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REPUBLIC of Ireland defender Jake O’Brien and girlfriend Sophie have announced they are expecting their first child.

The Ireland and Everton star‘s partner revealed the emotional news with a heartwarming video post on Instagram.

Instagram/sophielawlorr

Instagram/sophielawlorr

Instagram/sophielawlorr

The video transitions to her getting a scan[/caption]

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During the appointment, she showed off the first sonogram[/caption]

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Evan Ferguson led the comments of well wishes to the couple[/caption]

The video depicts Sophie reacting to the initial positive test herself before O’Brien enters the bathroom and is shown the test.

The couple then share a hug before the video cuts to her at a doctor’s appointment at which she gets a sonogram.

She said: “Time for our next chapter ..

“Never felt love like this ”

The comments were flooded with well-wishes, led by the 23-year-old’s international teammate Evan Ferguson.

The on-loan West Ham striker said: “Congrats to the both of use ” while Killian Phillips commented: “Can’t wait to be a godfather”

Ireland and Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone said: “Congrats guys ” while Ireland and Brighton star Mark O’Mahony posted: “Congrats to the both of ye ”

Nathan joked: “Congragulations!!!! That babies gonna be playing in the NBA” and Liam remarked: “Moyes has turned this man into a superstar on and off the pitch. Unreal”

Everton megafan and streamer Ryan Hall said: “Congrats to both of you! Amazing news ”

2025 is turning into the year of a lifetime for Jake O’Brien, between him soon to become a dad and his emergence at Everton.

Frustrated under Sean Dyche since signing from Lyon, he has become a crucial component at right-back under the returning David Moyes.

Everton are unbeaten in their last five Premier League games under the Scot, who was manager for 11 years before leaving for an ill-fated run at Manchester United in 2013.

The peak of that run has been the sensational 2-2 draw with Liverpool in the last Merseyside Derby to take place at Goodison Park.

James Tarkowski scored the equaliser in that game and, speaking to Men in Blazers, he praised the Corkman for his rise.

He said: “It’s not always easy to come to a new club if you don’t get into the team at first, to come into the side and play the way he has.

“He’s still fairly young, he’s still learning, but he’s a physical monster.

“Very good technically on the ball, he’s playing at right-back currently but dealing with the ball very well.

“Defending one-on-one very well, he’s come up against some of the best wingers in the league so far but dealt with all of them.

“So yeah, I’ve been really, really impressed.”

MARNIE Simpson has revealed she is expecting her third child.

The 33-year-old and partner Casey Johnson shared their happy news this afternoon with fans.

Sharing a video clip, she wrote: “Here we go again.”

Marnie and her reality TV star fiance Casey are already parents to Rox, born October 2019 and Oax, who she welcomed in 2022.

The star had a very difficult first birth and while pregnant with her second child she insisted she would not have any more.

She said at the time: “I would not go to three,” she said. “I think you’ve got to find the balance for yourselves.

“We want to enjoy our lives as well. We’ve not waited too long to have kids and I feel like having two, we can give them the best life possible.”

ARSENAL fans may be dreading the prospect of playing Real Madrid in the Champions League – but they needn’t fear.

The Gunners learned their fate for the last-16 of the Champions League on Friday.

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Arsenal could end up playing Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League[/caption]

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The north Londoners boast an incredible record against the Spanish giants[/caption]

Mikel Arteta‘s troops will face Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven in the proper knockout stages of Europe‘s elite club competition.

Awaiting them will be the winner of a tasty Madrid derby between Atletico and Real.

The prospect of facing the 15-time European Cup winners Real has daunted some of the Emirates faithful.

But the north Londoners’ record against Los Blancos is impressive, to say the least.

The Gunners are UNDEFEATED against the Spaniards, who booked their ticket to the last-16 by dumping out Manchester City.

They have only played one another twice in their history, clashing in the last 16 of the Champions League back in the 2005/6 season.

Arsenal fans were left stunned by the stat, with one writing on X: “Literally unbelievable.”

Another said: “They’ve never faced a team like this either.”

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And another said: “Tell ’em again.”

