Blogs

A FORMER Wimbledon champion resurfaced in a viral ad alongside Rafael Nadal.

The Australian superstar was the No1 tennis player in the world and reigned at the All England Club in 2021.

YouTube/Kia Australia

YouTube/Kia Australia

Getty

She then followed it up by winning her home Grand Slam in January 2022.

But Ash Barty, 29, stunned the sporting world when she suddenly retired from tennis two months later at the top of the game.

She has kept a low profile since, getting married to golfer Garry Kissick and welcoming the second of her two children last week, a daughter called Jordan.

Now, though, after three years out of the public spotlight, Barty made a shock comeback.

She stars in a hilarious 90-second commercial for car manufacturer Kia to promote their new pick-up truck, the Kia Tasman.

Barty plays the role of Tasman Town’s newest resident after buying a fixer-upper crumbling old house in the countryside.

She then calls in a load of ‘tradies’ to get the pad in shape – with Australian sporting heroes including Erin Phillips, Peter Daicos, Dane Swan, Jason Gillespie, Buddy Franklin, Alexander Volkanovski, Dylan Alcott and Pat Rafter all arriving on site in their Kia Tasmans.

Two-time Wimbledon finalist Rafter – naturally – is in charge of the turf with his company ‘Best On Grass’.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS

But when they spot the roof is in need of repairs, recently-retired Nadal is called in, having been sponsored by Kia for many years.

And the Spaniard – dubbed Rafa’s Roofs – hilariously picked up the video call on his phone and left Australians in stitches with his cameo and response.

He said: “I am flat out.”

Then leaning in towards the camera, he asked: “Is it a cashie?” – Aussie slang for an under-the-table cash-in-hand job.

Like Nadal, Barty won the French Open – albeit just the once in 2019.

That came just two years after she returned to tennis’ majors following a two-year absence from the biggest tournaments as she took a break from the sport – and even played semi-pro cricket.

Since hanging up her racquet for good, the Queensland queen has even played in pro golf tournaments as well as having her two children.

Barty was a pundit for the BBC at Wimbledon last year and proved a popular addition – but the timing of Jordan’s recent arrival may rule her out of 2025’s tournament.

YouTube/Kia Australia

YouTube/Kia Australia

In the commercial she buys a fixer-upper house[/caption]

YouTube/Kia Australia

The tradies arrive in their new Kia Tasman trucks[/caption]

YouTube/Kia Australia

Pat Rafter’s company is called Best On Grass following his Wimbledon exploits[/caption]

WWE star Lexis King showed off his incredible body transformation after losing more than 10kg.

The wrestler shared the secrets behind his success as fans were left stunned by the weight loss.

King has undergone a rapid change – shedding more than 10kg in just six weeks.

He took to X to share a photo of his slim figure, showing off his six-pack in front of the mirror.

King christened himself a new nickname with the caption: “I lost 23 pounds in 6 weeks!

“You all can now refer to me as “Skinny Lexis” ”

The WWE NXT star revealed he lost the pounds by quitting cannabis and using nicotine product Zyn instead.

Fans were left impressed by the effort, with one commenting: “Awesome work Lexis!”

Another added: “Looking good, brother.”

A third wrote: “Lean Lexis ”

BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS

And another said: “You look amazing!!”

King last fought at the June 13 NXT live event, partnering Trick Williams in a defeat to tag team champions Hank Walker and Tank Ledger.

LOGICALLY speaking, this racing game is a biological sport — it’s all down to breeding.

And CHARLES DARWIN (2.30) is bred to  be one of the elite.
He’s a son of brilliant sprinter No Nay Never and a brother to Blackbeard, who was fourth in the Coventry  as a two-year-old and won the Group 1 Middle Park at three.

Shutterstock Editorial

Ryan Moore talks through his rides on day three at Ascot[/caption]

Charles Darwin has three runs under his belt, which is a big help coming to a stage like Royal Ascot. He won his last two starts pretty comfortably and  sets the standard for this five-furlong dash.

I had the choice of SERIOUS CONTENDER (3.05), Propose and Light As Air in the King Charles Stakes. They are all nice sorts but I decided on Serious Contender who has been put away since winning at Leopardstown on his reappearance this season. He’s in good shape.

Light Of Air was probably unlucky not to beat Serious Contender the last time at Leopardstown and the step up in trip will suit him.

In the Ribblesdale, I’m on GARDEN OF EDEN (3.40) who won a Listed race at Naas and is a tough filly who will be suited by the step up in trip.

She found plenty for pressure and showed a good attitude, so I’m looking forward to getting back on her. Stablemate Ecstatic is a likeable filly too. She’s got lots of ability and we’re yet to see the best of her.

Hopefully, ILLINOIS (4.20) can prove to be a good replacement for Kyprios in the Gold Cup.

