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Newcastle ready to offer Marcus Rashford perfect platform to reignite career and escape Man Utd woes

NEWCASTLE want to rescue Marcus Rashford from his limbo at Manchester United.

The Magpies are ready to offer the England striker Champions League football following his Aston Villa loan.

Marcus Rashford in action during a soccer match.
Alamy
The Toon could help Marcus Rashford achieve the big season he needs to revitalise his fortunes at both club and country level[/caption]
Eddie Howe, Newcastle United manager, celebrating.
Eddie Howe is pondering a swoop for Man Utd’s Rashford
Getty

Rashford’s dream destination is believed to be Barcelona.

But the Spanish giants have never firmed up their interest in the 27-year-old.

And SunSport can reveal Newcastle are confident they can provide Rashford with an ideal stage to rebuild his career.

Toon boss Eddie Howe expects to keep £160million-rated Arsenal target Alexander Isak.

And far from being a replacement for the 25-year-old Swede, Newcastle see Rashford as an ideal player to rotate him with.

It’s understood the Magpies fancy a year-long loan deal for the 62-cap star.

But Old Trafford chiefs would prefer a permanent exit.

And anny chance of Rashford slotting back in at United appear slim, even though he is under contract until 2028.

Marcus Rashford's Aston Villa 2024-25 season statistics.
His overall Prem stats last season improved after a switch to Villa
Marcus Rashford reacts after missing a goal.
AFP
Rashford appears certain to move on from Old Trafford[/caption]

The Mancunian netted in Ruben Amorim‘s first two games in charge last November.

But Rashford last played for the Red Devils on December 12.

And after dropping out of their matchday squad completely, he joined Villa in January for the rest of the season.

He looked to be reviving his fortunes, notching four goals and six assists in 17 games for Unai Emery‘s men

But Rashford is keen on returning to a Champions League platform next term.

And ahead of their campaign in Europe’s to domestic cup competition, Newcastle need to strengthen up top.

Callum Wilson, 33, is being monitored by Everton and Saudi clubs, although he could yet stay at St James’ Park.

And Chelsea won the £30m race for Ipswich frontman Liam Delap.

So a swoop for a player of Rashford’s experience – not to mention his desperation to impress ahead of the 2026 World Cup –  could suit both parties.

Alexander Isak of Newcastle United kicking a soccer ball.
Alamy
The Magpies expect to keep main frontman Alexander Isak[/caption]

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My hardware shop survived two world wars, recessions & Covid – now Rachel Reeves has KO’d it after 160 years

Collage of a modern and historical photo of W.H. Mogford & Son, a shop, with a photo of a woman.

FOR 160 years Mogford & Son has been a trusty ­hardware shop just like the one seen in the Two ­Ronnies’ famous “fork handles” sketch. 

But running a small ­independent shop has become no laughing ­matter for its ­current owner Paul Gillam. 

Shop owner standing in front of his hardware store.
Jon Rowley
After 160 years, surviving two world wars and Covid, rising costs have sounded the death knell for Mogford & Son[/caption]
Black and white photo of W.H. Mogford & Son hardware store in Bristol, England in the 1920s.
Jon Rowley
A snap of W.H Mogfrod & Son taken in 1920[/caption]
Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, speaking at a forum.
AP
Current owner Paul Gillam has blamed rising costs, including Rachel Reeves’ National Insurance hike, for having to shutter the store for good[/caption]

Because of a tsunami of rising costs, including Rachel Reeves’ employer National Insurance increase, Paul, 57, has been forced to call it a day.

At the end of September Mogford — one of Britain’s oldest shops — will close its doors for the final time. 

Queen Victoria was on the throne in the 1860s when businessman WH Mogford first opened his ironmongers store on the high street in Westbury-on-Trym, north Bristol. 

This Aladdin’s cave has survived two world wars, the Great Depression, recessions and Covid but the current owner has had to make the heartbreaking decision to stop trading. 

Close to tears, Paul told The Sun: “I’m working seven days a week but things have got more expensive. From staffing costs to National Insurance and bank charges. 

“The car park up the road has started to charge £2, so people can no longer park for free, because the council is short of cash. My business rates keep going up.  

“It’s been a hard decision but I can’t carry on.” 

Standing at the till, Paul is surrounded by thousands of objects for the home, from bamboo and compost to jubilee clips and, of course, ­candles. 

He has a wry smile as he poses with four candles, like shopkeeper Ronnie Corbett in the famous TV sketch, but he looks sad as he surveys his stock. 

There are house numbers, bolts, rabbit food and aquarium cleaners all stacked neatly on shelving that has carried everything the local community could want for the past century and a half. 

Paul’s wife Babs, 55, who has been working in the shop since two staff retired recently, not to be replaced, says: “The Government say they want to keep High Streets open but then all the banks close.

“Then the car parks start charging, then the shops close. People end up going online or to one of the big retailers.” 

The car park up the road has started to charge £2, so people can no longer park for free, because the council is short of cash. My business rates keep going up.

Paul

To try to counter the online threat, Paul’s shop has a Facebook page and offers a delivery service. 

He charges £1 for anything under £20 and free delivery on orders over 20 quid. 

Paul makes just £1.60 on a bag of compost and in 30 years of working at Mogford he has never increased all his prices at once to keep pace with inflation. 

