BLUE Ivy Carter was the mini-me of her pop superstar mom Beyonce as she stepped out in Paris with dad Jay-Z.

The teen, who is Alien Superstar songstress Beyonce’s eldest child, sported her parent’s signature blonde wavy locks and flawless visage as she exited a cab in the French capital.

Splash

Blue Ivy Carter was seen looking just like her popstar mom as she stepped out in Paris[/caption]

Shutterstock Editorial

The teen donned a matching hairstyle to her chart star parent Beyonce[/caption]

Getty

The 13-year-old is supporting Bey on her Cowboy Carter tour[/caption]

Splash

Blue kept her make-up fresh as she exited a cab in the French capital[/caption]

Blue Ivy, 13, who has featured on her parent’s current Cowboy Carter tour, kept her face make-up free to show off her natural beauty.

She dressed down in an oversized gray top, blue combat-style jean trousers and Adidas sneakers.

She could well have been mistaken for the chart star as she scooted out of the back seat and onto the pavement.

While Blue Ivy appeared eager to go under the radar, her rapper dad Jay-Z, 55, beamed as he waved to the crowds waiting at the Moet Hennessy in the French capital.

He also opted for jean trousers and a crisp white tee, paired with Timberland boots.

Bey, 43, has headed to France after wrapping the London leg of her Cowboy Carter tour.

SPLASHING OUT

The pair’s eldest is making a name for herself in the showbiz world, with The US Sun previously reporting how Destiny’s Child band member Beyonce had splashed out $300K on hair and make up for Blue and little sister Rumi, seven, during her epic tour.

A tour logistics veteran close to Beyonce’s entourage with over 25 years experience says the superstar shelled out $18,000 in makeup alone, with two artists dedicated just to Blue.

They will cater for little Rumi when it’s her turn to appear, but that works out as a whopping $4,000 per day for the specialists.

With Blue set to appear on multiple dates during the 32 date tour, the bill for makeup alone is expected to exceed $120,000.

Hairstylists are also hired, and two stylists are on board for a cool $5,000 a day, and they can work with $65,000 invested by Beyonce on luxury hair products, custom styles and even gold accessories.

A stylist working exclusively with the girls is reportedly being paid $120,000 for the whole tour.

“The tour is a not that long, but there are many shows in same cities, which simplifies a lot of things and also makes it easier for the kids to be part of the show,” the source confirmed to The U.S. Sun.

“For them, the expenses are pretty important. A lot of money has been spent on make-up artists, on products and stylists who are paid very well during that tour to help the girls.”

Bey admitted in a documentary about her Renaissance tour in 2023 that she originally told Blue “no” when she asked to perform.

But after reading some brutal online comments, Blue decided to prove everyone wrong—and totally crushed it.

Even dad Jay-Z weighed in on CBS at the time, saying, “She was born into this life she didn’t ask for… everyone has an opinion. But for her to get on stage and take back her power- it’s iconic.”

Now in Paris for three dates from June 19 to the 22nd, she has booked suites at the luxurious Four Seasons George V in the French capital, which comes in at $15,200 a night.

“They want to live a full Paris experience, and enjoy a luxury life in the city of love,” said the insider.

“They will have a fantastic time for sure!”

Their jet-setting comes as

BLUE IVY’S WORLD

We previously reported how Blue could make millions by building her own empire.

In January, we reported how Jay-Z and Bey were finally allowed to move forward and trademark Blue’s name after a 12-year battle.

She took to the stage at an American football Christmas half-time performance before bagging the role of Princess Kiara in the new Lion King movie.

She is also often spotted in matching outfits to Beyonce, with the singer dubbed her mini-me’s “tiger mom.”

Blue first joined her mum’s Renaissance world tour in 2023 as a regular performer.

However, Bey, recently said: “I did not want Blue on stage. Blue wanted it for herself. She took it seriously and earned it.”

It is fair to say, though, that Blue was destined for fame from birth.

When she was just two days old, in January 2012, her dad Jay-Z, 55, released a track called Glory, which featured Blue crying.

It charted, making his daughter the youngest person to appear on a hit single.

Aged three, she was part of the choir on Coldplay song Up&Up, and in 2019 was in a music video for Beyonce’s song, Brown Skin Girl.