Illinois has never gone this far but I’ve won it on a couple of four-year-olds who came into the race with the same  profile. He won the Queen’s Vase here last year, is a winner of the St Leger, won well at Longchamp on his final start last season and then made a winning return at Chester this year. He gives every impression he’ll stay and likes quick ground.

Candelaria is another four-year-old who is open to improvement, while Trawlerman has been here and got the T-shirt so is a solid challenger.

It’s not quite as hot as it can get in the SERENGETI (5.00) but he takes his chance in the Ascot Stakes. He made the running in the French Guineas but faded. This is a drop in class but it’s hard to know his level.

TRINITY COLLEGE (5.35)  comes into this meeting off the back of a very good fourth in the French Derby and has  every chance of winning this on all known form.

Detain finished just ahead of him in that, so is a worthy favourite.  Reyenzi is  an outsider to look out for.

I’m riding ROI DE FRANCE (6.10) for John Gosden in the last. He’s got to carry plenty of weight but has run well in some very hot handicaps. He is capable of making the frame.

Ryan Moore is a World Pool ambassador

FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.

---

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chases their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

MEGAN McKenna looked incredible in a black bikini as she showed off her post baby body eight months after giving birth.

The media personality, 32, who welcomed her son Landon in October, slipped into a two-piece for her

Instagram

Charlotte Wise Photography

Megan flashed a big smile in a clip she shared with her fans on social media.

She showed off her toned figure while wearing a straw hat and gold earrings.

Megan, who got married to footballer Oliver Burke earlier this month, are currently on their honeymoon at an sunkissed resort.

The TV star has been keeping fans updated on their family holiday, with snaps of beach days, yacht outings and cute pictures of her son.

Wedded bliss

The newlyweds tied the knot in a romantic ceremony at Grantley Hall in North Yorkshire, which was planned by Daisy Amodio Events.

Since her big day, Megan, 32, has been sharing lots of pictures of herself in her stunning white bridal gown.

She shared a montage which included lots of clips of Megan looking breathtaking in her stunning gown.

In a sweet moment the camera panned to Oliver as he watched his bride walk down the aisle.

The groom could be seen looking emotional as he wiped away a tear.

The reality star wore a silk mikado ballgown with a pleated skirt, a sweeping train, and a corset bodice.

Megan then changed into a second gown, wearing a evening dress with a square neckline and pleated overskirt at the back.

Oliver looked dapper in a black morning suit and a crisp white shirt.

The new bride held a huge white bouquet of flowers and smiled from ear to ear as she leaned in for a kiss with Oliver.

He then sweetly pecked his wife on the cheek in the black and white photo.

The former Towie star captioned the post: “Mr & Mrs Burke.”

Megan and Oliver’s big day comes eight months after they welcomed their first child together.

The star gave birth to a son named Landon in Germany on October 7.

Charlotte Wise Photography

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III has made it clear to police commanders that they should not “hide in their offices” and instead “be seen by the community.” This came in a statement on Thursday after the law enforcement agency had a command conference focused on its five-minute response

MANILA, Philippines – Despite innovations and improvements such as early voting hours and the presence of priority lanes, senior citizens still faced challenges during the 2025 midterm elections, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said on Thursday. In a post-election evaluation held Tuesday by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) – Vulnerable Sectors’ Office,

A KNIFE-wielding attacker stormed disgraced influencer Andrew Tate’s compound in Romania before stabbing a 53-year-old employee.

The knifeman trespassed on Tate’s property at around 2pm local time before injuring the worker in the arm, according to a police investigation.

AP

A worker on Andrew Tate’s Romanian compound has been stabbed[/caption]

The attacker, who was later arrested by police, is understood to be a Ukrainian national, ProTV reported.

A source told the news outlet: “The victim was assaulted with a sharp object, and after the attack, the assailant was initially released after offering a vague explanation regarding a trivial conflict and complaints about noise.”

The worker received medical care shortly after he was attacked.

Later on the same day, the attacker reportedly returned to Tate’s property and attempted to enter the compound for a second time.

The self-proclaimed misogynist’s security team noticed him and alerted the police again, who quickly intervened and detained the aggressor.

More to follow… For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos.

Like us on Facebook at TheSunUS and follow us on X at @TheUSSun

A HOMEOWNER has shamed their neighbour for having the most “disgusting” pool ever. 

Not only has it been hailed as “a breeding ground for mosquitos”, but it’s even got dead animals floating in it too.

reddit/Wellthatsucks

A homeowner has slammed their neighbour for their “disgusting” pool which is so grim it even has dead animals floating in it[/caption]

So if you thought your neighbours’ garden was bad, you’ve come to the right place and may want to think again.

Fed up with having to look at their neighbour’s “stock tank” of “stagnant water”, the anonymous user took to social media to expose a snap of the jaw-dropping “pool”.