He raises prices as little as possible and he reluctantly puts a £3 limit on the card machine because of the cost of using it. 

Paul would have liked his daughter Sophie and grandson James to take over but he decided they would be better off in jobs with a future

Paul remembers walking past Mogford’s shop as a boy. He says: “There was everything round here. 

“Clothes shops, shoe shops, butchers, fishmongers, greengrocers. You could get every single thing you wanted.” 

He points across the road to the shops that have closed down — a newsagent’s, a women’s accessories shop and a shoe repair bar. 

He says: “When Covid happened, we were considered an essential business. 

I will close the doors with a heavy heart

Paul

“We extended our hours, opening at 6am and not closing until 9pm because our footfall went up so much with ­people working from home, and we wanted to help.” 

When The Sun visited, all morning there was a steady stream of customers coming in to buy goods from washers to dog bowls, super glue to carpet cleaner. 

Paul knows most of them by name and all seem upset that the shop will be gone in just ten weeks’ time. 

They say it’s the latest nail in the coffin for their High Street and they don’t know what they’ll do when Paul locks up for the final time. 

He says: “I will close the doors with a heavy heart. 

“It’s not for lack of trying either but there’s simply nothing I can do. I’m breaking even and have been for a while, so I’ve been left with no choice.” 

A shop owner stands in his hardware store, holding candles.
Jon Rowley
Paul told The Sun: ‘I’m working seven days a week but things have got more expensive. From staffing costs to National Insurance and bank charges’[/caption]
A hardware store owner helps a customer.
Jon Rowley
Paul knows most of the customers by name, and all seem upset that the shop will be gone in just ten weeks’ time[/caption]

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Lottery results and numbers: Lotto and Thunderball draw tonight, June 18, 2025

THE NATIONAL Lottery results are in and it’s time to find out who has won a life-changing amount of money tonight (June 18, 2025).

Could tonight’s £5.2 million jackpot see you handing in your notice, jetting off to the Bahamas or driving a new Porsche off a garage forecourt?

a lottery ticket that says your numbers on it
Could you win big tonight with the National Lottery?
a glass with the national lottery logo on it
Previous winners have gone on to build mansions and buy islands

You can find out by checking your ticket against tonight’s numbers below. Good luck!

Tonight’s National Lottery Lotto winning numbers are: 08, 15, 31, 38, 44, 49 and the Bonus Ball is 59.

Tonight’s National Lottery Thunderball winning numbers are: 05, 07, 10, 11, 18 and the Thunderball is 02.

The first National Lottery draw was held on November 19 1994 when seven winners shared a jackpot of £5,874,778.

The largest amount ever to be won by a single ticket holder was £42million, won in 1996.

Gareth Bull, a 49-year-old builder, won £41million in November, 2020 and ended up knocking down his bungalow to make way for a luxury manor house with a pool.

TOP 5 BIGGEST LOTTERY WINS ACROSS THE WORLD

  1. £1.308 billion (Powerball) on January 13 2016 in the US, for which three winning tickets were sold, remains history’s biggest lottery prize
  2. £1.267 billion (Mega Million) a winner from South Carolina took their time to come forward to claim their prize in March 2019 not long before the April deadline
  3. £633.76 million (Powerball draw) from a winner from Wisconsin
  4. £625.76 million (Powerball)  Mavis L. Wanczyk of Chicopee, Massachusetts claimed the jackpot in August 2017
  5. £575.53 million (Powerball)  A lucky pair of winners scooped the jackpot in Iowa and New York in October 2018

Sue Davies, 64, bought a lottery ticket to celebrate ending five months of shielding during the pandemic — and won £500,000.

Sandra Devine, 36, accidentally won £300k – she intended to buy her usual £100 National Lottery Scratchcard, but came home with a much bigger prize.

The biggest jackpot ever to be up for grabs was £66million in January last year, which was won by two lucky ticket holders.

Another winner, Karl managed to bag £11million aged just 23 in 1996.

The odds of winning the lottery are estimated to be about one in 14million – BUT you’ve got to be in it to win it.

Sandra Devine and her husband Mike won by chance - can you too?
Sandra Devine and her husband Mike won by chance – can you too?

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Having affair drove me to mental breakdown but I fear I might end up having another one… this time with a man

DEAR DEIDRE: HAVING an extramarital affair – and the devastation it caused – drove me to a mental breakdown.

So why am I flirting with another affair? I don’t understand why I would play with this destructive behaviour again — especially as I know the fallout only too well.

I’m 43, and married with two children. My wife is 40.

Over the last few years, my marriage has been difficult. My wife and I have been arguing a lot, and our sex life has taken a dive.

As a result, I found myself going online and looking at dating sites. I started chatting to a woman — and ended up meeting her for sex.

I’d never been unfaithful to anyone before, and sneaking around and lying affected my mental health. I hated hurting my wife and started to question what sort of person I was.

Eventually I confessed, which was awful. My wife became distraught and made me feel like a failure.

I ended my affair but fell apart. I was unable to eat or sleep, and even felt suicidal. My wife said she still loved me, and wanted me to get better and for us to work.

