Thames Water has been fined £122.7m for breaching of rules relating to its sewage operations and shareholder payouts.
It is the biggest ever penalty issued by the water regulator Ofwat.
The regulator said the fines followed its “biggest and most complex investigation” and confirmed it would be paid by the company and its investors, not by customers.
A Thames Water spokesperson said: “We take our responsibility towards the environment very seriously.”
The fine issued by the water industry watchdog has ordered Thames Water to pay a £104.5m penalty for breaches of rules connected to its sewage operations.
That is on top of an additional penalty of £18.2m for breaches relating to shareholder payouts – known as dividends. It is the first time Ofwat has fined a water company over “undeserved dividends”.
Thames Water is currently in “cash lock up” and no further dividend payments can be paid without approval from Ofwat.
It comes as Thames continues to face heavy criticism over its performance in recent years following a series of sewage discharges and leaks.
The supplier serves about a quarter of the UK’s population, mostly across London and parts of southern England, and employs 8,000 people.
It had expected to run out of cash completely by mid-April before it secured a rescue loan and the government has been on standby to put Thames into special administration.
David Black, the chief executive of Ofwat, said the fines were a result of a “clear-cut case where Thames Water has let down its customers and failed to protect the environment”.
“Our investigation has uncovered a series of failures by the company to build, maintain and operate adequate infrastructure to meet its obligations,” he added.
“The company also failed to come up with an acceptable redress package that would have benefited the environment, so we have imposed a significant financial penalty.”
A spokesperson for Thames Water said: “We take our responsibility towards the environment very seriously and note that Ofwat acknowledges we have already made progress to address issues raised in the investigation relating to storm overflows.”
“The dividends were declared following a consideration of the company’s legal and regulatory obligations.”
“Our lenders continue to support our liquidity position and our equity raise process continues.”
Who Wants To Be A Millionaire host Jeremy Clarkson admitted he would be “sobbing on the floor” after Contestant Nicholas Bennett lost the biggest amount in show history
23:03, 25 May 2025Updated 23:05, 25 May 2025
(Image: ITV)
Who Wants To Be A Millionaire Contestant Nicholas Bennett lost the biggest amount of money in the show’s history after making a huge mistake.
The show, which has now been running for 30 seasons, saw Nicholas get all the way to 500k without using any of his lifelines, leaving host Jeremy Clarkson hugely impressed. However, things took a turn, and Nicholas ended up losing a whopping £375k.
After the £125,000 question, Clarkson says: “He’s just roaring along.”
Who Wants To Be A Millionaire Contestant Nicholas Bennett lost the biggest amount of money in the show’s history(Image: ITV)
Next up was the £250,000 question, which read: “Which of these groups never successfully invaded the city of Rome?”. The options were: “a) Visigoths, b) Huns, c) Vandals, d) Gauls”.
Nicholas, looking quite confident, said: “I do like history, I know the Gauls invaded pretty early on. I’m pretty sure the Vandals destroyed the city – that’s why we have vandalism. I don’t think the Huns did, I don’t think they made it that far into Europe, whereas I knew the Visigoths were around. As it’s a free shot, I’m 70-80% sure…”
Clarkson proceeded to remind him that he’s still got all four lifelines and that he doesn’t need to guess, however, Nicholas responds: “I don’t think this is a guess though. Maybe on the next question I’ll need them, so I’m gonna say Huns – final answer.”
The show, which has now been running for 30 seasons, saw Nicholas get all the way to 500k without using any of his lifelines(Image: ITV)
Lo and behold, the answer was correct, and Nicholas went on to the next question worth £500k.
Host Jeremy Clarkson observed: “You seem quite relaxed”, to which Nicholas responds: “It’s not relaxed inside my head.”
The £500k question read: “Which of these long-running US sitcoms had the most episodes? a) The Big Bang Theory b) Friends c) The Office or d) Seinfeld”.
Unsure on the answer, he asked the audience who thought it was Friends – but only 37% – while 30% thought Seinfeld. Still unsure and not wanting to take chances yet, he used 50/50, which left The Big Bang Theory and The Office (which meant the audience was wrong).
(Image: ITV)
Nicolas stated that it was difficult to get his words out before revealing The Big Bang Theory as his final answer. The answer was correct and then it was on to the final question, the £1million question.
Clarkson asks: “Which of these words, each coined by a famous writer, was derived from the title of a fairytale about three princes? a)Pandemonium b) Serendipity c) Utopia d) Yahoo.”
Nicholas says: “The one that’s standing out to me is yahoo, but I don’t know.”
He asks host Jeremy, who says he can’t think of a fairytale that’s about three princes and points out that all four words have come from authors. Nicholas then remembers a puppet show he went to recently in Spain, which he thinks was about three princes. He said he doesn’t speak Spanish well enough to know what the story was about. “But I think someone was yelling yahoo”, he said.
He reasons that he’s still got £125k if he gets it wrong, and Clarkson points out that he would lose £375k and that he has another lifeline. Nicholas then used his lifeline, but unfortunately, his friend Meg had no idea of the answer.
“Normally, I’m really averse to any kind of gambling, but I do think I’m going to go for it,” he says, “Yahoo, final answer.”
The computer then reveals the answer to be serendipity, coined by Horace Walpole from The Three Princes of Serendip. Nicholas shrugs and says: ”I’ve still got £125k” as Jeremy admits he would be “sobbing on the floor” if he’d just lost that much money.
“Oh my giddy aunt,” Clarkson said afterwards. “Is that the biggest loss in Millionaire history?” and he tells Nicholas: “I don’t think I’ve had a contestant I’ve enjoyed more than you. Well done, enjoy your winnings.”
After the ad break he welcomed viewers back by saying: “We’ve just seen someone lose what we think is the biggest amount in Who Wants to be a Millionaire history”.
BGT fans have slammed the show after they say the wrong act was given the Golden Buzzer.
Fans of Britain’s Got Talent think that the show is “fix” after a magician, who had a “set-up” performance was awarded KSI’s Golden Buzzer – and nine-year-old gymnast, Binita.
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Harry Moulding performed a magic actCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
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The performance saw a couple get engagedCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
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KSI gave his Golden Buzzer to HarryCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
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Fans think Binita should have got the Golden Buzzer instead of HarryCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
He was given the power to press the infamous golden buzzer and send one act straight through to the show’s grand final.
At the start of the magic act, Harry Moulding claimed that he was “going to create a special moment of real magic for one person” in the audience.
The magic act was full of incredible tricks which involved pop star references and predictions before the live show.
His performance then ended with a lady being proposed to by her boyfriend, and KSI was so blown away that he pressed the Golden Buzzer.
But despite the judges being blown away by the performance, fans were quick to say it was a fix.
Fans took to X immediately, with one writing: “What the f*** do they expect him to do for the final now?? Biggest fix ever, magic my bloody a***.”
A second claimed: “Utterly rigged and the trick itself was too grand and ridiculous it shouldn’t even be called magic. I know exactly how he did it, it was rigged.”
And now fans have slammed the “biggest fix” and said that a different act deserved the Golden Buzzer over Harry.
Reacting to Harry getting the coveted Golden Buzzer over nine-year-old dancing sensation Binita, fans took to X to air their frustrations.
Britain’s Got Talent fans left fuming as Golden Buzzer twist is revealed
One person penned: “KSI gave a golden buzzer for this fake proposal while my little girl Binita was actually the star performer.”
Another said: “Binita was absolutely outstanding, unbelievable talent and only 9 years of age, simply incredible, wow. Definitely worthy of the golden buzzer, I hope she makes it to the final, she was sensational.”
“Binita should have had that golden buzzer,” fumed a third.
“Now BINITA deserved a golden buzzer!! Not that nonesense,” echoed a fourth.
Britain’s Got Talent’s biggest ‘fix’ rows
Britain’s Got Talent has been plagued with ‘fix’ rows over the years. How many of these do you remember?
Jasmine Elcock – 2016: Teenage singer Jasmine Elcock stunned the nation with her version of Cher’s Believe. But it then transpired she had already performed professionally in London’s West End. Jasmine, 14, admitted: “I’ve performed in Annie in the West End at about the age of nine or 10, but I really get nervous.”
IrShad Shaikh – 2017: BGT fans were left questioning the rule book when IrShad Shaikh auditioned. He got four red buzzers from the judges, which would usually mean an instant dismissal. Yet in a strange turn of events, they let him continue with his act…and put him through to the next round.
Colin Thackery – 2019: Elderly war veteran Colin won BGT in 2019, but there was an outcry over the final. He warbled his place to win with a version of We’ll Meet Again but fans were furious that escapologist Jonathan Goodwin didn’t even rank in the top three. Viewers felt Jonathan – who almost suffocated while being buried alive in a gravel pit – should have won.
Axel Blake – 2022: Comedian Axel Blake was given a Golden Buzzer in 2022 after making the judges laugh. But fans were fuming when they discovered Axel already had a show on worldwide streaming platform Amazon Prime. Despite this, Axel still went on to win the series.
Taryn Charles – 2024: Singer Taryn Charles is one of this year’s hopefuls lucky enough to receive the Golden Buzzer. Bruno Tonilio put her straight through to the semi-finals following her performance of (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin, but it has now come to light that she is no stranger to TV. Viewers recognised Taryn from an episode of ITV1’s Starstruck, where she impersonated Whitney Houston for judges Olly Murs, Sheridan Smith, Adam Lambert and Beverley Knight.
A fifth then wrote: “You can just tell the producers told KSI before the show to push the golden buzzer for the predictable magician act.
“Binita was the true star of the show and deserved the golden buzzer. Thank god the public voted her through.”
While a sixth said: “Little binita should have had that buzzer.”
And a seventh added: “And KSI golden buzzed a fake marriage proposal… 9 years old. Binita.”
Binita Chetry is just nine years of age and hails from Assam in India.
Showcasing her gymnastic skills on the hit talent show, Binita wowed the crowds during her audition has continued to do so throughout the competition.
Although she did not receive the last semi-final Golden Buzzer, she won the public vote, meaning she has sailed through to the grand finale.
Upon hearing the news of getting through to the final, Binita told hosts Ant and Dec how “thankful” she was.
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Fans think Binita’s performance was worthy of the Golden Buzzer on Saturday nightCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
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Binita showed off her flexibilityCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
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The young gymnast was praised by fans of the talent show for her routineCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Russia and Ukraine have each handed over 390 soldiers and civilians in the biggest prisoner exchange since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022.
They both returned 270 servicemen and 120 civilians on the Ukrainian border with Belarus, as part of the only deal agreed in direct talks in Istanbul a week ago.
Both sides had agreed to an exchange of 1,000 prisoners and confirmed there would be further swaps in the coming days.
Although there have been dozens of smaller-scale exchanges, no other handover has involved as many civilians.
The Russian defence ministry said servicemen and civilians, including those captured by Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk border region during Kyiv’s offensive in recent months, were among those handed over.
They were currently on Belarusian territory and were to be taken to Russia for medical checks and treatment, the ministry said.
“We are bringing our people home,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on social media.