Blue also plays piano, paints, writes poetry and models clothes.

Beyonce’s other daughter Rumi has been in her music videos.

The seven-year-old’s twin brother Sir prefers to stay out the spotlight.

Splash

Blue appeared eager to keep a low profile as she dashed from her vehicle[/caption]

Splash

Jay-Z meanwhile was eager to meet fans and sign autographs[/caption]

Getty

Bey’s whopping tour budget for Blue Ivy recently came to light[/caption]

Splash

She is following in the footsteps of her music star parents[/caption]

MIMI XU walked out of an exam hall and into tennis dreamland after landing a Wimbledon wildcard.

The super smart Swansea star was doing her biology A Level when she got her golden ticket.

Xu, 17, is one of three British teens given ladies’ singles wildcards.

She said: “For any player to play at Wimbledon is just a dream.

“I feel like I’ve a good chance against anyone.”

Xu overcame a rankings gap of 254 places to KO American Katie Volynets at the Nottingham Open on Tuesday in her first WTA main draw match.

After rushing off to  Nottingham High School to sit her biology exam, she is back to take on world No 31 Magda Linette in round two.

Xu said: “It might sound weird but studying is a bit of a hobby of mine.”

She will be joined at Wimbledon by 16-year-olds Hannah Klugman and Mika Stojsavljevic.

Ex-British No 1 Dan Evans, 35, was given a wildcard into the men’s draw.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS

This comes after reports suggesting Wimbledon chose not to give French Open semi-finalist Lois Boisson a wildcard.

But they did give Brit tennis ace Harriet Dart a spot in the main draw.

This year’s Wimbledon kicks off on June 30 and runs until July 13.

SOME of the strangest ways Brits have tried to open a bottle are with a wooden spoon, a cigarette lighter – or their own teeth.

But 23 per cent of those who have tried the latter ended up with a chipped tooth – although in 90 per cent of cases, they did at least get the bottle open.

SWNS

Kopparberg’s new tooth caps offer an alternative to opening bottles[/caption]

SWNS

The survey revealed that adults have also used keys and bricks to try and crack into their drink[/caption]

One in 20 (four per cent) have attempted to use a three-pin plug to get a lid off, while 34 per cent have used a spoon’s handle.

The research of 2,000 adults found 61 per cent of those who have damaged a tooth would consider an ‘accessory‘ – like a diamond – to cover it up.

With Gen Z far more likely than any other age group to consider this oral upgrade.

The research was commissioned by Kopparberg to mark the launch of its custom tooth caps which double up as a bottle opener, in partnership with Tuff Tooth – and is giving away 18 gold-plated caps on its social channels.

Rob Salvesen, from the fruit cider maker, whose collection includes a design which nods to its Strawberry & Lime drink, said: “We know that sometimes you find yourself without a bottle opener, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out.

“That’s why we’ve created limited-edition custom caps – a clever solution for opening your drink whenever you need it.”

Other odd ways adults have tried to crack into a bottle included using a key (37 per cent) or a house brick (23 per cent).

For those who have attempted to get into a much-needed refreshment without the proper equipment, 64 per cent just couldn’t find one to hand.

While 17 per cent consider their unusual opening technique a ‘party trick’, they do it in order to show off.

On average, bottle-drinking Brits estimate they have to open one without a traditional opener 25 per cent of the time.

In total, 52 per cent of respondents have tried to open a bottle with something other than a standard opener according to the OnePoll.com data.

With 19 per cent considering it likely they’ll attempt to get into one via their teeth, at some point in the future.

A little more than a fifth (21 per cent) would consider a tooth accessory to cover up any damage, were it to occur.

SWNS

This offers a solution for those moments when you don’t have a bottle opener to hand[/caption]

Floyd Shivambu was most recently removed as Secretary-General of the MK Party and redeployed to the National Assembly.

BRITAIN’S most popular car brand has announced plans to create a groundbreaking new hot hatch. 

The 4-wheel drive car has a ferocious 400bhp engine, injecting some power into your drive, while Volkswagen takes on some stiff competition in the market. 