With help from my GP, and antidepressants, I started to feel better. My wife and I talked a lot, and we started having sex again — although it feels like we’re going through the motions.

But recently, I’ve started to fantasise about having sex with men, which I’ve never done before and don’t understand why the idea of this arouses me so much.

I can’t tell my wife — she wouldn’t understand. But I find myself looking at gay dating sites and checking out men in the street.

I’m worried that I’m going to end up having another affair. Please help.

READ MORE FROM DEAR DEIDRE

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DEIDRE SAYS: It’s encouraging that you recognise how dangerous your behaviour is. This is the first step to making real change.

It sounds like you are questioning your identity. It’s likely your new interest in having sex with men is also a part of this identity crisis.

Please talk to your GP again. Although anti-depressants have helped your depression symptoms, you need help to get to the root of your unhappiness.

Ask about counselling. My support pack, How Counselling Can Help, has more information about this.

Your wife needs to know you’re still unhappy. Ask for her support and think about couple’s counselling, where you can discuss your marriage.

Get in touch with Deidre

Every problem gets a personal reply, usually within 24 hours weekdays.

Send an email to deardeidre@the-sun.co.uk

You can also send a private message on the DearDeidreOfficial Facebook page.

You're Not Alone

EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide

It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.

It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.

And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.

Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.

That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.

The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.

Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.

If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:

FEMALE BOSS IS PUSHING ME OUT OVER MENOPAUSE

DEAR DEIDRE: I BELIEVE I’m being punished for telling my employer I’m going through the menopause.

When I explained my symptoms were affecting my performance, I expected understanding and support. Instead, I’ve been sidelined and treated like a burden.

I’m 47, and last year I started feeling off’ I felt exhausted all the time, had headaches, joint pain and I couldn’t concentrate. After a GP visit and various tests, I was told my symptoms were due to perimenopause.

I decided to open up to my female boss, saying I was getting medical help but I needed her to know I was struggling.

She wasn’t understanding. And since then, I’ve felt she’s trying to push me out.

She’s making me feel undermined and like I’m incompetent.

I don’t want to leave my job but I’m miserable, and losing all my confidence.

DEIDRE SAYS: You’re not alone. Research by the CIPD found two thirds of working women between 40 and 60 with menopausal symptoms said they had a negative impact on them at work.

Naturally, you expected empathy. Instead, it sounds like she’s discriminating against you.

According to the Equality Act 2010, this could be against the law. Talk to your HR department and your trade union rep, if you have one.

Contact ACAS, too, acas.org.uk. It has a section on the menopause.

SHE’S SO YOUNG – DO I MAKE A MOVE?

DEAR DEIDRE: MY feelings for my younger friend have turned sexual – but I’m scared to tell her.

I fear she’ll think I’m much too old for her, and then friendzone me. But I know we’re perfect for each other.

I’m 46 and she’s 23. We’re both single.

We’ve been friends for six months, ever since meeting at a local book group.

We share exactly the same interests and can talk for hours. We speak on the phone every day, and meet up for coffee.

But lately I’ve realised I have romantic feelings for her. I think about her all the time, miss her when I’m not with her and when I’m in bed, I fantasise about her.

I no longer just want to be friends and I know we’d have a brilliant relationship.

However, I’m worried that if I tell her how I feel, she’ll reject me – or worse, that it will ruin our friendship.

DEIDRE SAYS: This is a tricky situation. You don’t want to lose her friendship or to make her think your only interest in her is sexual.

You’re double her age and, despite your interests, have a very different amount of life experience, and a likely power imbalance.

My support pack, Age Gaps – Do They Matter?, explains more.

Age gap relationships sometimes work, but unless she’s given you indication that she has romantic feelings too, I’d err on the side of caution.

DO I TELL SON HE’S AUTISTIC?

DEAR DEIDRE: AFTER years of noticing my son was different, he has finally been diagnosed with autism.

I’m not sure how to tell him, as I’m worried he might not understand. Should I wait until he’s older?

My son is seven, and I’m his 42-year-old mum.

He’s a lovely, bright little boy but he’s always had problems socialising with other kids, and issues at school.

He was late to learn to talk and has always found it hard to cope in noisy environments. His dad and I knew there was something different about him and pushed for a referral, which took over a year.

Now we’ve been told he’s definitely on the autistic spectrum. I can’t fault the NHS or his school, which have both been really supportive.

But he doesn’t know about his diagnosis, and I don’t know how to explain it to him – or if I should.

I don’t want him to think he’s got something wrong with him or to believe that he’ll never amount to anything. I also worry about how it might affect his future, and how other people will treat him.

I’d really appreciate some advice.

DEIDRE SAYS: Your son is already aware he’s different so it’s a good idea to explain his condition to him. If you don’t, he might worry more.

One way to make it simple is to say that people are like smartphones. One type isn’t better than another – they just run on different systems and have their own special features.

So, for example, neurotypical people are iPhones and neurodiverse people, like him, are android phones.

Contact the National Autistic Society (autism.org.uk) to see if there are any local groups where you can meet other people with neurodiverse children.

Read More »

We’ve spent thousands on ‘Mounjaro makeovers’ – it’s the king of fat jabs but it left us with shocking side effect

WITH Mounjaro users shedding nearly double the amount of weight compared to its other counterparts, it’s no wonder the injection is being dubbed the ‘king’ of fat jabs.

