help the football club move forward. 

“We’re at a crucial segment of the season, with opportunities all around us.

“There will be no settling-in period. 

“We will commit 100percent of our efforts to producing an exciting football team that can achieve targets.

“I can’t wait to meet the supporters. The passion and enthusiasm are admirable, and it will be a huge contributing factor in our success going forward.”

‘Well chairman Kyrk Macmillan has revealed the club received HUNDREDS of applicants – with Wimmer coming out on top after an impressive interview.

He said: “This is a really exciting appointment for the club.

“There was a robust and strenuous recruitment process that has been ongoing for the last three weeks that has demanded a lot from those involved and I would like to thank them for their hard work.

“Having received hundreds of applications from managers across the world, Michael was the standout candidate.

“We conducted strenuous due diligence to ensure this appointment would push the club in the correct direction.

“We used a series of measurable values that indicate how effectively potential managerial candidates benchmarked in achieving specific objectives; which we believe went to the core ethos of Motherwell Football Club.

“This, combined with speaking with a number of references and our interviews, made it very clear that not only are Michael and Ahmet driven to deliver success on the pitch, but are also individuals that share our ethos of ambition, innovation and transparency.

“We are delighted as a football club to welcome Michael and Ahmet onboard and look forward to working together.”

Kettlewell’s No2 Frail was caretaker boss for two games.

But he now exists the club.

Frail said: “I have loved my time here.

“It’s been a brilliant two years. I wasn’t looking to get back into coaching until I got the call, but I’m so glad I came in.

“It’s been an honour and a privilege to work with brilliant people at this club. It’s sad it came to the end it has, as I would have liked to have signed off with a win. It was on me to get a result for these players but it wasn’t to be.

“I also want to thank and say goodbye to the fans, we have had some brilliant moments together that will live with me forever.

“Finally, I wish Michael and his staff every success in the future, and I hope they can enhance and take forward the good work that has been done here in the last two years. 

“I’m leaving behind good people who I now consider my friends, everyone is pulling the same direction and I hope everything works out well for the players and staff.”

He said: “It was my first professional club and at 16 years of age I had to live away from home for the first time. That gave me invaluable life lessons.

“The most difficult experience was at Greuther Furth, because I lacked proper guidance at a crucial age.

“I was young, earning my first salary, but I was too distracted from my true goal of becoming a professional.

“Injuries and a lack of discipline held me back. So I transitioned from playing to coaching at the age of 22.”

Wimmer worked as a coach at Nuremburg’s B team and Augsburg before moving to Stuttgart as assistant in 2019. He was appointed Austria Vienna head coach in January 2023.

He said: “My journey has been invaluable. I’ve worked at every level from youth to amateurs and professionals.

“I’ve had promotion battles with Nuremburg and Stuttgart and relegation fights with Augsburg. Being with Austria Wien further broadened my perspective.

“Stuttgart is a massive club and I spent three-and-a-half years there, as assistant and later as interim head coach.

“The club earned promotion to the Bundesliga and I learned what it means to be in a results-driven environment.

“The highlight was the three months as interim head coach, where I led the team during a tough relegation battle. That period will always remain special to me.

Wimmer's career so far

Came through youth ranks at 1860 Munich

Featured for SV Lohhof, Greuther Furth, Dingolfing and Ismaning during short playing career

Transitioned into coaching in 2010 and held variety of roles at Nuremberg between 2010 and 2018

After working his way up to under-17s boss, he moved to Augsburg in 2018 as first team assistant manager

Wimmer took up No2 role at Stuttgart in 2019 and spent three years in the position

He had an interim spell in charge of the team following Pellegrino Matarazzo’s exit in 2022

Landed first senior managerial role with Austria Vienna, working in the role between 2023 and 2024

Looked set to become Bristol Rovers manager in December last year but club couldn’t secure a work permit

Appointed Motherwell manager

“When I went to Austria it was a great step. I wanted to stay in a head coach role, and Austria Vienna gave me that opportunity.

“However, it wasn’t an easy job – the club had financial problems, and the fans were frustrated.

“That period pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me grow as a coach.

“Despite the challenges, we stabilised the club and implemented a footballing philosophy.

“My philosophy is simple: ‘Intensity is our identity.’

“Every action—sprinting, pressing, transitioning—should be executed with maximum intensity.

“Teams must be dynamic and disciplined, knowing when to control and when to strike. That balance is the key to modern football.”

Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page

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GAA star ‘channelled his inner Zidane’ joke fans after being sent off for moment of madness against Michael Murphy

AIDAN FORKER was likened to Zinedine Zidane for the moment of madness that saw him shown a straight red card against Donegal.