Getty

Volkswagen has announced plans for a brand new motor[/caption]

Volkswagen AG

The vehicle will be a four-wheel drive[/caption]

Volkswagen AG

The ID 2 R will have a blistering 400bhp engine[/caption]

Volkswagen have become known over the years for their dependable motors and relaxed driving experience. 

Vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf have seen overhauls over the years but have largely remained similar with each new model. 

That model has allowed Volkswagen to become the UK’s favourite car brand, selling 166,000 models in Britian in 2024.

However, the German manufacturer has announced plans to shake-up its slow-and-steady reputation. 

Executives are exploring giving a green light to producing the high-performance ID 2 R. 

The car would be the brand’s first model to use in-wheel motors and would come fitted with a blistering 400bhp engine. 

Having two additional electric hub motors, alongside the standard ones within the rear vehicles, will boost the cars performance – without sacrificing boot space. 

According to Autocar, the German manufacturer is considering using a Balkan partner to develop the ID 2 R. 

It will also use dynamic drive modes, brake-based yaw control and predictive torque distribution.

Volkswagen’s R division hopes to ensure that the car remains light and responsive, despite the added weight. 

The hothatch would be going head-to-head with the turbo-charged Renault 5 Turbo 3E in the market for high-powered family cars.

Renault’s Turbo 3E can reach 60mph in just 3.5 seconds and can reach high speeds of 168mph. 

When announcing the high-end vehicle, a spokesperson for the brand said: “In 1980, Renault 5 Turbo was the 1st French production car with a turbocharged petrol engine, delivering 160 hp.

 “In 2025, Renault 5 Turbo 3E gives the legend a boost with a dual 540 hp¹ electric powertrain and far superior performance.

“Precision engineering, responsive handling, and next-generation innovation: the turbo spirit is back. 1,980 cars produced globally, with extreme customisation options, right down to tailor-made solutions from our designers.”

It is also an EV, meaning it emits far fewer emissions than most vehicles.

Volkswagen have been approached for comment by The Sun.

Getty

Volkswagen is the UK’s most popular car brand[/caption]

HELEN Flanagan has confidently clapped back at mum-shamers after being brutally trolled for posing in sexy lingerie.

Just days after the 34-year-old actress posed in a sheer corset, thong, fishnet stockings and suspenders, the mum-of-three has now responded to haters who slammed her as “embarrassing.”

Instagram

Helen Flanagan has confidently clapped back at mum-shamers who criticised her for posing in lingerie[/caption]

Instagram

Back in her sexy underwear, the former Corrie star revealed the things she is “not falling for”, with “mum shaming” on the list more than once[/caption]

Helen Flanagan Instagram

The mum-of-three was recently told to “put some clothes on”[/caption]

Helen Flanagan Instagram

It comes after her recent split from Robbie Talbot[/caption]

The newly-single and self-proclaimed “sexy boss b**ch” recently found herself at the centre of a barrage of abuse from trolls, slamming her for sharing such revealing pictures considering she’s got three children.

“Please put your kids first, it’s embarrassing for them,” one wrote.

Meanwhile, a second snapped: “Do us a favour – put some clothes on.” 

But now, the Coronation Street and Celebs Go Dating star who recently split from her boyfriend, former non-league footballer Robbie Talbot, 45, after a year together, has fired back at those who criticised her. 

Posting on Instagram, the blonde-haired beauty filmed herself wearing a stunning black underwear set from Nikki Intimates Lingerie.

In the short clip, viewers saw Helen, who has previously been labelled as “trashy” by mum-shamers, confidently pose for the camera, before flashing a cheesy grin.

Moments later, the influencer burst into fights of laughter, clearly unbothered by the cruel comments on her social media posts. 

Proudly showing off her enviable figure and £5k boob job which she had in January 2023, Helen then revealed the things she is “not falling for”, including “coffee over matcha” and “dieting.”

Not only does Helen not believe in “living with regret”, but she also claimed that she wouldn’t fall for “not using [her] voice.”

Eager to silence the trolls, Helen, who previously confessed that her kids go to bed at midnight and admitted she is always late for school, repeated herself as she wrote: “Mum shaming and not dad shaming.

“Caring what people think.

“Shaming women and not shaming men.

“Mum shaming.”

She also claimed that she won’t ever “suppress” her ADHD, which she described as “a fun vibe and never a dull moment.”