But with such drastic results, it’s becoming all too common for users to experience side effects they may never have expected – and when that happens, you get yourself booked in for a £10,000 ‘Mounjaro makeover’.

Woman in black and white striped dress taking a selfie.
Abbie Rose, 28, started taking Mounjaro in December but was stunned at the shocking side effect
Before and after photos of a woman's body following surgery.
Abbie says the fat jab helped her achieve her dream body – but she still had to go under the knife
Abdomen with markings for surgery.
Claire Wilson, stomach pictured, was left with an abundance of loose skin after losing three stone on Mounjaro

After injecting the wonder drug for mere months and watching the weight drop off stone by stone, Brits up and down the country are feeling healthier and sexier.

But when the fat is gone and all but stretched skin remains, many will feel disheartened at not having achieved their dream body with a quick fix.

Mounjaro users are more likely to experience saggy, excess skin compared to those using other brands of fat jabs because of rapid weight loss, according to cosmetic surgeons.

Mum-of-three Claire Wilson was one of them – shedding three stone on Mounjaro, she was left with an abundance of loose skin around her middle, which she just couldn’t stomach. 

She told The Sun how the fat jab completely changed her life when she hit 13st after turning 40.

But it wasn’t the end of her weight loss journey as she’d hoped – and she decided to go under the knife for a £10,000 ‘Mounjaro makeover’ to achieve her dream figure.

The makeover is a combination of cosmetic procedures sought by patients to remove excess skin after rapid weight loss.

Claire had four pounds of flabby skin removed, finally hit her goal weight of 9st and cried with joy when she looked in the mirror for the first time.

The 43-year-old from Swansea told Fabulous: “I’ve spent decades hating my body.

“But I burst into tears the second I saw my new, flat stomach. 

“I used to hate my reflection and looking at myself but the second I had the surgery and saw how different I looked, I just couldn’t believe it. It’s changed my life.”

‘King’ of fat jabs

Mounjaro – dubbed the “King Kong” of weight loss jabs – helped people shed significantly more weight than it’s rival Wegovy, research published in the New England Journal of Medicine found.

Though both drugs were effective for weight loss, Mounjaro not only helped people shed more pounds, but they also lost more inches around their waist.

Mounjaro’s active ingredient is tirzepatide, while Wegovy’s is semaglutide – the same active drug in diabetes jab Ozempic.

One study, by weight loss programme Second Nature, found that Mounjaro users experienced a 21.4% reduction in body weight, while Ozempic patients saw a 11.2% reduction over a 40 week period.

I’ve had three children so like lots of mums I ended up with loose skin but losing weight on Mounjaro it became even more evident.

Claire Wilson

Dr Darren Smith, a New York cosmetic surgeon, explained how the rapid weight loss from Mounjaro can contribute to excess skin laxity.

Explaining the trend, which is rising in popularity in the US, he told his Instagram followers: “The term ‘Mounjaro Makeover’ is increasingly popular, and this is a term I use to describe any combination of operations that we’re performing to help you get rid of extra skin that you’re seeing after weight loss with Mounjaro. 

“In many cases, patients that are using Mounjaro and losing a significant amount of weight over a very short period of time might experience even more significant skin laxity than patients that are doing it with Ozempic. 

“Patients on Mounjaro are often achieving nearly bariatric surgical levels of weight loss, and these patients are having operations similar to those patients after bariatric surgery to get rid of extra skin.”

‘I hated my excess skin’

Claire weighed 13st at her heaviest and while she would have liked to work off her weight gain in the gym, like she had done in the past, she noticed her metabolism slowed down when she hit 40. 

She says: “I’ve gained and lost around three stone three or four times in my life.

“I’d ended up around 13st but I’m only 5ft 2in and when I tried to exercise and diet the weight off this time around, I simply couldn’t.” 

Claire began researching fat jabs and decided to try Mounjaro. 

She added: “I saw so many people on social media losing over 9lbs a week. I was keen to try it for myself.” 

Claire started using the jabs in May 2024 and the weight began to drop away at a rapid rate.

Post-operative abdominal incision with steri-strips.
Mum-of-three Claire, stomach pictured, spent thousands on a ‘Mounjaro Makeover’ and had four pounds of flabby skin chopped off
Before and after photos showing a woman's stomach.
Like Claire, Abbie also had a makeover which consisted of a tummy tuck, muscle repair and liposuction
Woman in floral dress on balcony overlooking pool.
Abbie reveals she was ‘over the moon’ after seeing the results of her makeover

She says: “It was amazing. It totally changed my appetite. I was on a 2.5mg dose to begin with, which went up to 5mg. That was my maximum dose which I’m still on now. It’s a maintenance dose I take every two weeks to keep my appetite low.”

But by September of that year, she noticed that her excess skin was becoming an issue. 

“I’ve had three children so like lots of mums I ended up with loose skin but losing weight on Mounjaro it became even more evident,” she says. 

“I absolutely hated it, which is when I started thinking about a Mounjaro makeover. 

“I spent over £1,000 on Mounjaro and then saved £10,000 to have tummy tuck surgery. 

“I hated the excess skin and what I looked like, my self-esteem was terrible and it affected every area of my life.”