“We are verifying every surname, every detail about each person.”
Ukraine’s co-ordination headquarters for prisoners of war said the 270 Ukrainian servicemen had fought in regions across the east and north, from Kyiv, Chernihiv and Sumy to Donetsk, Kharkiv and Kherson. Three of the 390 released on Friday were women, it added.
US President Donald Trump earlier posted his congratulations on his Truth Social platform, claiming that the swap was complete and that “this could lead to something big???”.
Families of Ukrainian soldiers held by Russia gathered in northern Ukraine on Friday in the hope that their sons and husbands would be among those released.
Natalia, whose son Yelizar was captured during the battle for the city of Severodonetsk three years ago, told the BBC she believed he would return, but did not know when.
The deal was agreed in Turkey a week ago, when low-level delegations from Ukraine and Russia came face to face for the first time since March 2022, even though the meeting lasted only two hours and failed to make any progress towards a ceasefire.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday that there would be a second round of talks, when Moscow would hand a “memorandum” to the Ukrainian side.
Trump said earlier this week that Russia and Ukraine would “immediately” start negotiating towards a ceasefire and an end to the war, after a two-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has backed a suggestion from Trump that the Vatican might mediate talks on negotiating a ceasefire, but Lavrov said that was “not a very realistic option”.
The Russian foreign minister repeated an unfounded claim that Zelensky was not a legitimate leader and suggested new elections should be held before a potential future peace agreement is signed.
Asked if Russia was ready to sign a deal, Lavrov said: “First we need to have a deal. And when it’s agreed, then we will decide. But, as President Putin has said many times, President Zelensky does not have legitimacy.”
He said after an agreement was ready, Russia would “see who out of those in power in Ukraine has legitimacy”.
“The key task now is to prepare a peace agreement which will be reliable and provide a long-term, stable and fair peace without creating security threats for anyone. In our case, we’re concerned with Russia.”
Bitcoin Hyper is building something real and powerful. It is a Layer 2 solution created specifically for the Bitcoin blockchain. The platform’s core mission is to make BTC faster, cheaper, and more useful.
Bitcoin Hyper uses a custom-built Canonical Bridge that lets users deposit their BTC into the Layer 2 network. Once deposited, an equivalent amount of BTC is minted on Bitcoin Hyper’s sidechain in a trustless and verifiable way. This BTC is now fully usable on the Layer 2 network with near-instant transaction speeds.
All of this is powered by the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM). Solana is known for its speed, and Bitcoin Hyper integrates the same engine to process transactions at high throughput. Users can send and receive BTC, interact with DeFi platforms, use apps, and stake their assets without waiting for long confirmations or paying high fees.
And it doesn’t stop there. Bitcoin Hyper regularly compresses and commits its data back to Bitcoin’s main chain, using zero-knowledge proofs to ensure full security and consistency. That way, you’re always getting the speed of Layer 2 with the security of Layer 1.
The $HYPER token is the native token of the ecosystem. This token does a lot. It’s the fuel for transaction fees, it powers staking rewards, it’s used for governance decisions, and it’s also how developers and early adopters are rewarded.
Holding $HYPER gives users access to network services, special features, early launches, and staking rewards.
Cutting-Edge Technology With Real Use Cases
Bitcoin Hyper is built with real performance and sustainability in mind. The platform runs a proof-of-stake system, which is far more energy-efficient than traditional mining. It processes transactions using batch settlements and smart contract execution that’s both fast and eco-friendly.
Its architecture combines Bitcoin’s security with Solana’s performance. The Canonical Bridge ensures seamless BTC transfers in and out of Layer 2. And the SPL-compatible token standard opens the door to all kinds of DeFi tools, NFT platforms, and web3 applications.
On top of that, Bitcoin Hyper supports everything from high-speed payments to gaming and mobile interfaces. Developers get access to SDKs and APIs, while users enjoy low fees and a fast, fluid experience.
Unique Staking System With High Rewards
Instead of waiting until launch, users can stake $HYPER during the presale itself. The earlier you get in, the more you earn.
The dynamic APY system is designed to reward early participation, with rewards adjusting downward as more people stake. This helps the system remain sustainable over the long run while still giving newcomers plenty of incentive to join.
Staking rewards are tied to network activity and real value creation. These can help the token see lasting adoption.
Tokenomics Designed for Growth
Bitcoin Hyper’s tokenomics are crafted to balance growth, innovation, and community rewards. Here’s how the allocation breaks down:
30% goes to ongoing development, making sure the tech continues to improve.
25% is set aside for treasury and business development.
20% is dedicated to marketing and getting the word out globally.
15% is reserved for rewards, including staking, giveaways, and events.
10% is allocated for listings on major exchanges.
This setup ensures that the platform grows steadily while still rewarding the community along the way.
Roadmap: From Launch to Long-Term Vision
Bitcoin Hyper’s roadmap is detailed and focused. It’s rolling out in multiple phases:
Phase 1 (Q2 2025) kicked off with the website and branding, community growth on platforms like X and Discord, and the release of technical documentation.
Phase 2 (Q2–Q3 2025) is where we are now. This phase is all about the presale and staking. Participants can buy and stake $HYPER right now. Security audits are ongoing, and the team is forming partnerships.
Phase 3 (Q3 2025) will mark the launch of the mainnet, activation of the Canonical Bridge, and deployment of the Solana Virtual Machine. This is when dApps will start going live.
Phase 4 (Q4 2025) will focus on expanding the ecosystem. Developer tools will be released, more partnerships in DeFi, gaming, and NFTs will be announced, and $HYPER is expected to hit major exchanges.
Phase 5 (Q1 2026) will move into decentralization with the launch of a DAO, incentives for node operators, and full community governance.
How to Join the Presale and Start Earning
If you already have crypto in your wallet, head to the project’s website and click “Buy” or “Connect Wallet.” You can choose to buy $HYPER and stake it in the same transaction. This lets you start earning rewards right away.
For those using a card, just connect a browser wallet like MetaMask or a mobile wallet like Trust Wallet. After this, select the card option on the website and follow the steps.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide financial advice. Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile, and the market can be unpredictable. Always perform thorough research before making any cryptocurrency-related decisions.
This includes the all-new Kansas BBQ Chicken Fries, alongside returning favourites like the Bacon Caesar Gourmet Kings and the fiery Spicy Mayo range.
Topping the menu shake-up is the Kansas BBQ Chicken Fries — a sweet and smoky twist on the fan-favourite snack.
The new Kansas BBQ King Box, which includes a BBQ Chicken Stacker, four Kansas BBQ Chicken Fries, regular fries and a drink, will be hitting menus for £5.99.
Burger King is also bringing back its Gourmet Kings Bacon Caesar range — packed with posh ingredients and full-on flavour.
The Spicy Mayo Double Whopper and Spicy Mayo Chicken Royale are also making a saucy return.
Burger King fans can get BOGOF deals via the BK app too — with the Bacon Caesar burgers going two-for-one between May 20-22, and the Spicy Mayo range following suit from May 27-29.
Prices of new and returning items
Here’s what’s new and back on the menu:
Kansas BBQ Chicken Fries (6pc) – from £5.49
Kansas BBQ King Box – from £5.99
Sharer Box (now includes Kansas BBQ Chicken Fries) – from £7.29
Gourmet Kings Bacon Caesar Angus – from £8.19
Gourmet Kings Bacon Caesar Crispy Chicken – from £8.19
Gourmet Kings Bacon Caesar Loaded King Fries – from £4.79
Gourmet Kings Bacon Caesar Loaded Nuggets (delivery exclusive) – from £7.49
Spicy Mayo Double Whopper – from £8.89
Spicy Mayo Chicken Royale – from £7.69
And fans might remember Burger King gave its most iconic burger a major upgrade.
But it wasn’t just the freebie that had burger lovers buzzing.
The chain confirmed that the Whopper had changed for the first time in years, with juicier beef, a fluffier glazed bun, and fresh-cut tomatoes and onions.
Katie Evans, Chief Marketing Officer at Burger King UK, said at the time: “We know our fans love the Whopper, so we’ve been listening… and making it taste better than ever.”
With new snacks, returning legends and even better burgers, fans will want to act fast — before these tasty deals and limited-edition bites are gone.
The 40-year-old actor is returning to the ITV soap as Jason Grimshaw after nine years away, while Carole Anne Ford has also made her Doctor Who after 32 years – but they are not the only stars who reprised their roles after a long time away
Jason Grimshaw is heading back to Coronation Street(Image: ITV)
Ryan Thomas will be back on our screens in Corrie tonight as he returns to play Jason Grimshaw for the first time in nine years tonight. But that’s nothing compared to the time some other stars have spent away from iconic roles – before getting back into character once more.
On Saturday, Carole Ann Ford returned to Doctor Who 32 years after she was last seen on screen as the Time Lord’s granddaughter, Susan Foreman.
Ryan, 40, said he thought he’d never return to the soap but that “it felt right” for co-star and close friend Sue Cleaver’s emotional exit. Sue will bow out as Jason’s mother Eileen Grimshaw after more than 20 years in the role in upcoming episodes.
Carol Ann Ford (far right) inside the tardis(Image: BBC)
Meanwhile Carole, AKA Susan Foreman, was the Doctor’s very first companion, boarding the TARDIS alongside Hartnell’s First Doctor, before departing the show in 1964. She claims was “fan power” that brought her back, saying: “I think fans have been saying, ‘Where is she? What’s happening other than her? Are we going to see her again?’
On how the Doctor Who set compares to the rather more quaint version back in the 1960s, she adds, “This is like a universe of its own. It’s stunning. I feel very honoured to be here.”
But they’re not the only stars of TV and films who reprised their roles after a very long time away. Here are some of the others…
David Tennant (The Doctor in Doctor Who) – 13 YEARS
Tennant’s run as the 10th Doctor from 2005 to 2010 is the stuff of sci-fi legend. With his skinny suits, wild hair, and “Allons-y!” catchphrase, he quickly became a fan favourite – so much so, that his departure in a tear-streaked Christmas special left the nation heartbroken.
Tennant returned to Doctor Who alongside Catherine Tate(Image:
BBC
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Fast forward to 2023, and Tennant – by then a huge star of stage and screen – stunned audiences by returning – not just for a cameo, but as the 14th Doctor, alongside Catherine Tate. It was a fan-pleasing twist for the 60th anniversary, mixing nostalgia with fresh Time Lord chaos.
Tony Adams was a fan favourite in Crossroads as smooth-talking businessman Adam Chance, first appearing in the original run of the motel-set soap back in 1978. Known for his charm, affairs, and ever-changing fortunes, he stayed with the series until its 1981 cancellation, leaving behind a legacy of big collars and bigger drama.
Tony Adams and Jane Rossington in a scene from the television programme Crossroads (Image: PA)
In a move that delighted loyal viewers, Adams returned to Crossroads in 2002 when ITV revived the show after more than two decades off air. Picking up where he left off, Adam Chance was once again stirring the pot in King’s Oak, but was later killed off in a fire. Tony, now aged 84, went on to star in the West End stage version of Chitty Chatty Bang Bang as Grandpa Potts.