Posting on Reddit, on the r/Wellthatsucks forum under the username @kp33ze, the anonymous user uploaded a picture of their neighbour’s pool from their kitchen window, leaving many totally stunned.

The image was shared with a caption that read: “This is my neighbour’s disgusting pool. Squirrel drowned in it today..” 

The author then wrote: “My neighbour’s sad state of a pool, been like that for nearly three years. 

“Today I saw something moving in it…first I thought it was some sort of fish, but nope it was a squirrel that fell in. 

“Went over and let my neighbour know but by the time she got back there the squirrel was dead. She took it out and just left it behind the pool…”

Disgusted by the revolting “pool”, the user continued: “I asked her to drain it, cover it or at least put something in there to let animals climb out if they fall in. 

“But nope, she didn’t want to “scratch” the bottom and she is moving out in a couple days… so not her problem. What a charming person she was.

“Anyways. I sent a message to the city, hoping they will send someone, but who knows.” 

Horrified by the eyesore, the author later wrote: “That’s the view from MY kitchen window. I wouldn’t really call it a garden, it’s a neglected wasteland.

“They have let their place fall into ruin over the last four years. It’s a shame because in this area that back yard is super desirable.”

I talked to her, she was very much a “not my problem” kind of attitude

Reddit poster

The user confirmed that the rest of the gardens in the road are “much better”, with many neighbours contributing “to keeping the place tidy.”

Fed up with the shocking smell, the author also snapped: “Smells from dead animals aren’t contained to one person’s property. Smells can cross property lines.”

Reddit users were left gasping by the grim “pool” and many eagerly raced to the comments to share their thoughts. 

One person said: “That’s a stock tank. I’ve seen them used for pools, but… that’s a cup of s**t tea.” 

Another added: “Swimming pool? No, that’s a giant petri dish.” 

That entire yard is a code violation

Reddit poster

A third commented: “That’s a breeding ground for mosquitos.”

Someone else agreed and penned: “That’s a mosquito factory.”

Meanwhile, another user gasped: “That entire yard is a code violation.” 

But despite this, one shocked person questioned: “Why don’t you help them clean it then? What happened to the sense of community? 

“This is your neighbour. People don’t care about each other anymore, they just post online to complain about it.”

To this, the Reddit author replied: “I talked to her, she was very much a “not my problem” kind of attitude. And I won’t go onto their property without their permission. So, not really an option.” 

As well as this, another asked: “Why not worry about yourself? Instead of telling your neighbors what to do on their own private property.”

In response, the Reddit author responded and simply confirmed: “Because dead animals in their pool stink. And then I smell that smell.” 

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

JUST moments earlier Cher Maximen had been laughing and dancing with her three-year-old daughter, Niketa.

But lying on the pavement in the middle of the carnival the mum was now fighting for her life as she bled out.

HotSpot Media

HotSpot Media

Horrific bodycam footage caught the moment she was caught in the scuffle[/caption]

HotSpot Media

After a fight broke out between some men, amid the scuffle, the mum-of-one was stabbed in the groin.

And her grandmother, Vyleen, 68, received the devastating call that she was fighting for her life in hospital.

Tragically, six days later, the 32-year-old passed away from her injuries.

In May this year, Shakeil Thibou, 20, was found guilty of her murder and handed a 29 year sentence. 

Now, grandmother of seven, Vyleen, is raising awareness of knife crime and calling for Notting Hill Carnival to be moved to a secure spot. 

She says: “Cher had her whole life ahead of her with Niketa.

“It was snatched away from her because of senseless violence.

“That monster hasn’t shown an ounce of remorse for taking her life and leaving Niketa motherless.

“No child should have to witness their mother dying in front of them.

“It’s horrific.

“Now I want to see the carnival moved to a park or area that can be monitored or controlled better, so thugs cannot commit these horrific crimes and slip away, unnoticed, into the crowd.”

Since he was a child, Cher had attended the annual summer carnival, celebrating her Caribbean heritage.

A clothes designer and part-time model, she loved to showcase her latest creations.

Vyleen, from Bristol, says: “Cher had dreams of starting her own fashion label.

“She loved going to the carnival each year and covering her hair and face in glitter.

“She’d always have some whacky costume, too.

“The year before she’d worn a cat suit and shiny Dr Martens.”

Last summer, Cher decided to take her daughter, Niketa, for the first time on the carnival’s family day.

HotSpot Media

In May this year, Shakeil Thibou, 20, was found guilty of her murder and handed a 29 year sentence[/caption]

HotSpot Media

Shaeim Thibou, 22, was found guilty of assaulting an emergency worker, PC Oliver Mort and given an 18-month suspended sentence[/caption]

HotSpot Media

Sheldon Thibou was found guilty of violent disorder[/caption]

HotSpot Media

The bodycam footage was played in court helping to secure a guilty verdict[/caption]

Vyleen recalls: “She was so excited to show Niketa the performers and celebrate the culture.”