Not only this, but she even poked fun at her ex-partners, as stressed she won’t fall for “hoping [people] change as they never do.”

Alongside the short clip, Helen cheekily wrote: “Just saying ” 

Helen’s Instagram video has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 680,000 views, 11,200 likes and 358 comments.

But users were left totally divided by the clip – while many thought she looked “stunning”, not everyone was as kind.

One person said: “How about not shaming anyone and especially yourself.” 

Could never respect a woman who uses her body for attention, loyalty over ego

Instagram user

Another added: “What a p**s poor take, I guess being hot just isn’t paying enough bills anymore?” 

A third commented: “Could never respect a woman who uses her body for attention, loyalty over ego.”

Meanwhile, someone else questioned: “Why [are] you posing in underwear?” 

Instagram

Getty

Helen split from Scott Sinclair in 2022[/caption]

Simon Jones

She now wants to be “on her own” as she juggles work commitments and her kids[/caption]

Not only this, but another slammed: “Desperado of a women….irrelevant now so flash yer t**s.” 

Despite this, at the same time, one user beamed: “Absolutely stunning, so beautiful.”

Whilst a second agreed: “Best looking girl on Instagram.”

Helen’s relationship history

Helen’s playful post comes just weeks after the devastated star ended things with Robbie, as she shifts her focus to concentrating on her career and family.

She just wants to be on her own for a while although she still has feelings for him

Source

At the time, a source said: “They want different things in life. She has just landed a new acting job and is trying to juggle work projects with the kids.

“She sat him down two weeks ago and said, ‘This isn’t working’. It was a grown-up chat.

“She just wants to be on her own for a while although she still has feelings for him.”

Prior to this, Helen split from Scott Sinclair, dad of her three kids – Matilda, 10, Delilah, seven, and Charlie, four – in 2022.

Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club

THOUSANDS of pounds gone in seconds, your private pics in the hands of strangers, and your loved ones ripped off too – these are just a few of the nightmare consequences of a smartphone scam.

I’ve spent years writing about how to dodge increasingly convincing online cons that cost Brits millions a year – and it only takes a few seconds to avoid disaster by changing settings on your iPhone or Android.

Getty

Scammers are constantly trying out new tricks to hoodwink you – so make some easy changes to your phone today[/caption]

Apple

A new Apple feature will use a virtual robot to screen your calls for you[/caption]

Online scams are big business and a recent Ofcom report warned that almost half of Brits have been drawn in by clever scammers.

A quarter of those had lost money, with a fifth losing at least £1,000.

They can come over the phone, text, or email, or through websites and apps.

They may rush you into making an investment, trick you into thinking you’re chatting with a loved one, or hoodwink you with the promise of a prize, tech support, or a refund.

Now, crooks are even using AI to dish out more convincing scams faster than ever, so it’s important you have the absolute best phone settings to avoid being another victim parted from their savings.

Here are the iPhone and Android tricks you need to activate immediately to keep yourself and you cash safe.

IPHONE TRICK #1 – SILENCE UNKNOWN NUMBERS

Cold calls are a classic way for crooks to target you with a scam.

So go to Settings > Apps > Phone > Calls > Silence Unknown Callers, then turn it on.

This will send any calls from unknown callers straight to voicemail. If it’s important, they’ll leave a voicemail.

You can also read transcriptions of your voicemail in real time if you’ve got iOS 17 or later (go to Settings > General > Software Update to check).

IPHONE TRICK #2 – CALL SCREENING

This one isn’t out yet, but it’ll land on your iPhone with the imminent iOS 26 update (likely in September).

Make sure to install that (in Settings > General > Software Update), and then a robot will answer your phone calls for you.

The Sun / Apple

Set up Silence Unknown Callers to avoid being drawn in by scams[/caption]

It’ll ask their name and reason for calling, and write out the answer in real-time on your screen. Then you can decide whether to answer or if it sounds like a scam.

This also prevents scammers from being able to hear your voice and cloning it for future cons.

IPHONE TRICK #3 – LOCKDOWN MODE

One extreme option is to turn on Lockdown Mode – but only do this if you think you’re definitely being targeted by scammers.