Paul Bradley (Nigel Bates in EastEnders) – 26 YEARS
Back in the ‘90s, Paul Bradley’s Nigel Bates was the lovable oddball of Albert Square—soft-spoken, cardigan-clad, and endlessly unlucky in love. A single dad with a heart of gold, Nigel brought warmth and awkward charm to even the grittiest EastEnders storylines. When he left Walford in 1998 to start a new life with girlfriend Julie, fans were sad but glad to see the gentle soul get a happy ending.
Nigel Bates became one of EastEnders’ best-loved characters(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Paul went on to firmly establish another much-loved character, playing heart surgeon Elliot Hope in Holly City from 2005 to 2015. Then, in 2024, and after 26 years away, Nigel made an emotional return for Dot Cotton’s funeral, thrilling fans with his brief return.
David Hasselhoff (Michael Knight in Knight Rider) – 22 YEARS
In the 1980s, David Hasselhoff was the epitome of cool as Michael Knight – the leather-jacketed crime fighter with a talking car. Knight Rider became a cult classic and turned The Hoff into a global icon.
After the series ended in 1986, his career soared: he patrolled the beaches as Mitch Buchanan in Baywatch, starred in films like Dodgeball and The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, and even became a chart-topping pop star in Germany.
Knight Rider turbo-boosted Hasselhof’s career(Image: NBC via Getty Images)
Hasselhoff returned to the driver’s seat in 1991 for Knight Rider 2000, a futuristic TV movie sequel. Then, in 2008, he delighted fans once more with a cameo in NBC’s short-lived Knight Rider reboot, which pulled in over 10 million viewers. He also lent his voice to KITT again for a video game.
David Jason (Granville in Open All Hours) – 29 YEARS
David Jason was the shy, long-suffering shop assistant Granville in Open All Hours, working under the tight-fisted Arkwright, played by Ronnie Barker. The show became a British sitcom classic during its original run from 1973 to 1985, with Jason’s quiet charm and comic timing helping it win generations of fans.
David Jason’s Still Open All Hours ran for six series(Image: PA)
Nearly 30 years later, Jason returned to the corner shop in Still Open All Hours, this time as the owner – older, grumpier, and very much following in his uncle’s penny-pinching footsteps. The reboot aired in 2014 and ran for six series.
Sir Patrick Stewart (Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek) – 26 YEARS
Sir Patrick played Jean-Luc Picard, the commanding officer of the Federation starship USS Enterprise, in 178 episodes of the sci-fi television series between 1987 and 1994, and in four feature films. He went on to star in countless movies, TV dramas and stage shows, including Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men franchise.
Sir Patrick Stewart made an epic comeback(Image: CBS)
But in 2020 the veteran actor boldly went back to where he had been before, reprising the role of Picard in Star Trek: Picard. Delighting fans with the news, he said: “When we wrapped that final movie in the spring of 2002, I truly felt my time with Star Trek had run its natural course.
“It is an unexpected but delightful surprise to find myself excited and invigorated to be returning to Jean-Luc Picard and to explore new dimensions with him.”
Bonnie Langford (Mel Bush in Doctor Who) – 36 YEARS
Bonnie Langford first joined Doctor Who in 1986 as Mel Bush, the bright and bubbly companion to the 6th and 7th Doctors. Known for her upbeat energy and iconic scream, she left the TARDIS in 1987, going on to forge a hugely successful stage and TV career, including a memorable stint in EastEnders and acclaimed turns in the West End.
Bonnie Langford alongside Ncuti Gatwa’s 15th Doctor Who(Image: James Pardon/Bad Wolf/BBC Studios)
Three decades later, Bonnie surprised fans by stepping back into Mel’s shoes for The Power of the Doctor in 2022, later explaining she was sent a script “out of the blue” by Russell T Davies with an offer to return. And this year she made a second comeback, and is currently playing Mel again alongside Ncuti Gatwa’s 15th Doctor in the new series.
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THERE have been some massive fall outs among famous siblings.
From Brooklyn and Romeo Beckham spat to the Gallagher brothers’ bitter feud, there are several famous faces who are at war, or have been in the past, with their family,
And British stars aren’t the only ones, because there are several high-profile Hollywood stars who have been at war with their loved ones.
But the blame is being levelled at Nicola, which has upset Brooklyn, according to a source.
Kim Turnbull puts on brave face as she returns to work while Romeo jets to Paris with his mates amid family feud
They said: “She has never told him what to do and has been nothing but supportive — she’s a loyal wife.”
Brooklyn and Nicola also missed an intimate evening last Wednesday at the family’s £10million Cotswolds mansion.
The dinner was attended by Victoria, Romeo, Cruz, and his girlfriend Jackie.
Kim was absent, as were Brooklyn and Nicola.
Liam and Noel Gallagher
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Liam and Noel fell out when they were youngerCredit: PA
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The two brothers recently made up and will head on tour later this yearCredit: Getty
The two Manchester-born stars became famous together when they were in the band Oasis.
Clashing personalities saw Noel briefly quit the band after Liam threw a tambourine at him during a performance.
Later, Noel hit Liam on the head with a cricket bat when Liam annoyed him while he was working.
Liam’s last-minute pull-out and heckling from the audience during their MTV Unplugged performance in 1996 added to the feud.
The last straw was when a backstage argument in Paris in 2009, reportedly over Liam’s clothing firm, Pretty Green, led to Noel’s decision to leave the band.
But last month, Liam and Noel performed together for the first time in 16 years as they took to the stage of a members’ club in north London.
And now, the pair are preparing for the Oasis reunion tour which will take place later this year.
Leonardo DiCaprio and his step-brother Adam Farrar
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Leonardo DiCaprio and his step-brother Adam Ferrar in 1978Credit: Getty
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Leonardo and Adam are not close anymoreCredit: Getty
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In the 00s and 10s, Adam accused Leo of putting fame before his family.Credit: Getty
Although Leo and his step-brother Adam were close as kids, as they grew up, they grew apart.
In the 00s and 10s, Adam accused Leo of putting fame before his family.
In 2016, Adam spoke out about his relationship with Leo.
“We were once so close. I loved him and I still do,” he told MailOnline.
He added: “But we’ve not spoken in a couple of years. The last time I saw Leo was at his birthday party a couple of years ago.
“I’d been invited by another friend. Leo was pleased to see me and gave me a hug.
“But when I try to call him, my messages go unanswered. He has a whole team around him now and it’s impossible to penetrate that wall of hangers-on.”
He also told the paper: “Leo wants to save the world but he seems more concerned about the environment and climate change than he does about his own brother. It hurts.”
While Leo got famous, Adam developed a marijuana and cocaine habit, as well as a serious heroin addiction, with this coming to a head in 2008.
“I was arrested five or six times for petty theft, shoplifting from supermarkets, trying to support an opiate addiction of half a gram to a gram a day,” Adam told the outlet.
“Leo and I never had an argument. But he started surrounding himself with people that didn’t want me around. He’s the biggest star in the world and there’s me, messed up on drugs. I was slowly shut out of his world.
“Finally I got tired of going in and out of jail. I’ve been off heroin since 2013,” he said.
Meghan Markle and her half-sister Samantha Markle
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Meghan Markle says she grew up as an only childCredit: JAKE ROSENBERG/NETFLIX
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She has a half sister – Samantha MarkleCredit: PA:Press Association
Megan and her half sister Samantha Markle have been embroiled in a feud that has been long-running for many years.
According to Samantha, she and Meghan were close when they were growing up, although this is not backed by the Duchess.
The pair are 17 years apart and did not grow up at the same time.
In 2018, Vanity Fair reported that Doria Ragland and Thomas Markle “moved in together a couple of years before Meghan was born, along with Samantha and Thomas junior, who had relocated to L.A. after living with their mum.”
In Meghan’s chat with Oprah in 2021, she declared: “I grew up as an only child, which everyone who grew up around me knows, and I wished I had siblings.”
Samantha is estranged from Meghan, and the pair have not spoken for more than a decade, since her “early twenties”, it has been claimed.
Due to their estrangement, Samantha was not invited to Meghan’s wedding toPrince Harryin 2018. Samantha said at the time: “Out of respect and humanitarianism, the Markles should be invited if 2,000 complete strangers are. Our uncle, brother, me, best friend of 30 years, nephews. At issue is not a matter of closeness. Family is family.”
Nick and Aaron Carter
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Nick Carter and Aaron Carter didn’t always get alongCredit: Getty – Contributor
The pair’s bond weakened due to childhood trauma, addiction, and family drama.
In 2019, Nick filed a restraining order against Aaron, saying he had made violent threats.
Aaron denied this also accusing Nick of abuse.
On November 5, 2022, Aaron died at his home in California at the age of 34.
His body was found in his bathtub by a housekeeper.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner later ruled that Carter’s death was accidental: drowning after inhaling difluoroethane and taking alprazolam (Xanax).
He was cremated, and his ashes were left in the care of his twin sister Angel.
Julia Roberts and her half-sister Nancy Motes
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Julia Roberts had a half sisterCredit: Getty – Contributor
Julia Roberts and her half-sister Nancy Motes had a “tortured” bond before she died by suicide.
In 2014, Nancy, who was 37, was found in a bathtub filled with water at a friend’s home in Los Angeles, where she had been dog-sitting.
LA County Coroner spokesman John Kades said prescription drugs had been found at the residence.
She wrote a suicide note blaming Julia for bullying her most of her adult life.
In the three-page note, she said: “My so-called siblings get nothing except the memory that they are the ones that drove me into the deepest depression I’ve been in.”
Louis Tomlinson and his half-sister Georgia
The One Direction star’s biological dad left shortly after he was born and became estranged from him.
His father later had a daughter called Georgia who became a huge One Direction fan when she was 14.
She and Louis’ biological dad, Troy, then saw Louis in a One Direction concert when the band were at the height of fame.
The siblings failed to reconnect.
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Louis shot to fame in boyband One DirectionCredit: Getty
U.S. April wholesale inflation measured by the Producer Price Index fell 0.5%, seasonally adjusted. That’s the biggest drop since 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. File Photo by Angelina Katsanis/UPI | License Photo
May 15 (UPI) — U.S. April wholesale inflation experienced its biggest drop since 2020, according to a Bureau of Labor Statistics report Thursday.
in April and 2.4% for the 12 months ended April 2025.a 0.2% riseEconomists expected
“The April decline in the index for final demand is attributable to prices for final demand services, which decreased 0.7%. The index for final demand goods was unchanged,” BLS said.”
“Prices for final demand less foods, energy, and trade services edged down 0.1% in April, the first decline since falling 0.8% in April 2020. For the 12 months ended April 2025, the index for final demand less foods, energy, and trade services advanced 2.9%.”
More than 40% of the April decline in PPI services was due to machinery and vehicle wholesaling, which dropped 6.1%.
“Prices for final demand services moved down 0.7% in April, the largest decline since the index began in December 2009,” the BLS statement said. “Over two-thirds of the broad-based decrease can be traced to margins for final demand trade services, which dropped 1.6%.”