Claire’s surgery last month – after she hit her target weight of nine stone – was the culmination of 13 months of weight loss. 

I’m so happy with the new body I have, getting rid of my flabby tummy has changed my life

Claire Wilson

Her surgeon, Iain Whitaker; professor of Plastic Surgery, and The Welsh Representative on BAAPS Council, performed a “fleur de lys” surgery with a horizontal and vertical incision before removing around 4lbs(1.75kg) of Claire’s excess skin. 

She says: “I couldn’t believe the amount of skin they removed, there was so much, the video (taken by the medical team) was incredible when I first saw it, around 1.75kg of skin was removed. 

“I’ve been in a bit of discomfort but the recovery has been incredible. I’m still bound at the moment to help reduce scarring but then the surgery was only recently. 

“My recovery is ongoing but I’m so happy with the new body I have, getting rid of my flabby tummy has changed my life.”

Claire says she can’t wait to get into a bikini this summer.

She adds: “It’s incredible how much my confidence has changed.

“Having a Mounjaro makeover has completely changed how I feel about myself. I feel sexier than I have in years and have had loads of compliments from friends.”

‘Easy way out’

Meanwhile, Abbie Rose, 28, started taking Mounjaro in December and credits it with helping her achieve her dream body. 

The mum of three from Shropshire says: “I was a size 12 and weighed 11 stone 9lbs.

“I think there can be some negativity around weight loss injections but they’re amazing. 

“I think if they help people and give them their confidence back, that’s amazing.”

But, like Claire, she was left with extra skin around her stomach, so she booked in with Professor Whitaker to help her hit her ideal weight of 9st 7lbs. 

She says: “My Mounjaro makeover consisted of a tummy tuck, muscle repair and liposuction, it was £9,000.

“It was uncomfortable but manageable when it came to the pain and the recovery. I was over the moon when I first saw my results.

The Mounjaro Makeover can remove skin from anywhere with the most common areas being the abdomen, arms, breasts, or thighs – or a combination

Professor Whitaker

“I spent £300 on Mounjaro injections and the Mounjaro makeover isn’t something I went into with my eyes closed.

“I spoke to lots of friends and family about it and they were supportive of my decision and knew it was something I had wanted for a long time, around seven years.”

Claire agrees – despite having received negativity, she says she simply couldn’t have achieved the body she has now by exercise and diet alone. 

She told The Sun: “It’s easy for people to say Mounjaro and Mounjaro makeovers are cheating and are the easy way out.

“But I’ve battled with my weight for years and, thanks to the injections and Professor Whitaker, I’m at the exact weight I want to be, and I have a body I’ve always dreamed of having.”

Professor Whitaker says a patient should be at or near their target weight, with a BMI around 25 or lower, before considering surgery. 

He says: “That ensures the skin is looser and the fat thickness is reduced, which reduces tension on the closure, better blood supply, reduced complications and leads to better results. 

Woman in black off-the-shoulder dress taking a selfie.
She took the plunge once she hit her ideal weight of 9st 7lbs
Woman taking a selfie in a bathroom mirror.
Abbie says her friends and family were supportive of her choice to get the makeover

“Surgery is most successful when the weight is stable. Some people may still have a bit to lose post-surgery, but they’ve already done the hard work.”

He adds: “The hashtag #mounjaromakeover started in the US but like a lot of trends, it’s come to the UK. Now dozens of women have shared their Moujaro makeovers online.” 

Mounjaro is approved for weight loss in the UK, while Ozempic is only approved for type 2 diabetes. 

Gemma Collins and Jeremy Clarkson are two of the Brit stars who have admitted using Mounjaro, while Sharon Osbourne, Amy Schumer and Oprah Winfrey have discussed their Ozempic journeys. 

Prof Whitaker adds: “The Mounjaro Makeover can remove skin from anywhere with the most common areas being the abdomen, arms, breasts, or thighs – or a combination. 

“Each has its pros and cons, but the abdomen is by far the most common and the area I’m asked for when it comes to Mounjaro Makeovers the most.”

Everything you need to know about fat jabs

Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases.

Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK.

Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market.

Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year.

How do they work?

The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight.

They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists.

They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients’ sugar levels are too high.

Can I get them?

NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics.

Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure.

GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss.

Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk.

Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health.

Are there any risks?

Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild.

Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea.

Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at patient.info, said: “One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.”

Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia.

Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients’ mental health.

Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines.

Prof Whitaker says surgery after large weight loss on Mounjaro is honestly the only option. 

“The reality is, once you’ve lost that kind of weight, no matter what anyone says, it’s unlikely you can bring the abdominal muscles back together through physio or exercise alone. And you certainly can’t remove the excess skin without surgery. 

“The idea that injections, lasers, suction, or radiofrequency devices can meaningfully tighten that skin after this volume of weight loss is, frankly, complete nonsense. 

“None of those approaches are effective for the kind of skin laxity we’re talking about here. The only real solution is surgery.”

  • Iain Whitaker is a Professor of Plastic Surgery, and The Welsh Representative on BAAPS Council www.iainwhitaker.com  Instagram @profiainwhitaker

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Violent criminal, 38, jailed for face slashing attacks among 4 prisoners hospitalised after overdose at Mountjoy prison

A VIOLENT criminal serving a lengthy sentence for slashing the faces of a man and a woman in separate blade attacks was hospitalised with three others after overdosing behind bars.