It’ll block most message attachment types, as well as links and link previews, as well as incoming FaceTime calls from unknown numbers.

The Sun / Apple

It only takes a few seconds to turn on and sends scammers straight to voicemail – helping you avoid ‘voice cloning’ cons[/caption]

The Sun / Apple

Lockdown Mode is a special setting that gives you extra protections[/caption]

The Sun / Apple

Only turn this on if you think you’re actively being targeted by a scammer[/caption]

You’ll also be prevented from automatically connecting to unsafe “non-secure” WiFi networks – and you’ll be blocked from adding configuration profiles that let other people change settings on your phone.

Your iPhone won’t work to its full potential with Lockdown Mode on, so keep that in mind: this is only for extreme cases.

To switch it on, just go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Lockdown Mode > Turn On Lockdown Mode > Turn On Lockdown Mode, then follow the steps to restart your phone.

IPHONE TRICK #4 – AUTHENTICATOR

If you’ve accidentally given up your password, it’s not the end of the world – as long as your online accounts also require a special authentication code to log in.

You’ve probably had these coming via SMS, but you can also get them via an app.

Authenticator codes from an app are far safer than the ones that come over text, because SMS messages are more easily hacked.

And your iPhone has an authenticator code generator built in as standard.

Go into the account settings for an app, then choose the option to add two-factor verification.

Apple

You can view your log-in codes inside the Codes section of the new Passwords app[/caption]

Then scan the code with your iPhone camera, and Apple’s iCloud Keychain will suggest adding it to your account.

Then when you sign in, iCloud Keychain will automatically fill in the code for you.

You can also manually add it by going into the Passwords app, and looking under the Codes tab.

Then if you ever accidentally give up your password to an account, crooks still won’t be able to log in.

IPHONE TRICK #5 – CALL BLOCKING

There are lots of apps that maintain giant lists of phone numbers that are known to be spam or scams.

And your iPhone can use these apps to automatically block calls from these numbers.

First, go to the Apple App Store in the UK, and download some call identification apps, like Truecaller or Whoscall.

Then go to Settings > Apps > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification. This will only appear if you’ve installed some ID apps.

The Sun / Apple

Truecaller is a popular app that maintains a list of dodgy phone numbers – and IDs them as scammers for you[/caption]

The Sun / Apple

Once you have a Call ID app, a new feature will appear in your Phone settings[/caption]

The Sun / Apple

You can turn on multiple Call ID apps at once[/caption]

Now, choose Silence Junk Callers, which will silence calls identified by your phone network as potential spam or fraud. This option may not appear if your phone network hasn’t activated it.

Then activate any Call Identification apps that you’ve installed.

ANDROID TRICK #1 – SCAM DETECTION

Millions of Android phones now have a feature called Scam Detection inside Google Messages.

Make sure to update to the latest version of Android.

Google

Google Messages has a special feature that exposes text scams live as they’re happening[/caption]

Then when you’re receiving texts, AI on your phone will scan your texts to look for “suspicious” signs that you’re being scammed.

It only works on conversations with non-contacts, and your texts won’t be send to Google (unless you report the conversation).

You’ll see it working if a big red alert pops up that says “Likely Scam” – and then you’ll be able report and block the sender.

ANDROID TRICK #2 – APP SCANNER

Dodgy apps are another way criminals will try to scam you.

Google

Google Play Protect can save you from scam apps if if you’ve downloaded them from outside of Google’s official store[/caption]

These apps might even seem legitimate, but they’re actually silently harvesting your info or money in the background.

Google automatically scans the apps you download from its Play Store – but often the most dangerous apps come are ones that you’ve installed from elsewhere.

Go to the Google Play Store > Profile > Play Protect > Settings > Improve Harmful App Detection and turn it on.

This will let Google scan apps that you’ve downloaded from outside of its own Play Store, potentially spotting scam apps that you’ve installed. Then you’ll get the warnings and can delete them from your phone.

ANDROID TRICK #3 – CALL BLOCKING

One option is to outright block calls from unknown numbers.

Just go to Phone > More > Settings > Blocked Numbers > Unknown, which blocks calls from private or unidentified numbers. You’ll still get calls from phone numbers not stored in your contacts though.

And like iPhone, you can also use spam-busting apps to identify scam callers too.