Consumer inflation for April as measured by the Consumer Price Index rose 0.2% in April, an annual rate of 2.3%. That was slightly less than expected.
Core CPI, excluding volatile energy and food prices, rose 0.2% for April and 2.8% on the year.
MCDONALD’S has opened its biggest site in Europe in a major Brit holiday hotspot – and it’s come just in time for the summer holidays.
The fast-food giant has launched a huge location in the airport of sun-drenched Majorca – and it measures up at over 10,000 square feet.
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Europe’s biggest McDonald’s has opened in MajorcaCredit: Jam Press/McDonalds
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It measures up at a whopping 10,765 square feetCredit: Jam Press/McDonalds
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It is part of a new renovation in Module A or Palma de Mallorca Airport in SpainCredit: Jam Press/McDonalds
The big Maccies includes eight digital kiosks, eight production lines as well as table service and McCafé products.
The launch of the massive site marks the company’s largest on the entire continent.
Around 750,000 Brits travel to Majorca every summer, so the chain will be sure to endure its fair share of hungry Brit holidaymakers.
The enormous branch is located at Level P30, Module A Airside of Palma de Mallorca Airport in the Spanish island.
It measures up at a whopping 10,765 square feet.
The terminal has also recently undergone refurbishment work to improve passenger comfort and security, and retail space.
The new site is part of this extraordinary renovation in Module A.
And it is seemingly very exclusive to Brits – as the McDonald’s will only be available to non-Schengen countries, according to What’s The Jam.
This means most European countries won’t be able to access it – paving the way for Brits and other international visitors to raid the kiosks.
The incredible new branch has reportedly created 200 new jobs, on top of the 1,000 workers already employed in the Balearic Islands.
Chief Restaurant Officer of McDonald’s Spain Ángel Castillo said: “This opening represents a new milestone and another example of our commitment to the Balearic Islands.”
He called the region “an area of strategic interest for the company where we already have over 20 restaurants“.
The spokesperson continued: “We are thereby contributing to the Spanish economy and the creation of quality employment, fulfilling our mission of supporting the communities where we operate.”
There are already 43,500 McDonald’s locations in over 100 countries worldwide.
And the biggest McDonald’s on the entire planet is located in Orlando, Florida.
Known as the Epic McD, this behemoth fast-food chain measures in at a whopping 19,000 square feet.
The Lisbon derby is one of the fiercest in Europe and before the game fans of the away team will march the couple of miles through the city to the opposition ground.
It is a rivalry that dates back more than a century, with the sides who would become officially known as Sporting Clube de Portugal and Sport Lisboa e Benfica first meeting in 1907 at a time when there was a huge class divide between them.
Sporting, bankrolled by the Viscount of Alvalade, had already riled their rivals by taking eight of their players on the promise of better facilities and won 2-1.
Benfica’s image as the people’s club was, meanwhile, encapsulated in 1954 by their fans helping to build the original Estadio da Luz, a stadium that boasted its record attendance of 135,000 for a game against Porto in 1987 and was their home until the new ground was built before Euro 2004.
Then there was the legendary Eusebio, who played for Sporting’s feeder club Sporting Clube de Lourenço Marques in Mozambique but ended up signing for Benfica and helping them to 11 league titles and a European Cup in 15 seasons, while also winning the Ballon d’Or.
This will be their third meeting this season, with Benfica beating Sporting on penalties in the League Cup final in January, and they will meet again at the Jamor National Stadium in the Portuguese Cup final on 25 May.
“Of course, the entire country is very excited for this,” Ingles said.
“Around 90% of Portuguese people support Benfica, Porto or Sporting, so this is not only a Lisbon derby, but a national derby.
“Two thirds of our population support Benfica and Sporting so the country will literally stop to see this.
“Imagine Manchester and Liverpool, or Arsenal and Tottenham meeting at game 37 and whoever wins the game, wins the league,
“It’s massive and the atmosphere in the stadium and in the country will be electrifying.”
That there’s a spasm of dislike for Trump’s chaotic presidency is not news — new polls show Americans unhappier with this president at 100 days than any of his predecessors. Much of the attention has focused on his rapidly falling numbers with young voters (“Is Gen Z abandoning Trump?” Newsweek asked last week), but we’re seeing signs — in the data and on the streets — of something that may be an even bigger problem for the MAGA world. Older Americans are increasingly repelled by this guy.
Numbers first: If you look at the internals of, say, the most recent Marist poll, he does worst among members of the oldest age cohort: Only 37% of the greatest/silent generation — people in their 80s and 90s — approve of the president’s performance. Baby boomers — those, like us, in our 60s and 70s — aren’t far behind, with only 41% giving him the nod, compared to very nearly half of Gen X.
Meanwhile, anyone who’s taken part in protests against the administration around the nation can testify to the amount of gray hair in the crowd. We’ve marched in New York, New England and California in recent weeks, and large swaths of the crowd definitely qualify for senior discounts at the movies. Mark Engler, co-author of “This Is an Uprising,” about the rise of modern protest movements, wrote to us last week: “Here in Philly, the crowd made me feel like I was on the younger side, an increasingly rare experience now that I’m about to turn 50.”
All of this goes against the common wisdom: You’re supposed to get more conservative as you age, and isn’t Trump supposed to be taking people our age back to our happy youth by making America great again? But we aren’t surprised: We’ve spent the last three years organizing liberal and progressive Americans over the age of 60. They make it clear what’s going on.
Some issues are obvious: As Elon Musk and his minions mess with the Social Security Administration and the White House plans big Medicaid cuts, people of a certain age feel a rare combination of fear and anger. Two-thirds of older Americans rely on Social Security for more than half their income — we spent our entire working lives paying in, on the explicit promise that it would be there for us when we retire. Even those who have savings and investments are watching them tank amid Trump’s tariff chaos: If your 401k drops 10% when you’re 30, you may have a chance to make it back. But if you’re 75?
And it goes deeper than dollars. Older voters watching Musk and Trump’s Cabinet dismantle the federal government understand why those agencies were built in the first place. If you’re 40, the Clean Air Act may seem a little abstract, but that’s because it’s worked so well. If you’re 70 or 80 you remember smog-choked cities and rivers that caught fire, and you have no idea why anyone would want them back.
That sentiment goes for all kinds of things. Lani Ritter-Hall, a board member of our organization, wrote recently of her memories of being a “Polio pioneer” in 1954, lining up for the shots that changed childhood for the better. “I have that special memory of participating in a grand scientific experiment to benefit humanity.” How do you think she feels watching RFK Jr. blather on about vaccines? (We’re old enough to remember Kennedy’s father, by the way, and to mourn how far the apple fell from the tree).
We know from experience why the country had DEI programs, because we remember Jim Crow and its vestiges in segregated schools and neighborhoods. When the government removes lessons about the Tuskegee Airmen from air force training, or purges Jackie Robinson from a Department of Defense website, these are not figures of the impossibly distant past to us; the visceral anger of those whose lives paralleled these people are why the government had to backtrack.
Sometimes even the smallest things seem especially galling. President Trump’s celebration of the idea that henceforth kids would only have two dolls instead of 30 under the Christmas tree may be ridiculous (did anyone ever get 30 dolls for Christmas?) — but you know who really really likes spending their remaining money on toys? Grandparents.
One way of saying this is that the older you are, the longer your past, and so Trump’s assault on normalcy is especially egregious to us — we know he’s behaving in a way that no former president even imagined behaving.
Happily, we vote in higher numbers than any other age group, and we’ve got a longer future as activists than the president and his allies might imagine. If you turn 60 this year, chances are you’ll live another quarter century. Oh, and women — who dislike the president in larger numbers than men — will live longer still.
So expect another couple of decades of us causing good trouble, with all the skills and connections we’ve built over a lifetime. Trump is turning out to be our nightmare, and we’re more than willing to be his.
Akaya Windwood is a senior advisor at Third Act, which organizes older Americans for climate action and democracy protection. Bill McKibben is a founder of the group.
Insights
L.A. Times Insights delivers AI-generated analysis on Voices content to offer all points of view. Insights does not appear on any news articles.
The following AI-generated content is powered by Perplexity. The Los Angeles Times editorial staff does not create or edit the content.
Ideas expressed in the piece
Older Americans’ disapproval of Trump is driven by policy threats to Social Security and Medicaid, with two-thirds relying on these programs for over half their income.
Environmental deregulation resonates strongly with seniors who remember pre-EPA pollution crises like smog-filled cities and flammable rivers.
Vaccine skepticism from figures like RFK Jr. alienates those who lived through public health milestones like the polio vaccine rollout in the 1950s.
Trump’s erosion of DEI initiatives and historical revisionism – such as removing references to Tuskegee Airmen – clashes with lived memories of segregation-era struggles.
Older voters participate in protests and elections at higher rates than younger demographics, amplifying their political impact.
Different views on the topic
Overall approval ratings for Trump remain stable among Republicans, with 84% of GOP-aligned voters supporting his performance[3], suggesting age-related dissent hasn’t destabilized his base.
Economic policy critiques may be overstated: While 72% fear recession[1], Trump still outperforms congressional Democrats on trust to handle major issues[1].
Low approval among seniors (37% in the oldest cohort) mirrors broader trends – his 42% overall approval at 100 days[4] shows challenges extend beyond age demographics.
Partisan polarization remains the dominant factor: 90% of Democrats disapprove of Trump[3], indicating opposition is more party-driven than generationally specific.
Disengaged voters – including some older Americans – initially boosted Trump but now show wavering support due to economic strains[2], complicating the narrative of uniform senior backlash.
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD – Molly-Mae: Behind It All part two is finally out today after months of waiting, and there’s no shortage of drama…
Molly Mae Hague’s show featured some huge bombshells(Image: Amazon Prime)
After months of anticipation, the second part of Molly-Mae Hague‘s Prime Video documentary has been released – and it’s no short of drama.
The second half of the series documents the reunion between Molly and Tommy Fury, after their shock breakup last August. However, the reunion didn’t come without problems, including a clash with her sister, Zoe Rae.
Rumours of a reunion between the former Love Island stars started spreading when the pair were spotted sharing a kiss together on New Year’s Eve. Now, viewers will see the story behind the kiss, and the moment Molly found out it had been leaked to the world.
Molly also reveals where her and Tommy’s relationship stands now, and what their future holds, following their “perfect” family holiday to Dubai.
Molly’s bad accident
Molly Mae admits that she could only see black when she fell from the horse(Image: Amazon Prime Video)
It’s not just the drama with Tommy that Molly has to deal with, as the show also documents a freak accident that had the 25-year-old had to deal with.
In one tense scene, Molly is seen on a horse at a riding lesson – however, the animal picks up speed and begins galloping. Panicking, Molly screams: “I’m scared, I’m scared, I’m scared,” and just seconds later she’s seen falling off the horse and banging her head on a wooden fence – leaving the crew in a panic.