When Vyleen’s phone rang that night, it wasn’t Cher’s voice on the other end.

She explains: “I answered, thinking it was her calling as her ID flashed up, but it was a nurse.

“When she told me Cher’d been injured, I panicked.”

Vyleen raced to the St Mary’s Hospital in London where a police officer informed her Cher had been stabbed in the groin at the carnival with her attacker still at large.

Thankfully, Niketa was unharmed and being cared for by her godmother, TJ, 39.

Vyleen says: “Soon after a consultant appeared and explained that Cher had lost a lot of blood and that they were trying to stabilise her.

“When the nurse took me in to see her I broke down seeing her hooked up to multiple machines.”

Over the next 24 hours, Cher underwent two major operations in an attempt to stem the internal bleeding she’d suffered.

During the second, Vyleen was told by the surgeon that she might not make it.

Afterwards, she was induced into a coma and hooked up to a ventilator.

Vyleen says: “I was told she’d suffered enormous injuries but that they’d do everything in their power to save her.

“I prayed she’d pull through.”

Meanwhile, her liaison officer informed her that they’d arrested three men, but couldn’t tell her anymore.

Over the next few days, while family members rallied around, Vyleen begged her granddaughter to wake up.

Eventually, six days on from the attack, she was told Cher wouldn’t survive.

She says: “The consultant told me she had no quality of life, that her brain had been starved of oxygen for too long.

“Still, his words didn’t sink in. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye.”

That day family members came to be with Cher and at 5:50am, Cher took her last breath.

Vyleen says: “It still didn’t seem real.

“That night, TJ broke the news to Niketa and I went to see her the next morning.

“She was staring into the distance. Was so traumatised by what she’d witnessed.

Facebook

Cher had been attending the carnival since she was a chold[/caption]

PA

Vyleen is now trying to raise awareness of knife crime[/caption]

HotSpot Media

The family keep a cardboard cut out of Cher in their home to keep her memory alive for Niketa[/caption]

“When she told me ‘Mummy was bleeding and I couldn’t save her’, I had to fight back tears. I told her ‘You were so brave and your mummy loves you so much’. 

“My heart broke for her.”

Vyleen took Niketa back to live with her in Bristol and planned Cher’s funeral.

Soon after, three brothers were charged in connection with Cher’s murder.

Two months on, in October 2024, the family held her funeral.

Vyleen says: “She was taken to the church in a horse and cart.

“The church was so full, some people had to stand outside.

“It was lovely to see how many lives Cher had touched.

Her beautiful spirit lives on in her precious daughter

Vyleen Maximen

“As they carried her out, Diamonds by Rihanna was played.It was a fitting tribute.

“When we reached the grave to lay roses inside, Niketa broke down.

“Knowing she’d never see her mum again made my heart ache. It wasn’t fair.”

In March this year Vyleen attended the Thibou brothers’ trial.

The Old Bailey heard that a fight had broken out between some men, and officers intervened when they spotted one, Sheldon Thibou, 25, had an illegal stun gun.

The officer was assaulted and in the scuffle, Cher was knocked to the floor.

She grabbed one of the brother’s coats to get back up and kicked out at him to defend her and Niketa.

That’s when Shakeil Thibou, 20, pulled out a knife and stabbed her in the groin.

She fell down and bled out in front of Niketa.

Six weeks on, Shakeil was found guilty of murder, attempted GBH on 20-year-old Adjei Isaac with intent and possession of an offensive weapon.

Vyleen says: “When the judge sentenced him to a minimum of 29 years, I broke down in relief.

“I had justice for my girl at last.”

Shaeim Thibou, 22, was found guilty of assaulting an emergency worker, PC Oliver Mort and given an 18-month suspended sentence.

Sheldon Thibou was found guilty of violent disorder. He had previously pleaded guilty to the possession of an illegal stun gun and assaulting PC Mort, who tried to intervene.

He’s due to be sentenced at a later date.

Vyleen adds: “I’m now using my voice to speak out against knife crime.

“I didn’t even hear from the organisers of the carnival following Cher’s death.

“It’s appalling.

“I would like the carnival to be better monitored so other innocent lives are protected.

“As for Niketa, now four, I was granted guardianship.  She’s the bravest little girl.

“We keep a life-sized cut out of Cher in the hallway, so every time she comes home, she sees her mum.

“We talk about her constantly and miss her every day.

“Thankfully, her beautiful spirit lives on in her precious daughter.”

HotSpot Media

Vyleen says that she misses her granddaughter every day[/caption]

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has summoned the owner and driver of the van involved in a fatal road crash in Tagaytay City that led to the deaths of three people, including a pregnant woman. LTO Chief Vigor D. Mendoza II stated on Thursday that the show cause order against the owner