One remarked: “Let me correct you, Madrid never scored a goal against Arsenal, they are our b******s.”

Another chimed in: “Wait, Real Madrid have never beaten Arsenal? Make it make sense.”

Arsene Wenger’s then-troops kept Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane and David Beckham at bay in the first leg, which they drew 0-0.

And club legend Thierry Henry won the return leg with a sensational solo goal, in which he skinned four players before firing the ball past Iker Casillas with his weaker foot.

The Gunners ended up reaching the final of the competition that season but suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Real’s bitter rivals Barcelona.

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Thierry Henry scored the sole goal of the Gunners’ last Champions League clash against Real Madrid[/caption]

MARNIE Simpson has revealed she is expecting her third child.

The 33-year-old and partner Casey Johnson shared their happy news this afternoon with fans.

Sharing a video clip, she wrote: “Here we go again.”

SELENA Gomez’s former friend Caro Franklin has threatened to ‘expose’ the star in a cryptic deleted post – months after their sudden fall out.

Caroline and Selena, 32, were close friends, and often pictured together.

Instagram / caro_franklin

Selena Gomez’s former friend Caro Franklin has threatened to ‘expose’ the star in a cryptic deleted post – months after their sudden fall out[/caption]

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Around three months ago, Selena’s fans noticed that she’d unfollowed Caro[/caption]

Instagram / caro_franklin

Caro has spoken out[/caption]

But around three months ago, Selena’s fans noticed that she’d unfollowed Caro – with the feud believed to have been started due to their differing political views.

One theory brought to the table by fans is that it’s due to Selena being very liberal, while Caro is pro-Trump.

Now, Caro has spoken out in some now deleted Instagram stories that appear to be directed at her former friend Selena.

She said: “I’ve been transparent with who I am my whole life… Who are you? What have you presented to the world that you are?”

Caro continued: “When I decide how and when to expose you… I will address it with the most detail and sincerity to the 10 year friendship that I experienced and survived… Under oath.”

She finished her post with a kissing face emoji.

Prior to the unfollow, Selena and Caro were often spotted hanging out together.

Caro shared a photo with then bestie Selena back in July 2023, as the girls stunned in pink side by side.

She wrote: “come on Barbie lets go party! HBD SG.”

Meanwhile, Selena confirmed her engagement with Benny Blanco in December 2024.

And the songstress ditched her top and got very cosy with her music producer fiance Benny for a new photoshoot.

The 32-year-old could not keep her hands off her lover in the new pictures for Interview magazine.

In one close-up shot, Selena’s bare shoulders could be seen as she went without a top as Benny clutched her from behind.

In the seductive snap, she held her finger up and pressed it against the inside of his lip before resting her other hand on her bare chest.

Benny opted to strip down to his boxer shorts as he went trouser-less for another snap where he sat on a sofa alongside his popstar partner.

Selena put on a busty display in that image as she threw of a furry coat and channelled old Hollywood glamour with her hair and make-up.

The pair also appeared to get hot and heavy with one another inside a car for the raunchy new images as Selena laid on top of her partner with their bodies hanging out the door of the vehicle.

It comes as the couple confirmed that they would be working together on a collaborative music project.

Vowing to be the nest music power couple, Selena and Benny have teamed up for their first joint album, I Said I Love You First.

Ahead of the impending record’s release, they surprised fans with the first song entitled, Scared of Loving You.

The record was co-written with Finneas, the brother of Billie Eilish and her primary collaborator.

A statement to tease the album read: “The album came together organically as a direct result of the comfort that they both felt when working together creatively, allowing them to produce art that authentically reflects their experiences.

“It chronicles their entire story — before they met, falling in love and looking to what the future holds.”

It will be Come & Get It singer Selena’s first full-length release since 2020’s Rare.

Instagram / caro_franklin

Caro has since deleted these screenshots[/caption]

Instagram / caro_franklin

The former friends in Paris together[/caption]

ALTON Towers has released first look pictures of its latest thrill ride Toxicator ahead of the new season.

The new topspin ride stands a whopping 78ft tall and will be the first of its kind in the country.