However, everyone breathes a sigh of relief when Molly gets up a few seconds later, although she herself was frightened for her life.
Speaking to the camera, Molly-Mae explains: “I’m just happy to be alive because when I went down, all I saw was black. I thought, ‘Hospital job’.
“Tommy is going to say I told you so. He always says, ‘Be careful with animals.’ My a**s cheek isn’t ok though. It’s going to be black.”
Clash with sister Zoe
Zoe and Molly clash during the new series(Image: Prime)
The series showcases the ups and downs of Molly and Zoe’s sisterly relationship, which appears to be hugely affected by Molly’s relationship with Tommy.
Big sister Zoe explains how all she wants is for Molly to be treated right, as she explains how she’s been on the other end of the phone when a distressed Molly couldn’t get hold of Tommy during his nights out.
“Sisters need to be able to tell each other everything,” she says, before Molly-Mae, 25, fumes: “Right, then I need to be able to tell you the good, the bad and the ugly.”
“I know at some point Mol, in the next year, however long it is, there will be a time, where unfortunately, and I hate to say it – you probably will be upset again,” Zoe contiues.
“I know I’ll have to have another baby at some point, because there’s just no way I’m having her being a single child, I’ve seen her play with other children. Like, she lights her up,” Molly says while preparing for Bambi’s second birthday party.
Towards the end of the series, after their “perfect trip” to Dubai, Molly reveals: “Things are looking so much better for us. I’m gonna start spending more time at Tommy’s house, keeping things slow and not rushing anything.
“But as always, I always say I don’t know what the future holds. I don’t think it’s gonna be a plain sailing future. I don’t. That’s just me being honest. I think we’re still gonna have bumps.
“The dream is still the same that, you know, we’ll get to a place one day when we will all be happy in that house together and have more children, hopefully, and just have a really nice, happy life together.
What really happened with Tommy on New Year’s Eve
Molly and Tommy were pictured sharing a kiss on New Year’s Eve(Image: Instagram / mollymae)
This New Year’s Eve, the showbiz world went into detective mode when Molly and Tommy were photographed kissing at Manchester United footballer Luke Shaw’s party in Cheshire. Although the two kept quiet at the time, Molly’s reaction to seeing the photo leaked online was captured on camera.
“What’s happened is I’ve attended a New Year’s Eve party and a familiar someone showed up like ten minutes before countdown and that was Tommy and basically, we shared a moment, we shared a kiss at midnight,” she says. “And it would appear that someone has taken a video and it’s basically been sold to the press.
“It was just a moment that we shared. I can’t really explain it. It kind of just happened. You think you’ve had a private, intimate moment, and nothing is private. Even in a room full of people that you trust and that you know, people like to make a quick buck.”
Speaking about the people who sold the video, she added: “I’d love to know how much they did make, I hope it was worth it anyway. Karma always comes back around with these, don’t you think?”
The public weren’t the only ones grilling Molly on the kiss, as her manager Fran asks what went down, as Molly insists: “He turned up at ten to 12. I swear, he wasn’t meant to be there. He messaged me saying, ‘I’m outside, I want to see the New Year in with you.’ I kid you not Fran, he was there for eight minutes. He was literally not there. He wasn’t there all night.”
THE Met Gala has been slammed for offering up a “boring” collection of looks on Monday night after Taylor Swift and Timothee Chalamet were among several A-list stars to skip out on this year’s event.
Celebrities walking the blue carpet received backlash from fashion fans on social media as people begged for better outfits – with only Diana Ross and Rihanna bringing glamor and drama to the night, viewers said.
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Pregnant Rihanna stunned on the red carpet of the 2025 Met GalaCredit: Rex
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Social media users also praised Diana Ross’ 18-foot gownCredit: Getty
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Social media users slammed Anne Hathaway’s Met Gala lookCredit: Getty
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Taylor Swift was noticeably missing from fashion’s biggest nightCredit: Rex
Rihanna had stunned fans earlier in the evening by annoucing her pregnancy with her third child with pictures snapped as she was walked into a hotel before the event.
Her partner A$AP Rocky, who was co-chair of this year’s gala, walked the red carpet alone, with Rihanna keeping fans waiting for hours before she finally emerged from the hotel again after 10pm.
Diana Ross was also praised her look as she returned to the gala for the first time in 22 years.
It comes as:
READ MORE ON THE MET GALA
Co-chairs Pharrell Williams and Lewis Hamilton both wore white suits custom-made by Louis Vuitton.
A-list stars such as Hailey Bieber, Kerry Washington, Priyanka Chopra, and Anne Hathaway ditched the typical flowy ball gowns for more structured suit-like outfits.
Kendall Jenner and Kim Kardashian both wore tailored tops and skirts, with Kim adding a half-dipped hat which covered part of her face.
Sabrina Carpenter and K-Pop singer Lisa each sported Louis Vuitton bodices with a blazer top.
Sabrina walked the carpet alone in a burgundy outfit with matching heels, a change from the 2024 gala, where she wore a long black dress with her now ex-boyfriend, Barry Keoghan.
Hidden meaning in Diana Ross’ 18-foot gown as music icon makes Met Gala return after 22-year hiatus
The rather simplistic outfits sharply contrasted last year’s theme, The Garden of Time.
Last year, guests showed up wearing colorful, extravagant gowns and bold hairstyles.
The change of pace left many social media users wanting more and demanding more colorful ideas for next year.
Dozens of other tweets echoed this user’s complaints, slamming the gala for being “uneventful.”
“This has gotta be the most boring met gala ever, it’s so uneventful,” one person posted.
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The singer showed off her baby bump on the red carpetCredit: Rex Features
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Fans praised Zendaya’s sleek lookCredit: PA
Others blamed the celebrities, particularly noting Anne Hathaway’s more basic outfit of a black striped skirt and white blouse.
“I can excuse missing the theme but i can NEVER excuse looking boring,” another user wrote.
Another user slammed the charity event for being the “most boring in years.”
“This is shaping up to be the most boring Met Gala in YEARS. Chop after chop,” they posted.
SHINING STARS
While Sydney Sweeney received backlash online for her black Miu Miu gown, and Anne Hathaway for her office-chic Carolina Herrera outfit, several stars stood out as the night’s best dressed.
Zendaya looked sleek in a white three-piece Louis Vuitton silk suit, which fans called “perfection.”
“ZENDAYA!!! It’s very reminiscent of Bianca Jagger’s 70s suits and tailored to perfection,” an X user posted.
“It’s Zendaya’s world and we’re just living in it,” another fan wrote.
Diana Ross was also one of the night’s best-dressed as she rocked the carpet in a jaw-dropping 18-foot gown.
The singer ended her 22-year hiatus from the gala with a dress fans said “saved” the night.
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Sabrina Carpenter walked the carpet in Louis VuittonCredit: Rex
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Hailey Bieber wore a simple black outfit on the carpetCredit: Reuters
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Chappell Roan added some color to the carpet in her pantsuitCredit: Getty
“Disappointing Met Gala this year. Most everyone, save Diana Ross andn Angela Bassett, looks like they grabbed something from their closet or leftovers from the Derby last weekend. Bland n boring is theme achieved tonight,” one user wrote.
The marvelous dress was an homage to her family tree, with silver crystals embroidering all of the names of her children and grandchildren.
MISSING A-LISTERS
While the runway was packed with A-list celebrities such as Demi Moore and sports stars Saquon Barkley and Joe Burrow, several high profile previous attendees were missing.
Kylie Jenner walked the carpet alone without her beau Timothée Chalamet, who has previously attended the star-studded event.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were also noticeably missing from the event.
Kelce has never attended the gala, however, Swift used to be a regular attendee.
The superstar walked the carpet in front of the Metropolitan Museum of Art for five consecutive years and last went in 2016, but hasn’t returned since.
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Kylie Jenner walked the carpet aloneCredit: Rex
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Actor Timothée Chalamet did not attend this year’s fundraiserCredit: Getty
Other absent stars included Naomi Campbell, Jennifer Lopez, and Sarah Jessica Parker.
Campbell posted on Instagram announcing that she wouldn’t be attending, but praising the gala’s theme.
“Congratulations to Anna Wintour, the brilliant designers, the dedicated Met Gala team, and stunning attendees of tonight’s extraordinary celebration,” the 54-year-old supermodel posted.
“I have to say, what perfect timing for the ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’ theme.
“It really celebrates how Black dandyism has shaped fashion and how fashion has been a way for Black people to express who they are and claim their power.”
Lakers star LeBron James, who was deemed an honorary co-chair of the event, said he wouldn’t attend the event due to a last minute injury.
“Unfortunately because of my knee injury I sustained at the end of the season I won’t be able to attend the Met Gala in NY tonight as so many people have been asking and congratulating me on,” he wrote on Instagram.
“Hate to miss an historical event! My beautiful, powerful Queen will be there holding the castle down as she always has done,” he added, mentioning his wife, Savannah James.
This Met Gala returned to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to raise money for the museum’s Costume Institute and kick off the institute’s annual exhibition with the theme Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.
The theme was meant to highlight and focus on menswear, a noticeable change from the typical gown-centric themes of the past two decades.
Guest curator Monica Miller’s book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity served as the primary inspiration for this year’s theme.
How do you get an invite to the Met Gala?
The Met Gala is one of the biggest fashion nights of the year but not everyone gets to attend the annual fundraiser – so, how do you get an invite to the exclusive event?
Invites to the charity event for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute are rare and they do not let you get in for free.
According to the New York Times, they cost $75,000 while tables are priced at $350,000 – and all attendees have to be approved by Vogue’s editor in chief Anna Wintour.
So, the majority of guests are invited by major fashion houses and organisations with celebrities usually able to attend for free on behalf of brands who will foot the bill.
Designers like Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton will usually buy tables and fill them up with A-listers from Hollywood, sports, art, and social media.
Many who get invites are brand ambassadors, major figures for hot campaigns, or stars that companies want to be linked to.
Social media stars are most likely to be invited by major platforms like Meta and Instagram, bringing in TikTok stars and other huge celebrities – but everyone needs to be over the age of 18.
Ultimately, anyone with a major platform who it willing to pay the price of a table and who is approved by Vogue’s chief will be able to attend.
Those who are not part of the elite may also be able to get their way into to exclusive event via volunteering and work.
Jobs or internships in production, public relations, catering, communications, media, and in the museum could also secure you a space behind the scenes at the Gala.
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Charli XCX showed up draped in feathers to the eventCredit: Getty
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Rapper Stormzy showed up in a simple black and white outfitCredit: Getty
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Madonna rocked a white pantsuit on the carpetCredit: Getty
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Jenna Ortega wore a metallic dress to the galaCredit: Getty
Social media users slammed Anne Hathaway’s Met Gala look[/caption]
PA
Fans praised Zendaya’s sleek look[/caption]
Getty
Social media users also praised Diana Ross’ 18-foot gown[/caption]
Rex
Taylor Swift was noticeably missing from fashion’s biggest night[/caption]
This Met Gala returned to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to raise money for the museum’s Costume Institute and kick off the institute’s annual exhibition with the theme Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.