The Armagh stalwart was shown his marching orders following a bizarre incident involved Michael Murphy in Ballybofey.

Referee showing a red card to an Armagh player during a Donegal v Armagh Gaelic football match.
Aidan Forker was shown a red card for Armagh against Donegal
Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

The Donegal man had only moments earlier made his return following a two-year hiatus, much to the delight of fans.

He immediately tussled with old enemy Forker, with the two men pushing and shoving the other.

Then, in a moment of madness, Forker headbutted Murphy in his chest, leaving the referee with no choice but to brandish the red card.

Fans immediately compared him to Zinedine Zidane, who was famously sent off for headbutting Marco Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup final.

Naoise remarked: “Forker just wishing Murphy a Happy Birthday – Zidane style”

Davey posted: “Funniest red I have seen in a long time” while Dermot commented: “Zidane/Materazzi…”

Irish Independent journalist Colm Keys said: “Michael Murphy back and immediately renewing acquaintances with Aidan Forker, the last player to mark him 2023.

“Forker reacts, channels inner Zidane and is sent off, for a head into the chest. Murphy scores. Some impact!”

Smaller Fish GAA said: “WHAT was Forker thinking

“F***ing Zidanned Murphy Had to be a red”

The All-Ireland champions went on to lose the Division 1 contest, with Jim McGuinness’ men running out 0-21 to 1-10 victors.

And speaking afterwards, Kieran McGeeney admitted the Orchard County only had themselves to blame.

McGeeney said: “We came back well in the game and we had all the chances.

“We gave away ten balls in a row in the first half.

“It was just shocking stuff. I’d love to blame somebody else, but we were the architects of our own downfall, no doubt.”

The Donegal boss has seen his troops overcome the last three All-Ireland winners, following on from victories over Dublin and Kerry and this Sunday it is Galway — the only other unbeaten team in the top flight — in Salthill.

McGuinness said: “Six points is a very important marker and I think everyone wants to get there as quickly as possible.

“So, we’re there now, we’re thankful for that. We’ll have to keep the shoe down now.

“It’s great to have Michael back, great to have his presence. There’s not much I can say about Michael that hasn’t been said before. But I thought that he just led the line really well when he went in there.”

Read More »

‘I just completely capitulated’ – Nathan Aspinall reveals moment he suffered ’20 panic attacks in 20 minutes’ on stage

NATHAN ASPINALL admits he has had “20 panic attacks in 20 minutes” on stage.

The World No.11 opened up about battling with dartitis in a Sky Sports documentary at the end of last year.

Nathan Aspinall throwing a dart.
Rex
Nathan Aspinall has opened up about his struggles on the oche[/caption]
Nathan Aspinall celebrating a darts win.
Rex
The Stockport star has a new routine to help combat his dartitis[/caption]

But The Asp, 33, has revealed how it has been “horrific” in big matches and that he’s close to dealing with the problem.

Aspinall is joint bottom of the Premier League before facing Rob Cross in Dublin on Thursday night.

He told the Tops & Tales podcast with Huw Ware how he fell apart during a match with Peter Wright, squandering a 4-0 lead to lose 6-4. 

He revealed: “I just completely capitulated, couldn’t throw my darts.

“But I’m handling it really, really well today. I’m working with a hypnotherapy gentleman called Chris O’Connor twice a week to try and get rid of it. 

“And it is making a hell of a difference in three months. It’s unbelievable.

“The way that he explains it is, when I’m on that stage about to throw it, I’m having a panic attack.

“So that is the equivalent of a panic attack on stage. You’re that scared. Your heart’s going like that.

BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS

“You don’t want to miss. And then all of a sudden, you’re like, I can’t throw it.”

The two-time Major winner acknowledged that the condition had been misunderstood and had made him a target for criticism in some circles. 

He said: “You imagine every time I’m stopping on the oche here.

“And this is why another reason I come out, because you get abused about, ‘Oh, he’s got dartitis. Don’t put him in anything, right?’”

The Stockport thrower described the overwhelming nature of the condition.

He added: “You imagine having, say, in a game of darts, and it happens 20 times.

“In fact, I’ve had 20 panic attacks in the space of 20 minutes. It’s horrific. Once it starts, it starts. There’s nothing you can do.”