The Irish Sun has learned that thug Jonathan Cummins, 38, was one of the four men who fell gravely ill at Dublin’s Mountjoy Prison on Tuesday evening on the A3 landing after 5pm.

Prison chiefs are now rolling out an information campaign to warn prisoners of the dangers of drugs smuggled into the jail.

Health chiefs are also assisting, while the four men affected have been brought back to custody.

An Irish Prison Service spokesman said: “The Irish Prison Service is working closely with the HSE in response to a number of overdose presentations at the Mountjoy Prison which required hospitalisation on June 17, 2025.

“Extra vigilance is being taken across the prison, and an information campaign for prisoners around the dangers of consuming contraband has commenced.”

Cummins is serving a 16-year sentence after targeting a man and a woman with a knife in one of the busiest hubs in the capital on November 2, 2023.

On the day, he slashed a man across his face from mouth to ear while also attacking another woman and injuring her in Dublin’s north inner city.

He then walked up Moore Lane and pounced on a homeless woman in an unprovoked assault.

The woman – who has since passed away from unrelated causes – was also slit from her mouth to ear.

The Irish Prison Service says it is committed to preventing the access of contraband, including drugs into prisons and this continues to be a “high priority”, as they invest in new technologies and measures.

The spokesman added: “Prison staff have increased the use of random and intelligence led cell searches on a daily basis. The Irish Prison Service Operational Support Group work closely with their colleagues in An Garda Síochana, nationally and locally, on a regular basis and the sharing of intelligence has led to target searches resulting in the seizure of contraband.

‘GREATER FOCUS’

“Our Canine Unit carries out searches around the prisons, including a greater focus on searching deliveries into prisons.

“There is a free confidential telephone line (1800 855 717) and text line (086 180 2449) which is operational. Prisoners, visitors, staff or members of the public with information on the trafficking of prohibited items into our prisons can pass on that information in the strictest confidence.”

The IPS is also working together with the gardai as part of Operation Throwover in a bid to tackle organised crime gangs targeting prisons with drugs, weapons and phones.

While netting capable of withstanding fire-bombing – which saw packages set alight and dropped on the nets to burn through – are being rolled out across the system.

This is the first picture of the thug who slashed the faces of a man and woman from mouth to ear with a blade in separate attacks within minutes of each other. The Irish Sun today reveals the face of Jonathan Cummins , who was locked up for 16 years at his sentencing at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court this week.,  -Collect through journalist
Jonathan Cummins was one of the four men who fell gravely ill at Mountjoy Prison

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I fought Taliban and ended up homeless – now my hometown is prioritising Afghan refugees over me… the system is broken

Collage of a homeless veteran, soldiers in training, a family, and a building.

VETERAN George Ford spilled blood fighting to give the people of Afghanistan their freedom.

The hero Para had to use a wheelchair after being shot on a tour of the brutal Helmand province aged 21.

Portrait of George Ford, a soldier who was shot in Afghanistan.
Veteran George Ford has spent the past two years sofa surfing and living with his mum
Rachel Elkin
Family leaving Bracknell Hotel.
David Dyson
A migrant family seen leaving a 4-star hotel in Bracknell[/caption]

When he got back to the UK, he dreamed of living a simple life in his home town of Bracknell, Berks, but like many traumatised ex-military he fell into addiction and lost his rented home when his long-term relationship broke up.

He has spent the past two years sofa surfing and living with his mum after the local authority failed to find him a home — despite welcoming 300 Afghans who, ironically, George had tried to liberate.

The families are being put up in a four-star hotel in the centre of Bracknell as part of a government scheme to resettle Afghanistan people who worked with the UK mission in the country.

George, 35, said: “I don’t have a problem with them helping Afghans. They deserve help and respect.

“But surely the Government should also be helping those who served the country first?

“I don’t understand how some of the families have made it into the UK at all because I’ve seen a few outside the hotel and some of them don’t even speak English, so I’m not sure how they helped our missions.

“A lot of them are fighting-age males and it’s alarming because nobody has seen the women or children meant to be with them.

“I just want some stability in life after everything I’ve been through.”

Speaking about the situation, Reform MP Lee Anderson said: “It’s a sad state of affairs that a Para like George, who took a bullet for our country, is left sofa surfing while Bracknell council rolls out the red carpet for refugees.

“The Armed Forces Covenant is meant to honour our veterans, not be ignored in favour of unvetted arrivals who can’t even speak English. Our heroes deserve better.”

George’s plight comes nine months after PM Keir Starmer vowed British war heroes living on the streets will be guaranteed a house, declaring “homes will be there for heroes”.

Bracknell council agreed to take part in the scheme to house hundreds of Afghans in The Bracknell Hotel, with free food, employment advice, benefits and ­private healthcare, after they were granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK.

They are not classed as illegal immigrants, asylum seekers or refugees because they either helped the UK mission, with many working as translators, or fled the country because they had been deemed at risk from the Taliban.

But the move has provoked fury among local residents and veterans who claim they are left living in run-down, cramped homes.