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The Toxicator will be the first topspin ride in the country[/caption]

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It stands at 78ft tall[/caption]

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Toxicator towers over Nemesis Reborn[/caption]

Daredevils will be seated back-to-back before being flipped around and held face down over a “pool of toxic alien acid”.

The new ride will put riders through heart-pounding centrifugal forces from the spin patterns.

Riders will be able to ride Toxicator from Saturday, March 15.

Now, new drone footage released by Alton Towers shows impressive views over the Staffordshire countryside from the top of the ride.

Reportedly, the Toxicator will be the only topspin ride in the world to be elevated above ground level.

This means other park-goers will be able to watch the ride from underneath.

When it opens, the Toxicator will stand at 78ft (23m), making it the highest ride of its kind at Alton Towers.

The new ride will be located in the Forbidden Valley, next to the newly-reopened Nemesis Reborn, and it will be able to accommodate 500 riders per hour.

And customers can also experience it in the dark as part of the Alton After Dark event.

Only park-goers who are taller than 1.4m will be allowed to ride Toxicator and tickets are now on sale.

Bianca Sammut, Vice President of Alton Towers Resort, previously said: “We’re excited to be giving fans a flavour of the truly ‘spincredible’ power of Toxicator.

“From March 15 those brave enough to submit to the spin will be able to experience the latest that Forbidden Valley has to offer.”

Alton Towers is home to plenty of adrenaline-inducing rides, including Nemesis Reborn, The Smiler and Oblivion.

And Toxicator isn’t the only new attraction set to open at the Staffordshire-based theme park in the future.

For younger park-goers, there’s also CBeebies Land, which is set to get a new junior rollercoaster next year.

The theme park revealed the news via Instagram on December 20, 2024.

CBeebies Land first opened in 2014 and is currently home to 13 family-friendly rides.

At the end of last year, Alton Towers announced it would be closing its oldest ride permanently.

Meanwhile, here’s an exciting new look at the nearly-completed Epic Universe, which will open later this year.

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Daredevils are excited to try out the new ride[/caption]

HER heartbreaking death left the nation in tears, but it also tied up one of Emmerdale’s biggest mysteries when viewers finally discovered what happened to village hunk Nate Robinson.

As Emmerdale’s much-loved Amy Wyatt fell through the icy lake and saw Nate’s dead body, it’s a secret that she’s now taken to her grave.

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Natalie Ann Jamieson has broken her silence after leaving Emmerdale[/caption]

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The star played Amy Wyatt for six years in Emmerdale[/caption]

During tonight’s harrowing episode Amy was unable to get the words out to tell husband Matty Barton what she had seen before she tragically died in hospital.

In an exclusive interview, Geordie actress Natalie Ann Jamieson, 37, who played Amy for six years, said: “Amy is taking it to her grave! “She tried to tell Matty about Nate but there just wasn’t enough time, she just managed to say she loved him before she died.”

Natalie discovered that she would be killed off in the devastating limo crash stunt back in August.

She said: It was just time for the character. I was after some new challenges and there wasn’t much coming up with Amy’s story, then this big storyline was coming up and Amy ended up being a part of that, and it was going to be an exit storyline, and I didn’t know which way it was going to go, whether it was going to be in a back of a taxi, and when they told me all of this I was like, ok, wow. 

“They said if we’re going to do an exit storyline for Amy she’s got to go in a big way. She would never leave the village because of the strong ties she has.”

Natalie, who has been in a long-term relationship with boyfriend Ali Ward for the last 15 years, kept her character’s death a secret from friends and family.

But revealed that she did tell her mum, partner and auntie because she wanted them to be prepared for her distressing on-screen death.

She said: “I kept it top secret because I wanted it to have the most impact. My mum is one of the only people I told, my partner and my auntie. 

“I told the people who I thought it would be worse for them to see it play out on screen, I said to my mam, I don’t think you should watch it at all! I kept it secret from everyone, it was kind of what I did when I was going into Emmerdale as well. 

“When have been messaging him this week asking who dies, but said, Nat doesn’t because obviously we would have known! But I wanted it that way. I wanted to keep it a secret. 