Premier League Darts 2025: Dates and venues

Night 1 – Belfast: Humphries beat Dobey 6-1
Night 2 – Glasgow: Littler beat Humphries 6-5
Night 3 – 3Arena, Dublin – Thursday February 20
Night 4 – Westpoint Exeter – Thursday February 27
Night 5 – The Brighton Centre – Thursday March 6
Night 6 – Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham – Thursday March 13
Night 7 – Utilita Arena, Cardiff – Thursday March 20
Night 8 – Utilita Arena, Newcastle – Thursday March 27
Night 9 – Uber Arena, Berlin – Thursday April 3
Night 10 – AO Arena, Manchester – Thursday April 10
Night 11 – Rotterdam Ahoy, Rotterdam – Thursday April 17
Night 12 – M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool – Thursday April 24
Night 13 – Utilita Arena, Birmingham, Thursday May 1
Night 14 – First Direct Arena, Leeds – Thursday May 8
Night 15 – P&J Live, Aberdeen – Thursday May 15
Night 16 – Utilita Arena, Sheffield – Thursday May 22
Play-Offs – The O2, London – Thursday May 29

Aspinall has developed various coping mechanisms to manage his condition. 

He admitted: “It’s the reason why when I walk to the oche, I kind of put my foot on the top of the oche, roll forward and then step back.

“So it gives me that one more second to try and calm myself down.

“A lot of the time I stand at the back now, give myself two or three seconds on important shots.

“It’s about keeping yourself calm and breathing, not panicking. Like I say, not panicking. You know, it’s easier said than done. People say, ‘Don’t panic.’”

However, the former UK Open champion is optimistic about the future.

He said: “I’m working hard on it, but it is absolutely horrific. And I think I’m near the end of it. 

“A lot of it comes as well from the pressure, like I say, the social media side of things.”

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Corbin Burnes’ unworried stance about facing off against Dodgers in NL West

The Arizona Diamondbacks missed the 2024 postseason, just one season after winning the National League pennant. Even though the Diamondbacks brought in Corbin Burnes this offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers have gotten the attention. With another dominant offseason, they are favorites to repeat as NL West and World Series champions. But Burnes told Bob Nightengale […]

The post Corbin Burnes’ unworried stance about facing off against Dodgers in NL West appeared first on ClutchPoints.

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Dustin Pedroia explains role in recruiting Alex Bregman to Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox solidified their roster last week by signing former Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman to come in and beef up their infield. While the price tag on his three-year, $120 million deal likely helped convince Bregman to sign with the Sox, it sounds like former star second baseman Dustin Pedroia played […]

The post Dustin Pedroia explains role in recruiting Alex Bregman to Red Sox appeared first on ClutchPoints.

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Princess Kate shares sweet portraits drawn by George, Charlotte and Louis & says they ‘had lots of fun together’

PRINCESS Kate shares an adorable set of portraits drawn by her three children online.

The royal family posted the cute picture today to their Instagram account saying they “had lots of fun together.”

Illustration of four children's drawings.
Royal Family
The Princess shared four portraits drawn by Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte, Prince George and herself[/caption]

Each drawing, done by Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte, and Princess Kate, were showered with compliments by Instagram users.

The post read: “The @earlychildhood Shaping Us Framework describes the social and emotional skills which start to develop in early childhood.

“These skills are key throughout our lives, shaping who we are, how we manage our thoughts and emotions, how we communicate with and relate to others, and how we explore the world around us.

Drawing portraits with children can provide a moment of connection as you spend time looking at and focusing on one another, as well as being creative and – most importantly – having lots of fun together!

“Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte, Prince George and The Princess of Wales.”

Instagram users were quick to comment the children’s artistic skilled and shared their compliments on the platform.

One wrote: “Wow we have a very artistic Royal family.”

Another added: “Prince George’s piece is absolutely amazing.

A third commenter gushed: “These are just fabulous.

“The children have obviously inherited the artistic talents of Catherine and Grandpa Charles.”

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‘Best look yet’ cry RTE viewers as DWTS host Doireann Garrihy sports red hot €292 mini dress on live show

DTWS host Doireann Garrihy stepped out in a red hot mini dress on TV last night and fans are calling it her “best look yet”.

The RTE star was back on screens alongside her usual co-host Jennifer Zamparelli for another episode of glitz and glam.

Woman in red dress and heels.
Doireann Garrihy was back on RTE One last night to host Dancing With The Stars
Woman in red dress.
Doireann wore a vibrant red dress from the designer Amanda Uprichard
Woman in red dress.
Doireann’s fans called it her ‘best look yet’

Newlywed Doireann stepped out in style as she returned for week seven of the hit competition.

The hot host spent the night at “Doireann’s Den” where she interviewed contestants after their performances.

But, fans were left speechless as the Dublin beauty appeared in striking red mini – with some claiming it as their “favourite” look of the series.