Local independent councillor John Edwards asked families about their experiences on Facebook — and was stunned when a Labour colleague threatened to report him to police.

The Bracknell Hotel in Berkshire.
David Dyson
Afghan families are being put up in a four-star hotels[/caption]
British Marines advancing through smoke during a military operation.
Getty
George was shot on a tour of the brutal Helmand province aged 21[/caption]

He said that he was not surprised that George had met Afghans who could not speak English and questioned how thorough the vetting had been on the new arrivals.

The councillor added: “I did a Freedom of Information request and no information about the vetting process was ever shared with the council and it didn’t ask questions.

“The process may well have been sound, but the authority has done nothing to check if it was robust enough to keep residents safe.”

George joined the military aged 17 and was on his second tour of Afghanistan on Remembrance Day in 2010 when his platoon was ambushed and came under fire from the Taliban.

He said: “We were patrolling and went into a village under cover of darkness, hunting a Taliban commander, but were ambushed.

Platoon ambushed

“I was in the open and was running across to get myself into cover when I felt this high-velocity round hit my leg.

“At first I thought I’d stepped on an IED because, when I landed, I couldn’t see anything.

“My section commander saved my life by dragging me to safety and placing a tourniquet on my leg.

“An American helicopter flew in to pick me up and I had to be revived twice on the way to Camp Bastion.”

George was medically discharged and underwent 13 operations, some 14 hours long, at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

When he returned home to Bracknell, he suffered from severe PTSD and started self-medicating with drugs.

Brutally honest about his spiral, he said: “I was too embarrassed to reach out for help and started doing drugs. It took me to hell and I ended up losing everything I had.

“I lost all the internal riches of life because I’d been through a lot of trauma and just wasn’t addressing it.

“I was in a wheelchair for a year, then on crutches. It was really hard on my body, but I lost my way.

“I’ve since realised my mistakes and have found God. I am a different person and just want to move on and make a fresh start.”

One veteran who served in Afghanistan told me he and his two young daughters live in a one-bedroom flat.

George Ford

George split from his long-term girlfriend, who he rented a property with, in 2023 and has been living with friends and his mum ever since.

Bracknell Forest Council has signed the Armed Forces Covenant designed to help soldiers, but says that “it does not guarantee immediate entitlement to housing”.

George said: “I’m a proud guy, but they are making me feel like I’ve got a begging bowl out.

“I can’t afford to rent property around here because a tiny bedsit costs about £1,400 a month and I need a two-bedroom house based on medical grounds, so my family can come and help me if they need to.

“I’m not asking for special treatment. I’m just asking to be treated as if I served my Queen and country.

“I don’t have any issue with Afghans being given help — so long as veterans are given the same consideration.

“When I approached the council, I realised how little support there is for other veterans and I even offered to work with them to put measures in place, but I was turned down.”

George’s mum Michelle, 57, has watched her son struggle physically and mentally since his return from Afghanistan.

‘Heartbreaking stories’

She said: “When he first got home, he had a machine in his stomach which cleaned his blood and he struggled massively to get upstairs.

The council offered him a flat in a high rise at the time, but it was in a terrible area with drug addicts and needles everywhere. He deserved more than that.

“We love each other, but George is a 35-year-old man and he doesn’t want to be at home with his mum.”

Cllr Edwards believes veterans should be entitled to the same support packages as the Afghans.

He said: “I was on a briefing call to explain what was happening with the Afghans.

“They’ve been given a four-star hotel, all their food catered for, all their bills paid.

“They get private-delivered healthcare — it’s not Bupa, but it’s outside the NHS and avoids waiting times — and there’s wraparound care and support, yet veterans who served our country are not being given the same package.

“I put out a post on a community Facebook group asking what support local residents and veterans received and some of the stories I got back were heartbreaking.

“One veteran who served in Afghanistan told me he and his two young daughters live in a one-bedroom flat.

I’ve always maintained that these people should be treated with dignity and respect, but this isn’t about them — it’s about policy.

George Ford

“Then a local Labour councillor said she had reported me to the police and MoD.

“There has to be equality and parity here. The differences in the way people are treated is what is causing division, not the fact Afghan people are being helped.

“I’ve always maintained that these people should be treated with dignity and respect, but this isn’t about them — it’s about policy.

“The council says the scheme is being funded by the Government, but it’s all taxpayers’ money regardless. It’s unfair.”

A Bracknell Forest Council spokesman said: “Mr Ford is currently on the housing register as eligible for a one-bedroom property. His eligibility is based on the medical and care evidence that he provided to us.

“Our records show that Mr Ford has applied for several properties outside of his eligibility criteria, but has not applied for any one-bedroom properties.

“Our new housing policy prioritises veterans, and Mr Ford will continue to be supported to apply for properties on our online portal based on his eligibility.

“The council has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, which means that our Armed Forces community is treated equally and fairly. However, it does not guarantee immediate entitlement to housing.”

But George said: “The council has ignored everything I’ve been saying and the medical paperwork. They’ve not been helpful in any way.

“They are ignoring the basis of the Armed Forces Covenant, which states they should provide housing. It’s total neglect.”

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England u21s clash with Germany SUSPENDED as stadium plunged into semi-darkness and players taken off pitch

ENGLAND UNDER-21s’ clash with Germany came to a halt after floodlight failure.