“I didn’t want to spoil it and I really wanted it to play out on screen. When we got the scripts I was like this is going to be so good. This week will go down in Emmerdale history.”

Natalie and the rest of the cast filmed the big stunt back in December. She then had Christmas off and returned to the set to film her final scenes, where Amy died in hospital, last month.

She said: “Amy’s final scenes in the hospital were the ones we filmed on my last day. It’s Kerry and Matty both talking to Amy when she’s dead! So I just had to be dead, they were talking back to us. I wasn’t very good at being dead because I kept crying!

“From my point of view, it was my friends, they were laying in the bed holding us, and from Amy’s point of view it’s so so sad. There was that scene with Kyle, where he said ‘Please don’t die Mummy’ that broke my heart.”

While the door may seem to have been firmly shut on her character, Natalie hasn’t given up hope that one day she may return to the village.

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The body has been confirmed as being Nate Robinson’s – but it’s going to be a while until it’s discovered[/caption]

ITV

She said: “The sad thing about that is because I’ve got so many friends who I loved to work with. I’m not going to have that again, but who knows there might be the odd episode where they have a flashback, or an hallucination or the ghost of Amy! I might get to be ghost. That’s the saddest thing not working with those people anymore, but I’ll still get to see them all as friends, and I’m going to stay in the area so it doesn’t feel as bigger heartache as it could have been.”

Natalie and her fellow co-stars Roxy Shahidi and Martelle Edinborough, whose characters Leyla Harding and Suzy Merton also perished in limo crash, enjoyed a big leaving do together after filming their final scenes.

Natalie said: “We all finished on different days so we had different drinks! We did have a lovely night that the cast arranged, which was more of a big party together, that was in January. 

“We all knocked dry January on the head. The cast got me a beautiful bracelet with the words, ’Love the village’ inscribed on it. They also got me my first Emmerdale script that they all signed and a book filled with pictures of Amy Wyatt over the years which was really lovely. 

“They also got me a cup with a reference to Alan Shearer on it which went down well.”

Natalie also revealed that she kept a pair of Amy’s famous Dr Martens as well as one of her colourful tops.

She added: “I’ve got so much cool stuff!  I’ve got a bottle of fizz from Amy and Matty’s wedding, although I’m not going to open it as I’ve got a feeling it’s Non-secco! I got to keep some of Amy’s bits, a pair of Dr Martens. She had such wicked Dr Martens. 

“I’ve also got an Amy top, one of her crochet, colourful ones as a memento. There were a couple of dresses that I never got to wear that were on the rail, and I was like, I’m going to Lanzarote at Christmas! It’s great to have so many amazing mementos from my time on the show.”

Natalie is now auditioning and is excited about what the future holds away from Emmerdale. 

She said: “I’m really excited. I’ve started auditioning again. Six years in Emmerdale, everything has changed so much, it was a completely different industry but I’m excited to be back out there in the big wide world. 

“I can do anything! I love theatre but also TV and film. I’d really like to do some comedy! I love sitcoms so doing something like that would be incredible. I know we’ve lost Vera but I would also love to do something back home in the north east. 

“I think there’s going to be other stuff coming up in the region soon so it would be great to work with some people back home. I’d also love to work somewhere warm because I’ve just spent six years working somewhere really cold. 

“The Good Ship Murder would be good although knowing my luck I’d probably end up being thrown in the water again.”

MARTIN Fowler actor James Bye toasted his tear-jerking exit from EastEnders with a bottle of bubbly and cuddles with his co-stars.

In a sweet video, the Enders cast – including Jessie Wallace, Natalie Cassidy and Lacey Turner – could be seen celebrating a job well done as the live 40th anniversary episode came to an end.

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James Bye looked pleased with how the live episode turned out[/caption]

Instagram/@lifewiththebyes

The video was captioned: “More to come… so much more to say… but for now – to Martin & all the EastEnders family – we love you.”

Martin died in ex-wife Stacey Slater’s arms in the closing seconds of the episode.

He had been crushed under a falling steel beam after rescuing Stacey from the wreckage of an explosion in the Queen Vic pub.

In heartbreaking scenes he proposed and planned the next 40 years of their lives before the paramedics told Stacey that he would likely not survive his injuries.