The 32-year-old looked out of this world in a crimson, vibrant red mini dress from the designer Amanda Uprichard.

The chic frock combined a formal blouse styling with a fun length – the perfect ensemble for post-work drinks.

The REVOLVE Baldwin Mini Dress currently retails for a pricey €292 on their website.

However, those looking to emulate Doireann’s stylish look on a budget can find similar items on ASOS.

The Dublin beauty opted to style the outfit with a cute pair of red leather stiletto heels with love heart shapes.

The TV star dolled up the outfit with some statement gold heart earrings – elevating the look perfectly.

Doireann even decided to add a bit of length to her blonde locks as she rocked some curly extensions for the show.

She also wore a elegant soft glam make-up look with subtle baby pink lip.

Taking to Instagram after the show, the popular presenter wrote: “LOVE WEEK. A whopper show. HOW have we done 7 weeks?! 4 to go!!

“Thank you again to the DREAM team – styled by @clementinemacneice assisted by @louiselawlor.”

The pretty lady then posed for a series of snaps backstage in the RTE studios before attending to her hosting duties.

‘UNREAL’

Fans and friends were all left swooning over the star’s look as they took to the comments.

Ireland AM host Muireann O’Connell wrote: “This is so fab.”

Louise Cooney said: “You’re unreal. Those legs!!!”

Doireann’s stylist, Clementine added: “I know I say it every week… fav look yet.”

While Anouska remarked: “Dang girl this is your colour.”

And Bernie gushed: “Best look yet, absolutely love it.”

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Aldi Ireland fans rushing to buy new ‘easy to build’ garden bargain in middle aisle and it costs just €34.99

ALDI Ireland fans are set to rush to the tills this week for the retailer’s latest bargain buy.

The middle aisle is popular with shoppers, swapping out products every week and giving fans the perfect range of bargains.

ALDI IRELAND
The greenhouse is easy to assemble[/caption]
ALDI IRELAND
The Walk in Greenhouse is just €34.99[/caption]
ALDI IRELAND
You can also pick up other gardening tools in stores[/caption]

Now, Aldi is set to make lives easier for gardening fans.

On February 23, the middle-aisle will stock a fabulous and easy-to-build garden essential.

The Walk in Greenhouse is selling for just €34.99.

It is the ultimate way to add a greenhouse to your garden, without having to pay through the roof or have someone build it for you.

According to Aldi chiefs, it is the perfect “refreshing escape into a lush, vibrant world of plants.”

It has sufficient room for plant pots and trays, and a zip-closure door for ease of access.

It measures approximately W143 x D73 x H195 cm, while the shelves are 65 x 34 cm.

The maximum shelf load for the greenhouse is approximately 10kg.

And if you live in an apartment, you are still in luck as the retailer is selling all you need to plant flowers on your balcony.

The Balcony Planter is selling for just €3.99.

Shoppers can choose from two colours, terracotta and anthracite.

Aldi bosses said: “Ensure your plants stay hydrated for longer, with this Balcony Planter, the need for frequent watering can be reduced.”

It also has an integrated water reservoir, measuring 60 x 19 x 17cm in total.

And shoppers can also pick up the Bird Feeding Station to get more nature into your garden.

Costing just €14.99, you can choose from two colours – stainless steel and black.

In the official item description on the Aldi website, bosses wrote: “Attract and nourish a variety of wild birds with this Bird Feeding Station, make your garden a friendly place for wildlife.”

The feeder reaches approximately 1.70m, with a feeding bowl measuring 15cm in diameter.

It has a ground spike to keep it up, and can be filled from above for ease.

Shoppers can also pick up a set of Garden Essentials for just €1.99.

You can use the garden ties or clips for keeping you flowers tidy, or for tying up vegetables.

Shoppers can pick up a 20 pack of garden ties, which are reusable and made of flexible plastic, making them quick and easy to tie.

And even better, it will not cut into plants so you don’t have to worry about any damage.

They are around 20cm long, and weigh around 39g.

And to keep your hands clean, you can pick up the Working Gloves for just €2.99.

The gloves come in sizes medium to XXL, and shoppers can choose from black or blue.

The seamless gloves come in a pack of two, and have a polyurethane coating.

Aldi chiefs said: “Feel comfortable when handling tools and materials with these working gloves. Offering a durable, slip resistant grip.”

THE HISTORY OF ALDI

The German discount supermarket chain came to Ireland in 1999.

Aldi’s first few shops opened in November 1999, with locations in Sandyford, Dublin, and Ballincollig, Cork.

By the mid-2000s, Aldi bosses had opened numerous stores, focusing on providing high-quality products at low prices.