Just download an app like Hiya or Truecaller, both of which maintain giant lists of known spammers and scammers.

That way, you can easily avoid dodgy calls.

ANDROID TRICK #4 – AUTHENTICATOR

Like with iPhone, Android phones also have a way to serve up log-in codes.

These give you an extra layer of protection on top of your password – and they’re safer than the ones you get via text.

On Android, the standard option is the Google Authenticator app.

Google

Google’s Authenticator app is a safer way to log in vs SMS text codes[/caption]

It’s totally free and will generate log-in codes for apps and websites whenever you need them.

That way, even if you accidentally give your password to a scammer, you’ll still be protected.

ANDROID TRICK #5 – ADVANCED PROTECTION MODE

The iPhone’s Lockdown Mode doesn’t exist on Android – but there’s something very similar called Advanced Protection Mode.

You’ll need to update to the latest Android 16 software (just go to Settings > System > Software Update and follow the instructions).

Google

You can find Advanced Protection inside your Android phone’s security settings[/caption]

Google

Advanced Protection gives you an extra layer of safety compared to regular users[/caption]

It’s designed for VIPs who might be targeted by crooks – like celebs or politicians – but anyone can use it for free.

If you toggle the button on, it’ll activate a long list of hardcore security features to help you dodge scams and boost your security.

That includes preventing your phone from being hacked by a physical cable, using AI to detect scam calls live as they’re happening, saving you from unsafe Wi-Fi, and blocking you from unsafe websites and apps.

You’ll find it in Settings > Google > Personal & Device Safety > Advanced Protection > Device Protection.

Google

It turns on a Scam Detection feature built to save you from crooks during phone calls. This feature is still rolling out, so you may not see it on your device yet[/caption]

Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories: Sara Duterte won’t attend Marcos’ 4th Sona, says House Sec Gen Vice President Sara Duterte will not attend President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28. House Secretary General Reginald Velasco gave the information during a briefing at the Batasang Pambansa

THE face of humans’ most mysterious ancestor has finally been uncovered after 217,000 years.

The discovery proves that the ‘Dragon Man’ of China is indeed a Denisovan, a long lost ancestral species.

Xijun Ni

The fossil, which is at least 146,000 years old, reveals Denisovan’s had a prominent brow ridge and a brain as large as modern humans and Neanderthals[/caption]

It is the first time a near-complete skull has been definitively linked to the extinct people.

The fossil, which is at least 146,000 years old, reveals Denisovans had a prominent brow ridge and a brain as large as modern humans and Neanderthals.

They even had more modern features, like delicate cheekbones.

Their relatively flat lower face doesn’t jut out like it does in other primates and more ancient hominins.

The massive size of the skull also suggests a very large body, which could have helped it survive brutal winters in northeastern China.

“Having a well-preserved skull like this one allows us to compare the Denisovans to many more different specimens found in very different places,” paleoanthropologist Bence Viola of the University of Toronto, who was not involved in the new study, told National Geographic.

“This means we might be able to compare their body proportions and start thinking about their adaptations to climate, for example.” 

Scientists have long speculated about the appearance of the mysterious Denisovans.

Other bones relating to the ancient ancestor have been discovered over the decades, such as a robust jawbone found off the coast of Taiwan in the 2000s which was recently attributed to the Denisovans.

But none more intact than the ‘Dragon Man’ or ‘Harbin skull’.

A finger bone found in Denisova Cave, Siberia, in 2010 was the first example of the elusive Denisovans – and where they got their unofficial name.

“It’s really exciting to finally have Denisovan DNA from a nearly complete cranium,” Janet Kelso, a computational biologist at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany, told Nature.

“We finally have some insights into the cranial morphology of the Denisovans.”

Yousuke Kaifu

Other bones relating to the ancient ancestor have been discovered over the decades, such as a robust jawbone found off the coast of Taiwan in the 2000s which was recently attributed to the Denisovans[/caption]

In 2021, a team of Chinese researchers made the controversial claim that a bizarre skull they had found could belong to a previously unknown species.

They dubbed this unknown species Homo longi, nicknamed ‘Dragon Man’, inspired by the Long Jiang Dragon River region where the skull was found.