Her heartbroken screams rang out into Walford as Martin died from a cardiac arrest.

Speaking on his dramatic exit, James said: “Saying goodbye is not easy, but after 10 years at EastEnders and on the night of the shows epic 40th anniversary – the time felt right. 

“It’s an honour to leave on a story of this magnitude. 

“A huge thank you to all the fans of the show – EastEnders wouldn’t be what it is without you – and to the BBC and EastEnders team for trusting me with this role for so many years. 

“This fruit and veg man will always hold a special place in my heart. 

“It’s time to look forward, and I’m incredibly excited for what the future holds. RIP Martin Fowler.” 

Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw added: “It’s incredibly sad to say goodbye to James, who has been a much loved loyal company member for 10 years. 

“James’ performance in tonight’s live episode was nothing short of outstanding and one that I know will touch so many of you watching at home due to his loveable portrayal of Martin Fowler, which has made him a firm favourite amongst the viewers. 

“When discussing James’ exit, we knew that we needed to give Martin Fowler the big explosive storyline that his character deserved. 

“To leave the show in such an emotional storyline, during a live episode is something incredibly courageous to do as an actor, and one that I’m sure will cement itself in EastEnders’ history. 

“I would like to thank James for everything he’s given to EastEnders, and although we will all miss him here at Elstree, he will always remain a member of the EastEnders family and we wish him the best for the future.”

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Martin was crushed while trying to save ex Stacey Slater[/caption]

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James spent a decade on the soap[/caption]

RAMSAY Street has been home to the cast of Neighbours for decades, but sadly for viewers, time is once again up for the soap.

In February 2025, The Sun exclusively revealed that the beloved Australian show is being axed for a second time – here’s everything you need to know.

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Neighbours started in 1985 but is now sadly coming to an end[/caption]

Why has Neighbours been cancelled?

The announcement came after production company Fremantle failed to agree a new deal with Amazon, just two years after the streaming service brought the soap back.

A source said: ”Amazon gave Fremantle two years to see if it worked but sadly they just didn’t get the viewers. 

”It’s a really sad day especially for the cast and crew who work on the show in Melbourne. 

”This really is the end of Neighbours just as it’s celebrated its 40th birthday.”

The soap was cancelled by Channel 5 in 2022, before it was later brought back by Amazon.

Channel 5 first began broadcasting the show in 2008, after taking over from the BBC.

Reacting to the news of the axing, one fan took to X and wrote: ”It’s never a good day when a soap is cancelled #Neighbours.”

A second viewer wrote: ”Sad news about Neighbours again been axed from Amazon hope it can be saved again.”

And a third said: ”I can’t believe @neighbours is going to be axed again #Neighbours.”

Final episode

The soap has been a fan favourite both here and across the pond since it first aired in 1985.

Production is now set to come to a close this summer with the final ever episode being aired at the end of the year.

A-list stars

Over the years, viewers have welcomed and waved goodbye to plenty of Ramsay Street residents.

During that time, the soap has been pivotal in the careers of many A-list stars including Margot Robbie who starred as Donna Freedman.

She was on the show from 2008 until 2011, before starring in Martin Scorsese’s blockbuster The Wolf Of Wall Street in 2013.

Speaking on her time on the soap, Margot admitted that she repeatedly cold-called the casting office until she was put through. 

She recalled: ”I don’t know why, I think it was a mistake.

”They asked: ‘How old are you?’ and I said: ‘I’m 17.’

”She said: ‘Oh, we need a 17-year-old girl right now, so come in next week.”

Other big names to have emerged from the show include Russell Crowe, Natalie Imbruglia, Kylie Minogue, Liam Hemsworth, and Holly Valance.

Although the United States came up short in a thrilling 4 Nations Face-Off final against Team Canada on Thursday night, it was not at all the fault of defenseman Zach Werenski or goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. The pair were arguably the best at their position in the entire tournament, despite losing 3-2 in overtime at TD […]

The post Connor Hellebuyck gets ‘insane’ Zach Werenski praise after 4 Nations loss appeared first on ClutchPoints.