As the recession hit 2008-2012, Aldi’s popularity grew as consumers became more price-conscious.

The supermarket giant continued it’s expansion in Ireland between 2013-2018, while refurbishing existing stores.

By 2018, Aldi had over 130 shops throughout the country.

The chain began to focus on expanding its range of Irish-made products and supporting local producers.

In 2023, Aldi had over 140 stores in Ireland.

The store invested in sustainability initiatives, such as reducing plastic packaging and increasing the availability of organic and eco-friendly products.

Aldi chiefs said: “At Aldi we are committed to supporting Irish suppliers. Developed in partnership with Bord Bia, Grow with Aldi is designed to help the very best Irish suppliers develop their brand.

“To date, we’ve invested €10 million in our Grow with Aldi development programme in a bid to find the very best Irish suppliers.

“As a result, for a limited time only there are over 47 new products, from 27 Irish suppliers available in store.”

Aldi have introduced technological advancements with self-checkout systems and contactless payment options.

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Earth could be saved from ‘city-killer’ asteroid 2024YR4 by it hitting MOON instead…& we’d see 8 megaton blast from here

THE MOON could save Earth by blocking a devastating asteroid which is big enough to wipe out a city. 

Asteroid 2024 YR4 is the size of a football pitch and has a 1-in-43 chance of a catastrophic collision with our planet, according to experts.

Illustration of a meteor approaching Earth.
Getty
The moon has a 0.3% of being hit by Asteroid 2024 YR4[/caption]
Illustration of an asteroid impacting Earth, causing widespread destruction.
SWNS
Astronomers believe the rock is between 40 and 90 metres wide, and would blow a city-sized crater into the Earth’s crust[/caption] Illustration of asteroid's possible path to collide with Earth in seven years.

But new calculations show that there is a possibility of the moon shielding us from a direct impact from the giant rock – even though the odds are slightly slimmer.

The chance of Asteroid 2024 YR4 hitting Earth on 22 December 2032 increased to 2.3% on 7 February.

A direct hit could be as if a 10-megaton nuclear bomb struck Earth.

But the potentially hazardous boulder has a 0.3% chance of colliding with our natural satellite – the moon.

The enormous asteroid has been rated as the highest risk ever recorded by the European Space Agency (ESA).

If this collision were to happen, we would be likely be able to see the effects with our own eyes, according to expert David Rankin.

He said: “There is the possibility this would eject some material back out that could hit the Earth, but I highly doubt it would cause any major threat.”

Rankin, an operations engineer for the University of Arizona’s Catalina Sky Survey, also said a collision with the moon could release more energy than 340 Hiroshima bombs.

“It would likely be very visible from Earth,” he added.

Gareth Collins, a planetary science professor at Imperial College London, said “we would be quite safe on Earth,” and added that any material ejected from the initial impact would likely burn up in Earth’s atmosphere on the way down.

This potentially life-saving news comes after experts were discussing deflection methods to stop the impact, including solar lasers, nuclear bombs and kinetic impactors.

The latter would see a spacecraft launch into the trajectory of the asteroid to knock it off its path.

On Friday, a chilling simulation showed what would happen if the city-killing asteroid did hit Earth.

Created by 3D specialist Alvaro Gracia Montoya at MetaBallStudios, the haunting footage shows the impact levelling an entire city.

Illustration of an asteroid impacting a city.
A chilling simulation showed the asteroid levelling a city
SWNS
Asteroid 2024 YR4 location indicated by arrow.
AP
The red arrow points to where asteroid 2024 YR4 would be[/caption] Illustration of methods to deflect asteroids, including using nukes, drills, rockets, and gravity tractors.

The moon has been subject to countless asteroid hits in its lifetime, illustrated by its iconic crater-hit surface. 

But if the moon were to take a hit from 2024 YR4, it would be left with a 1.2 miles long crater.

The moon’s largest crater on the other hand, the South Pole-Aitken basin, spans more than 1,500 miles.

Despite this possibility, the chance of the moon acting as a shield to the city-destroying asteroid remains incredibly low.

Rankin also added: “As of now, there is still a 97.9% chance of a miss with respect to Earth.

“When the odds doubled from 1% to 2%, this caused a lot of noise. It’s not the same thing as going from 40% to 80% though. 

“This asteroid is nothing to lose sleep over,” he said.

Asteroid 2024 YR4 observed by the Magdalena Ridge 2.4m telescope.
AFP
Asteroid 2024 YR4 as observed by the Magdalena Ridge 2.4m telescope at the New Mexico Institute of Technology[/caption] Map showing the potential impact zone of an asteroid.

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