The theme was meant to highlight and focus on menswear, a noticeable change from the typical gown-centric themes of the past two decades.
Guest curator Monica Miller’s book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity served as the primary inspiration for this year’s theme.
Co-chairs Pharrell Williams and Lewis Hamilton both wore white suits custom-made by Louis Vuitton.
A-list stars such as Hailey Bieber, Kerry Washington, Priyanka Chopra, and Anne Hathaway ditched the typical flowy ball gowns for more structured suit-like outfits.
Kendall Jenner and Kim Kardashian both wore tailored tops and skirts, with Kim adding a half-dipped hat which covered part of her face.
Sabrina Carpenter and K-Pop singer Lisa each sported Louis Vuitton bodices with a blazer top.
Sabrina walked the carpet alone in a burgundy outfit with matching heels, a change from the 2024 gala, where she wore a long black dress with her now ex-boyfriend, Barry Keoghan.
The rather simplistic outfits sharply contrasted last year’s theme, The Garden of Time.
Last year, guests showed up wearing colorful, extravagant gowns and bold hairstyles.
The change of pace left many social media users wanting more and demanding a more colorful theme for next year.
“This is the most boring theme in Met Gala history and whoever came up with it needs to be fired,” one user posted on X.
“WE WANT GOWNS ANNA!”
Dozens of other tweets echoed this user’s complaints, slamming the gala for being “uneventful.”
“This has gotta be the most boring met gala ever, it’s so uneventful,” one person posted.
Superfine: Tailoring Black Style — 2025 Met Gala’s theme explained
This year's Met Gala theme Superfine: Tailoring Black Style was announced on October 9, 2024, but what does it mean?
It is inspired by a new exhibit at the Costume Institute that focuses on Black style, notably Black dandyism from the 18th century through to its resurgence in the 1920s and 30s in the Harlem Renaissance and its influence on present day.
Dandyism speaks to elegant and often excessive fashion used for self-expression that often breaks norms and can be seen as a form of rebellion.
Attendees have been told that the dress code is “Tailored for you” and that the theme explores how fashion has been used to both enslave and liberate.
It is inspired by the book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism And The Styling Of Black Diasporic Identity (2009), written by professor and chair of Africana studies at Barnard College, Monica L Miller.
This exhibition marks a significant step in diversifying the Met’s collections and addressing historical biases in curatorial practices.
Andrew Bolton, the Curator in Charge, emphasized the importance of making fashion at The Met more accessible and inclusive.
Anna Wintour finally sets record straight on Met Gala outfit rule rumor
Others blamed the celebrities rather than the theme, particularly noting Anne Hathaway’s more basic outfit of a black striped skirt and white blouse.
“I can excuse missing the theme but i can NEVER excuse looking boring,” another user wrote.
Another user slammed the charity event for being the “most boring in years.”
“This is shaping up to be the most boring Met Gala in YEARS. Chop after chop,” they posted.
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Hailey Bieber wore a simple black outfit on the carpet[/caption]
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Sabrina Carpenter walked the carpet in Louis Vuitton[/caption]
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Chappell Roan added some color to the carpet in her pantsuit[/caption]
SHINING STARS
While Sydney Sweeney received backlash online for her black Miu Miu gown, and Anne Hathaway for her office-chic Carolina Herrera outfit, several stars stood out as the night’s best dressed.
Zendaya looked sleek in a white three-piece Louis Vuitton silk suit, which fans called “perfection.”
“ZENDAYA!!! It’s very reminiscent of Bianca Jagger’s 70s suits and tailored to perfection,” an X user posted.
“It’s Zendaya’s world and we’re just living in it,” another fan wrote.
Diana Ross was also one of the night’s best-dressed as she rocked the carpet in a jaw-dropping 18-foot gown.
The singer ended her 22-year hiatus from the gala with a dress fans said “saved” the night.
“Disappointing Met Gala this year. Most everyone, save Diana Ross andn Angela Bassett, looks like they grabbed something from their closet or leftovers from the Derby last weekend. Bland n boring is theme achieved tonight,” one user wrote.
The marvelous dress was an homage to her family tree, with silver crystals embroidering all of the names of her children and grandchildren.
MISSING A-LISTERS
While the runway was packed with A-list celebrities such as Demi Moore and sports stars Saquon Barkley and Joe Burrow, several high profile previous attendees were missing.
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Kylie Jenner walked the carpet alone[/caption]
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Actor Timothée Chalamet did not attend this year’s fundraiser[/caption]
Kylie Jenner walked the carpet alone without her beau Timothée Chalamet, who has previously attended the star-studded event.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were also noticeably missing from the event.
Kelce has never attended the gala, however, Swift used to be a regular attendee.
How do you get an invite to the Met Gala?
The Met Gala is one of the biggest fashion nights of the year but not everyone gets to attend the annual fundraiser – so, how do you get an invite to the exclusive event?
Invites to the charity event for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute are rare and they do not let you get in for free.
According to the New York Times, they cost $75,000 while tables are priced at $350,000 – and all attendees have to be approved by Vogue’s editor in chief Anna Wintour.
So, the majority of guests are invited by major fashion houses and organisations with celebrities usually able to attend for free on behalf of brands who will foot the bill.
Designers like Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton will usually buy tables and fill them up with A-listers from Hollywood, sports, art, and social media.
Many who get invites are brand ambassadors, major figures for hot campaigns, or stars that companies want to be linked to.
Social media stars are most likely to be invited by major platforms like Meta and Instagram, bringing in TikTok stars and other huge celebrities – but everyone needs to be over the age of 18.
Ultimately, anyone with a major platform who it willing to pay the price of a table and who is approved by Vogue’s chief will be able to attend.
Those who are not part of the elite may also be able to get their way into to exclusive event via volunteering and work.
Jobs or internships in production, public relations, catering, communications, media, and in the museum could also secure you a space behind the scenes at the Gala.
The superstar walked the carpet in front of the Metropolitan Museum of Art for five consecutive years and last went in 2016, but hasn’t returned since.
Other absent stars included Naomi Campbell, Jennifer Lopez, and Sarah Jessica Parker.
Campbell posted on Instagram announcing that she wouldn’t be attending, but praising the gala’s theme.
“Congratulations to Anna Wintour, the brilliant designers, the dedicated Met Gala team, and stunning attendees of tonight’s extraordinary celebration,” the 54-year-old supermodel posted.
“I have to say, what perfect timing for the ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’ theme.
“It really celebrates how Black dandyism has shaped fashion and how fashion has been a way for Black people to express who they are and claim their power.”
Lakers star LeBron James, who was deemed an honorary co-chair of the event, said he wouldn’t attend the event due to a last minute injury.
“Unfortunately because of my knee injury I sustained at the end of the season I won’t be able to attend the Met Gala in NY tonight as so many people have been asking and congratulating me on,” he wrote on Instagram.
“Hate to miss an historical event! My beautiful, powerful Queen will be there holding the castle down as she always has done,” he added, mentioning his wife, Savannah James.
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Charli XCX showed up draped in feathers to the event[/caption]
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Rapper Stormzy showed up in a simple black and white outfit[/caption]
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Madonna rocked a white pantsuit on the carpet[/caption]
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Jenna Ortega wore a metallic dress to the gala[/caption]
The Entertainer’s Barrow-in-Furness outlet first opened in 2017Credit: Google Maps
The store has been one of The Entertainers more than 160 stores in the UK, which took over from an Argos eight years ago.
Staff and customers have expressed their disappointment in the stores closure.
Keith Stenhouse, Head of Region at The Entertainer, shared his regret: “We are sad to beclosingour Barrow in Furness store as of 3rd May and would like to thank our customers and staff for their loyalty and support.
“We’re proud of the service we’ve offered and are committed to supporting our employees through this situation.”
He explained that it was a necessary decision from the company to shut down standalone stores that were “no longer profitable”.
This particular Entertainer store in Cumbria gained notoriety in the past due to the large donations it has made to charity, The Mail reports.
It gave away large amounts of toys to the children’s ward of Furness General Hospital during Christmas the year it opened.
The company has also made large donations to local charities, and was involved in Barrow BID, a group working to revitalise the town centre.
Taking to social media, shoppers reacted to the announcement of the scores closure.
One wrote: “Staff where brilliant I wish them every bit of luck in future as they always where very interactive with the kids it’s such a shame.”
Aldi shoppers race to the Middle Aisle to grab kid’s toys
Another added: “It’s a shame I always go here with grandson.”
A third also posted: “It’s such a shame it’s a lovely shop for the kiddies and it’s in town which is so important.”
John Edwards, who managed the store for a number of years, also expressed he was “incredibly sad” to see its closure, calling the site an “asset” to the community.
John added: “It was always important to me it wasn’t just a shop, it had to be an experience and be somewhere kids were excited to go – it’s a huge shame to lose that.”
This closure is among a number of stores that have been shuttered by The Entertainer in the past six months.
One reacted to the news and said: “Luton is on its knees.”
Andrew Murphy OBE, group chief executive at The Entertainer, explained the store had closed after its lease agreement came to an end.
Speaking at the time of the closure, he said: “Like most large national retailers, we continuously assess potential new locations while deciding whether to renew those shops which have reached the end of their lease arrangements.”
RETAIL PAIN IN 2025
The British Retail Consortium has predicted that the Treasury’s hike to employer NICs will cost the retail sector £2.3billion.
Research by the British Chambers of Commerce shows that more than half of companies plan to raise prices by early April.
A survey of more than 4,800 firms found that 55% expect prices to increase in the next three months, up from 39% in a similar poll conducted in the latter half of 2024.
Three-quarters of companies cited the cost of employing people as their primary financial pressure.
The Centre for Retail Research (CRR) has also warned that around 17,350 retail sites are expected to shut down this year.
It comes on the back of a tough 2024 when 13,000 shops closed their doors for good, already a 28% increase on the previous year.
Professor Joshua Bamfield, director of the CRR said: “The results for 2024 show that although the outcomes for store closures overall were not as poor as in either 2020 or 2022, they are still disconcerting, with worse set to come in 2025.”
Professor Bamfield has also warned of a bleak outlook for 2025, predicting that as many as 202,000 jobs could be lost in the sector.
“By increasing both the costs of running stores and the costs on each consumer’s household it is highly likely that we will see retail job losses eclipse the height of the pandemic in 2020.”
The American dream – on a new 22-deck beautiful beast of a cruise ship, Jenny Green visits an eco treasure island and sails across the ocean onboard the towering new vessel
The plane, dubbed WindRunner, would be the largest aircraft ever built and would be able to carry 12 times more than a Boeing 747. The 356ft long aircraft would be capable of carrying 12 times the weight of a Boeing 747
11:15, 01 May 2025Updated 11:16, 01 May 2025
The WindRunner will fly by 2030(Image: John Keeble, Getty Images)
The world’s biggest ever plane dubbed ‘Skytanic’ will take-off in five years or less.