The fossil is believed to have been hidden by a Chinese labourer for 85 years, before the man’s grandson handed the specimen to Qiang Ji, a palaeontologist at Hebei GEO University in Shijiazhuang in 2018.

Ji, who co-authored the original Homo longi paper, suspects the man discovered the artefact himself but failed to report it to authorities.

The grandson claimed the fossil was unearthed the fossil in 1933 during bridge-construction work over the Long Jiang river.

The construction worker then supposedly buried it in an abandoned well, where it remained until a deathbed confession.

When Ji published his findings in 2021, Qiaomei Fu of the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology in Beijing – who worked on the very first Denisovan DNA from the Siberian finger bone – wanted to see if they shared any ancient molecules.

Ji and Fu’s team first attempted to extract ancient DNA from a part of the skull called the petrous bone in the inner ear – where DNA might survive after 146,000 years – and from an attached tooth.

They didn’t recover any genetic material.

But what they did find was sequence fragments from 95 ancient proteins from the petrous samples.

One protein sequence from the Dragon Man fossil was identical to that of a protein from the Siberian finger bone, as well as Denisovan bones from Tibet and Taiwan, the experts reveal in two papers published in the journals Science and Cell this week.

This protein sequence differed from modern humans and Neanderthals – suggesting the man was likely a Denisovan.

“After 15 years, we give the Denisovan a face,” said Fu. “It’s really a special feeling, I feel really happy.”

It is understood the new species will adopt the Homo longi name, like we humans are Homo sapiens.

Chuang Zhao

The massive size of the skull also suggests a very large body, which could have helped it survive brutal winters in northeastern China[/caption]

John Bavaro Fine Art / Science Photo Library

It is understood the new species will adopt the Homo longi name, like we humans are Homo sapiens[/caption]

LEE Ryan has announced he’s set to be a dad for the SIXTH time.

The Blue singer, 42, shared the happy news on his TikTok page, revealing that his wife Verity is pregnant with their fourth child.

@leeryanmusic/TikTok

Getty

The Blue singer revealed that his wife Verity is pregnant with their fourth child[/caption]

Lee posted a photo of him tenderly cradling his wife’s blossoming baby bump.

Verity showed off her growing stomach in a fuchsia pink satin dress.

Lee captioned it: “‘Oooops we did it again’ baby number four on the way to add to our lovely little family!

“Another vibe to join the tribe we are truly grateful. Ps… Check out little Elton John by the piano.”

His fans were delighted for the star and took to the comment section to congratulate the pair on their growing brood.

One cheekily wrote: “Congratulations mate. I think you need to get a TV in your bedroom lol.”

A second joked: “Lee Ryan will repopulate the world. Congratulations you both.”

Another quipped: “Starting your own band mate. Congratulation.”

In 2023, Lee announced that he was expecting his fifth child and his third with Verity.

At the time he shared the news on Blue’s Twitter account, writing: “Me and my wife, Verity, are very pleased to announce our new baby, that will be born this year.”

He jokingly added: “The news came out of the blue. I found out on my 40th birthday! What a present from god.”

He added: “The rest of the boys are thrilled for the couple!”

Lee is already dad to Bluebell, 16, with his ex-girlfriend Jessica Keevil and a son Rayn with former fiancé Samantha Miller, who was born in 2008.

He shared three children with Verity.

Lee shocked fans in November 2022 when he revealed he’d secretly had a little girl.

The couple had another child together before that.

Lee and Verity, an Ariana Grande lookalike, tied the knot in secret in May 2022 in Gibraltar.

He said: “I met someone finally who loves and supports me in everything I do.

“Verity is a beautiful, strong and loving woman who I treasure. And I’m a lucky man to have such a wonderful mother for my child, and now wife, in her.

“I’ve never been more calm and grounded and I have Verity to thank for that. I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my life because of the
wonderful family life I now have.”

Stunning Verity is a talented singer who appeared on X Factor in 2009 – and even turned her talent into a career when she worked as an Ariana Grande lookalike and impersonator.

Getty

Portrait of the members of British Pop group Blue, early 2000s. Pictured are, from left, Simon Webbe, Duncan James, Lee Ryan, and Antony Costa. (Photo by Tim Roney/Getty Images)[/caption]