Radia, an energy company, is embarking on an ambitious aeronautical venture to develop a gargantuan aircraft named WindRunner. This massive plane, stretching 108m in length, would dwarf a Boeing 747 by carrying twelve times its load, while being 38m longer.
Rocket scientist Mark Lundstrom plays a pivotal role in crafting the design of this grand aircraft intended for a unique purpose: transporting colossal wind turbine blades to far-flung locations. Such blades rank among the world’s lengthiest objects, potentially restricting the cargo jet to haul just one at a time.
Radia aims to overcome major logistical hurdles associated with moving these bulky offshore blades, currently a complex task due to their sheer size. This endeavour could pave the way for an increase in wind farms, which Radia, established in 2016, strongly supports. Some of these mammoth blades tip the scales at around 26,000kg.
The plane would be the biggest ever to fly(Image: John Keeble, Getty Images)
In the coming years, wind turbine blades are expected to grow from 70 metres to 100 metres long, to catch more wind while also rotating in a slower, less disruptive fashion. Already, some companies have had to build special roads to transport blades at their current length, as they’ve proven so difficult to transport through tunnels and under bridges.
Radia has seen an opportunity to overcome the logistical opportunities by taking turbine blades to the air. For the past decade it has been working on the WindRunner, a huge plane with a cargo volume a dozen times bigger than a Boeing 747.
The company plans to get the plane up in the air before the end of the decade, New York Times reports. When it does, it will be the biggest plane ever to fly – dwarfing the Ukranian jet Mriya, which was destroyed at the onset of the Russian invasion in 2022.
Addressing the transportation issues tied to wind turbine blades, Paul Hanna, Radia’s vice-president of marketing, detailed some painstaking logistics to a publication: “It takes a year and a half to plan a move of these things down a highway. You’ve got road bridges to get underneath, traffic signs that need to come down, homes that are near the off-ramp that may have to be moved.”
Lundstrom has stated that the “only viable solution” for transporting large wind turbine blades was to create an enormous aircraft, hence the birth of the WindRunner. Despite the mammoth dimensions of a 24m height and 79m long wingspan, the craft can only carry a single 105m blade or up to three 80m blades in one go.
With aspirations for Radia to kick-off aerial blade transport by 2030, Hanna expressed his ambitious goal to Aerospace: “We have the opportunity to take a dramatic and lasting amount of CO2 out of the atmosphere, and we’re giving the aerospace industry the opportunity to participate in reducing the cost of energy by as much as 30%.”
Addressing the World Economic Forum, Lundstrom highlighted the driving force behind their project: “The necessity to fight climate change is something that’s a big motivating factor.
“It’s very unique to be able to have an aerospace solution to climate change, as opposed to contributing to the problem. And so for an aerospace engineer or for an aerospace company to be able to contribute their skills to fighting climate change, instead of just optimizing passenger seat miles or making a defence product, this is a unique opportunity for the aerospace industry to both get exposure into the energy world, and also be able to take many percentage points of CO2 out of the world.”
From siblings not speaking for more than a year to ‘using kids’, the brood has had its fair share of drama throughout the yearsCredit: Instagram
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Sue Radford, 50, has come under fire more than once – most recently for jetting off to Florida, with heavily pregnant daughter due to give birth soonCredit: Instagram
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The blonde beauty who is already mother to adorable daughter Mila, two, gave birth to her second tot earlier this weekCredit: Tiktok/@itschloexa
But the Radfords are also not immune to social media criticism, following a range of drama over the years – and more recently.
Katie Radford, 22 – the eighth eldest of Britain’s largest family – gave birth to a healthy baby boy, Ronnie Hudson Carter, back in October 2024.
Despite the mum-to-be wanting Sue, then 49, to be present for the birth, a booking blunder from Noel meant parents of the brood ended up missing the arrival of Ronnie – much to Sue’s disappointment.
One critic said: ”Can’t believe you’ve gone away so close to Chloe’s due date after the drama when Noel booked you to go away close to Millie’s due date.”
But this is not the first time the bumper brood has come under fire, leaving Instagram fans and TV viewers furious.
From a ”distasteful” act tricking fans into thinking Sue’s battling ”dementia” to ”using kids”, here we take a look at some of the biggest scandals the Radfords have weathered throughout the years.
Chloe Radford shares ‘scary’ and ‘nerve racking’ pregnancy update & reveals she ‘doesn’t have long’ until birth
False earth-shattering diagnosis
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The matriarch also faced criticism over a ‘distasteful’ episode in January this yearCredit: 22 Kids and Counting, C5
The first part of the episode showed the now 50-year-old and her husband, Noel, 54, becoming more distant as the typically outgoing mum-of-22 became more withdrawn.
The pie whizz, naturally, was seen growing increasingly worried about his wife, whom he got married to in 1992.
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It wasn’t until later in then episode that it was revealed it wasn’t the matriarch whose life had been turned upside down by the illnessCredit: 22 Kids and Counting, C5
After Noel accidentally stumbled across a leaflet for dementia in the family vehicle he feared the worst – but the latter part of the episode then revealed it wasn’t the matriarch whose life had been turned upside down.
Channel 5 viewers slammed the episode as ”distasteful” that ”set up” fans of the mega brood to believe Sue had a life-changing illness.
A second said: ”Distasteful ….wanting to make people think Sue had dementia. Scripts need looking into.”
”Wow the show is really setting this up as though Sue has dementia. She doesn’t. A family friend has early onset dementia,” a third lamented.
Another wrote: ”If it’s not all scripted then I think she’s out of order not just telling him she’s fine and it’s someone else. Poor guy must’ve been so worried! Have gone off her!”
How does family-of-22 the Radfords afford to live?
AS Britain’s biggest family, it may come as no surprise that Sue and Noel Radford must have some hefty bills.
Between them, they have a whopping 22 children and seven dogs, which often has some people wonder how they manage their money.
The Radfords support themselves with the proceeds of Noel’s bakery, The Radford Pie Company, which is located near their home.
On their website, it says: “We have owned our own lovely bakery since 1999 which is how we manage to provide for (and feed) our huge and expanding family as well as for the local people of Heysham and Morecambe.”
The family expanded their business to cater to online orders placed across the UK.
The business is a family affair, with Noel at the helm, and some of their children helping out.
The older kids, who are working at least part-time, don’t get a free ride as they’re made to pay a small amount of rent to their parents.
“Us older ones do pay a little bit of board. Granted it’s not a lot but I’m also trying to save up for my own house at the moment.” their daughter Chloe said in a video on the YouTube channel.
Sue added: “We’ve always said if you want to buy somewhere, renting is a bit of dead money, so we’d rather you saved that money up and stayed at home a bit longer.
“I also do believe they should pay board if they are earning. We’ve always been brought up by our parents that we had to pay board.”
Noel and Sue famously don’t rely on benefits for their bumper brood and live off their pie shop for income.
They also revealed they make money from brand partnerships on social media.
The Radford family stars in their own reality TV show 22 Kids and Counting – which has run for four series.
Brand expert Andy Barr believes Noel and Sue have been paid less than £10,000 for each show.
He told the Daily Mail: “The typical fee per episode is going to be in the thousands rather than the tens or hundreds of thousands that people often think is the case with TV shows of this nature.
“If they continue to get commissioned for a fourth or fifth season, then they are going to be able to command a higher fee.”
He estimates that the Radfords make £ 5,000 an episode.
Teen pregnancy
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Sue had only just turned 13 when she gave birth to their eldest child ChrisCredit: Brad Wakefield – The Sun
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Sue, who turned 50 this year, was three years below the age of the consent at the timeCredit: Neil Jones – The Sun
In their joint tell-all book The Radfords: Making Life Count, published in February 2024, Noel addressed the controversy over his and Sue’s respective ages at the time of their first pregnancy.
Sue, who turned 50 this year, was three years below the age of the consent at the time, but Noel has revealed there was “no knock on the door” from authorities regarding her pregnancy.
Back in 1989, and as the law is today, it is an offence for anyone to have any sexual activity with a person under the age of 16.
However, the Crown Prosecution Service doesn’t always pursue prosecutions against teenagers in these circumstances.
It is still illegal for a person aged 18 or over to have any sexual activity with a person younger than 16.
Hitting back at the criticism the loved-up pair faced, Noel defended their decision to start a family at such a young age.
“We were both kids,” he penned. “It was not as if I was 10 or 15 years older than Sue.
“For a lot of people, though, things are just black and white and you are tarnished with the same brush as other people in totally different situations.
Sue and Noel Radford were slammed for using kids to plug tutoring appCredit: YouTube
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The parents sat down with five-year-old daughter Bonnie to demonstrate the tutoring app they’ve been using for their kidsCredit: YouTube
As Britain’s biggest brood, it may come as no surprise that Sue and Noel have some hefty bills and expenses to cover – especially if they want to enjoy lavish trips (a whopping 18 in 2024 alone) as often as they do.
The bumper brood famously don’t rely on benefits, with a big chunk of their earnings coming from dad Noel’s pie business, as well as brand partnerships on social media.
They do receive child benefits, but no other government help.
The pair regularly share vlogs documenting their family life at home, and took to YouTube to post a video of their trip to IKEA.
After the clips from their shopping haul, Noel and Sue sat down with five-year-old daughter Bonnie on the sofa to demonstrate the tutoring app they’ve been using for their kids.
At the bottom of the video, a line also flashed up saying: “Use the link in our description box for 30-day money back guarantee and afterwards 60% off.”
Sadly for the two, the decision to include the tot in the video plug of the app didn’t go down too well with everyone.
“Selling products using the kids,” one person raged in a remark that’s since been deleted from the comments section.
How many people are in the Radford family?
Sue and Noel Radford have 22 children and 11 grandchildren.
Noel – Born December 24, 1970
Sue – Born March 22, 1975
Chris – Born May 7, 1989 – married to Nicole Spencer and have three children: Maisie (June 3, 2017), Jacob (July 31, 2019), and Oaklyn, September 21, 2021). He is a stepdad to Nicole’s four kids
Sophie – Born December 13, 1993– married to Joe Broadley and have three children: Daisy (August 27, 2012), Ayprill (October 13, 2014) and Leo, (December 24, 2015)
Chloe – Born July 31, 1995– dating Jake Wallace and have one child: Mila (July 23, 2022), and due to have baby number two in 2025
Jack – Born April 9, 1997
Daniel – Born March 3, 1999
Luke – Born October 1, 2000
Millie – Born August 29, 2001 – married to Harley Passmore and have three children: Ophelia (September 12, 2020), Chester (February 20, 2022), and Elodie (September 19, 2023)
Katie – Born November 14, 2002 – dating Connor Carter and have baby Ronnie (October 8, 2024)
James – Born October 17, 2003
Ellie – Born May 6, 2005
Aimee – Born April 21, 2006
Josh – Born July 3, 2007
Max – Born December 11, 2008
Tillie – Born May 2, 2010
Oscar – Born October 22, 2011
Casper – Born October 3, 2012
Alfie – Stillborn July 6, 2014
Hallie – Born June 3, 2015
Phoebe – Born July 24, 2016
Archie – Born September 18, 2017
Bonnie – Born November 6, 2018
Heidie – Born April 3, 2020
‘Favourite’ grandchildren feud
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In April 2023, Sue and Noel’s daughter Millie, now 23, sparked rumours of a fiery feudCredit: Instagram
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The 23-year-old accused her mum and dad of making money from their grandchildren – while also alleging that they choose ‘favourites’ to take with them on holidaysCredit: Instagram
In April 2023, Sue and Noel’s daughter Millie, now 23, sparked rumours of a fiery feud after she appeared to slam her parents on social media.
The 23-year-old, who was pregnant with her youngest child, Elodie, at the time, accused her parents of excluding Ophelia and Chester from a family trip to the sunny Florida.
Sharing a screenshot from a clip of her parents surprising some of their grandchildren, Millie reposted it with caption that read: “Cute? But you’ve made money from all your grandchildren, but choose your favourites.”
It wasn’t long until she deleted the furious post, while Sue later pleaded with fans not to speculate over the alleged fallout.
In a message shared under their Facebook video, the mum-of-22 wrote: “Thank you so much for all your comments. The grandkids’ reaction was just so lovely and had us all crying [heart emoji].
”Please could we just not comment on Millie? We are on holiday and don’t want all the drama,” she begged.
On the brink of a bankruptcy
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The Foot and Mouth Disease hit their bakery hard, nearly plunging the pie business into bankruptcyCredit: Channel 5
Sue and Noel may have been together for years, appearing to have a strong marriage on the surface – but that doesn’t mean the two haven’t had their fair share of trials and tribulations.
Back in 2000, there was one particularly frustrating period that almost broke their seemingly strong bond, after Foot and Mouth Disease hit their bakery business hard.
In their 2024 interview with OK!, Sue recalled: “We almost went bankrupt and thought we would lose the house. I just kept thinking, ‘There’s no way out of this, and I really don’t see how our marriage can survive.”
However, the pair eventually managed to work through the dark days, and onto more prosperous times.
Sue added: “The whole thing took its toll on me and Noel. Looking back now, I can see that we would never, ever have called it a day, but when you’re in that highly pressurised moment, it’s hard to see a way out.”
Professional intervention following a long dispute
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Things had become so sour, Chloe refused to speak to her brother, LukeCredit: Channel 5
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Desperate to see the once-close duo put their differences aside, the parents invited a trained intervention counsellor into their homeCredit: Channel 5
The festive season can be an exceptionally stressful period for any family – and the Radford bumper brood are no exception, having to whip up a mammoth feast.
But Christmas 2023 proved to be a particularly challenging time, with two of the siblings – Chloe, 29, and Luke, 24 – being at war with each other.
As revealed in a festive episode, the two hadn’t been on speaking terms for over a year, with a squabble over a shelf of frozen pastry pies tipping things over the edge.
Luke explained to viewers that, although the longstanding feud had been about a “mix of things”, working together had caused matters to escalate even further.
Luke shared: “Anyways, they [the pies] just took up so much space, and Chloe had set it up that way, and it was early in the morning.
”I’m not a morning person… and it just kicked off. It’s the most pathetic thing, but it’s the straw that broke the camel’s back.”
Offering her perspective on the situation, Chloe reflected: “Sibling arguments are different. You definitely hold a grudge more.”
Desperate to see the once-close duo put their differences aside, the parents took a drastic step and invited a trained intervention counsellor into their 10-bedroom family home, in hopes that the row would be put to bed.
Mum Sue confessed: “To see them not speaking has been really, really hard. Especially as when we look back over the years and see how close Luke and Chloe were.
”But they are both very strong-willed and stubborn.”
Noel chimed in: “The longer it goes on, the harder it gets. There has been no backing down first. It’s not nice to see them not talking to each other.”
PSG claimed a 1-0 win in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final with ArsenalCredit: Getty
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Ousmane Dembele grabbed the only goal of the game in the fourth minuteCredit: Getty
In the latest episode of Tactics Exposed, SunSport’s Dean Scoggins ran the rule over the Emirates clash – and picked out five key tactical talking points…
The match went the way I was expecting – I thought PSG were the better side and their plan came off better.
But we shouldn’t overlook the missing Thomas Partey factor – he will be big in the second leg.
Both goalkeepers made great saves.
The last ten minutes were key: if PSG took one of those late chances, we would be talking about a real, real uphill struggle for Arsenal.
The Gunners stayed in it, created chances of their own and it was a great watch.
1. OU LA LA
I said in the preview Tactics Exposed show one of the midfielders would drop into defence, Achraf Hakimi would go out, Nuno Mendes pushed out and they drew the press before Dembele dropped deep to collect the ball, turn and go.
Having Declan Rice and Mikel Merino dragged out allowed space for the false No9 to come in between and receive the ball in areas where he can’t be marked – Dembele was brilliant in the first half.
Someone – either William Saliba or Jakub Kiwior – needs to go out with Dembele, he can’t be given the freedom of the Emirates in midfield.
Wayne Rooney and Thierry Henry give their verdict on Arsenal’s defeat to PSG
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Dembele was given too much space on the edge of the areaCredit: Getty
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PSG lined up in a 4-3-3 formationCredit: SunSport
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Dembele dropped in as a false No9Credit: SunSport
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He was not tracked by either Arsenal centre-backCredit: SunSport
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That allowed him to pick up the ball in midfieldCredit: SunSport
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He then drove forwards on the attackCredit: SunSport
Then with the goal, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia holds the width but Jurrien Timber stays narrow before squaring him up on the edge of the area.
Declan Rice goes and doubles up, Saliba is free but Merino gets back into the box before the shot – but the Spaniard doesn’t occupy the space Rice vacated.
Rice is damned if he does, damned if he doesn’t – Merino is the one who doesn’t do the midfielder’s job and cover.
Dembele’s little side-step to his left was genius, too.
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Dembele benefited from Thomas Partey’s suspensionCredit: SunSport / Amazon Prime Video
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For the goal, he played the ball out wide to Khvicha KvaratskheliaCredit: SunSport / Amazon Prime Video
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The Frenchman then got on the end of the pull backCredit: SunSport / Amazon Prime Video
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Declan Rice went out to double up with Jurrien TimberCredit: SunSport / Amazon Prime Video
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Mikel Merino worked his way back into the areaCredit: SunSport / Amazon Prime Video
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But he did not get close enough to DembeleCredit: SunSport / Amazon Prime Video
2. TIMBERRRR!
Timber had a really tough night and committed four fouls in the first 20 minutes and didn’t get a yellow card.
The referee was very poor for both teams and didn’t help the game as a spectacle.
PSG force you to isolate full-backs with wingers – do you go and engage or hold off?
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Jurrien Timber struggled to cope with Khvicha KvaratskheliaCredit: Getty
It wasn’t just Timber’s fault because PSG’s midfield make a diamond shape and Arsenal’s midfield weren’t sure who was supposed to block the lane.
After those fouls, Bukayo Saka did a great job of screening, coming in off the touchline to help out but that also meant Saka was not in the position he wants to be when Arsenal won the ball back.
Of Arsenal’s attacks, 44 per cent came down the right-hand side, but only ten per cent of their shots came from that channel.
PSG starved Saka in the position he likes to pick up because Timber was struggling.
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Bukayo Saka was forced to play more infield than usualCredit: SunSport
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PSG’s system makes use of their strong midfield and attackCredit: SunSport
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Arsenal attack largely down the right wingCredit: SunSport
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Only ten per cent of their shots came from that areaCredit: SunSport
3. UN PETIT FRERE
Vitinha was absolutely fantastic.
At any level of football from grassroots to elite, you can see when a midfielder runs the game at their pace and for the first 30 minutes at least, Vatinha did that.
If he wanted to slow it down, he did. If he wanted to hit Arsenal quickly, bang, they were on the attack.
Vitinha actually had a similar number of touches as the anonymous Martin Odegaard but it was the areas he got the ball and acting as the bounce man.
In the build-up to the goal, he got his body in the way to ping the ball back to the defence and that sort of play is unbelievable.
It was like PSG had 12 men.
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Vitinha orchestrated things with a masterclass performanceCredit: Getty
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He was the overload man in every area of the pitchCredit: SunSport
When they are three at the back, with three Arsenal men pressing, he makes it four for a 4v3.
Then he moves into midfield, Arsenal drop into a 4-4-2 shape out of possession and he makes it a five in midfield for PSG.
Then when they attack, there are five going forward with only forward with only four defenders and he is the one joining in.
He is the overload man in all three areas and was the best player on the pitch, especially in the first half.
Vitinha joins the play up. He is a genius.
He is like Alexis Mac Allister on the ball and Dominik Szoboszlai off the ball.
Arsenal need to work out how to get hold of him in the second leg.
4. ODE OH DEAR
I’m not sure what has been going on with Odegaard for the last ten or 12 games – his level has really dropped off.
Arsenal have leaders all over the pitch but for me, Rice should be captain.
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Martin Odegaard failed to turn up for the biggest game of the seasonCredit: Getty
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Odegaard got the timings of his presses wrongCredit: SunSport
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That almost caught Arsenal out as Bradley Barcola dragged wideCredit: SunSport / Amazon Prime Video
Odegaard got the press wrong against PSG, the team follow his trigger and he has been brilliant at it for years and it’s how Arsenal can set up in a 4-4-2 out of possession.
But on Tuesday he kept going at the wrong time because Vitinha was dragging him into positions he didn’t want to be in which opened spaces up in midfield – which is where the goal came from.
Odegaard was getting stuck in a half No8, half No10 role and it was epitomised by the Bradley Barcola chance.
Gianluigi Donnarumma made two world-class saves at the other end but Raya was crucial for Arsenal.
What he also did was take pretty much all their free-kicks in their own half right up to the halfway line – it was almost old school sending it long.
People may criticise the long-ball tactic but it was the right tactic because PSG were vulnerable with the diagonal long ball and the bouncing ball which came from Raya’s excellent distribution.
It forced chances, they could have scored and it also led to corners where we know Arsenal are dangerous.
Aside from that, Arsenal carried the ball really well and got out of positions well to feed Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
Myles Lewis-Skelly was excellent again, his one-v-one defending and duels are as good as anyone I’ve seen for years in that position.
Hakimi got very little joy in duels against him and where Timber could not work out what to do with Kvaratskhelia, Lewis-Skelly did miles better with Doue and Hakimi.
That forced Doue to come inside, so Lewis-Skelly came inside and inverted and bolstered Arsenal’s numbers in the middle.
Ousmane Dembele stunned the Emirates Stadium into silence when his first-time shot hit the post and bounced over the line just three minutes into the match.
After a nervous start, it took the Gunners around 20 minutes to settle.
But when they did, the momentum began to swing in their favour.
Just moments into the second half, Mikel Merino finally put the ball in the net – only for it to be chalked offside after a lengthy VAR check.
And Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard forced worldy saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma.
David Raya then produced stunning stop from Goncalo Ramos as the Gunners held on at 1-0.
It’s not over – there is still at least 90 minutes to be played.