With just seconds left of the first half remaining, the Nitra Stadium in Slovakia was plunged into semi darkness.

Elliot Anderson and Jack Hinshelwood battling for the ball during a soccer match.
Getty
England took on Germany in Slovakia[/caption]

That forced Dutch referee Sander van der Eijk to stop the action.

Eventually, with only a minute of additional time to go, the official called in captains Harvey Elliott and his German counterpart Merlin Rohl.

Lights on one side of the ground were still working, but none on the other were either.

Both sets of players were left walking around with half the ground in darkness.

Following further discussions, the decision was made to blow 30 seconds early for the break while technicians quickly got to work trying to fix the problem.

That summed up a dire first half for Lee Carsley’s side as they went in two goals behind.

Lukas Ullrich floated a beautiful ball over the head of flat-footed Jarell Quansah that was met by an excellent touch from Ansgar Knauff before the winger drilled past James Beadle after just two minutes.

And the scorer turned provider moments before the lights went out as his cross was headed home by Nelson Weiper.

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..

The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.

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Chaotic moment busker PUNCHES yob who slapped him across the face as chaotic brawl breaks out

A BUSKER has shared footage of him appearing to bravely defend himself against a group of yobs trying to disrupt his act.

James Allan, who has more than 1.3m followers on TikTok, confronted the gang of thugs as they attempted to tamper with his equipment in Leeds city centre.

Busker defending himself against a group of youths in Leeds.
Jason Allan via Storyful
The busker James Allan shared footage of him defending the young group[/caption]
Busker singing and playing guitar while a group of people approach him.
Jason Allan via Storyful
They were trying to distract his set[/caption]
Busker defending himself against a group of youths trying to disrupt his performance.
Jason Allan via Storyful
He films and confronts the gang of thugs as they try to tamper with his equipment[/caption]
A busker defending himself against a group of youths harassing him.
Jason Allan via Storyful
One lad tries to slap James, but he wades in and clobbers the attacker[/caption]

One hooded youth in a light blue body warmer even gives the impression that he is carrying a knife.

In the video’s on-screen captions, James wrote: “A gang of lads kept touching my guitar.

“So I thought I’d put them on camera to stop them doing it again.”

As one of the boys approaches again, James tells him: “You can touch if you want.

“I’ll go on the TikTok Live and show everyone what you’re doing.”

He then turns the camera to the group, who beat a hasty retreat once they realise they are being filmed.

As they slink off, James asks the group: “Why are you hioding your faces? Do you want to touch my stuff again or what?”

James’ friend Brad then tips him off that one of the boys, wearing a jeans and a sleeveless pukka jacket that partially covers his face, is coming back.

The intrepid busker goes to intercept the intruder – but it was only when reviewing the footage afterwards that he realised that the boy appeared to be reaching for what could be a knife.

As James writes in the caption: “It’s only upon watching this back do I realise he’s reaching for his pocket.

“Luckily I was able to grab his arms.”

The boy then slaps James with what appears to be an open palm, before James wades in and clobbers the attacker, plus several of his friends who also try to defend their mate.

Several bystanders then step in to try and cool tensions.

As James wrote: “People step in to break it up, which is good for me because there was about five of them.

“People think they can just absue buskers and we won’t defend ourselves.”

The boy in the puffa jacket then aims a kick at James, who catches his foot and pulls him to the ground.

He then goes back to the mic and tells shoppers: “I’m just trying to make a living, man. Do you know what I mean?”

West Yorkshire Police have been contacted for comment.

James posted the video on his social media accounts with the question: “Was I right to defend myself?”

One Facebook user said: “Sometimes gotta stand up to bullies.”

Another added said: “Nice jabs mate…be careful though those little scabs will be back with knives.”

Meanwhile a commentator on TikTok said: “You know how embarrassing it is to try throw a kick but the guy grabs your leg and drops you.”

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Spectator treated for injuries as PANEL falls from above and loud bang heard in arena during Alexander Zverev clash

A TENNIS fan was taken to hospital after a stadium panel collapsed and landed on her during Alexander Zverev’s match at Halle earlier today.

Zverev, 28, was taking on American Marcos Giron in front of a home German crowd.

Spectators at a tennis match after an advertising board fell.
Sky Sports
A panel from an advertising board fell[/caption]
Spectators at a tennis match after an advertising board fell.
Sky Sports
The worrying incident caused concern in the bottom tier[/caption]
Tennis player wiping his face during a match.
Sky Sports
Alexander Zverev offered an ice pack to the crowd[/caption]

With Giron about to serve at 2-5 15-30 in the first set, a loud bang and subsequent yelling could be heard from the crowd.

It scarily emerged that an advertising panel had fallen from the front of the upper tier onto the lower seats.

Zverev and umpire Renaud Lichtenstein approached the stands offering an ice pack.

The tournament went on to confirm that a 62-year-old spectator had been taken to hospital following the frightening incident.

But thankfully, the woman did not suffer any major injuries.

Tournament director Ralf Weber said: “Something like this has never happened in our 32-year tournament history. We deeply regret the incident.”

Weber personally visited the spectator in hospital, and offered her a complimentary season ticket for next year’s event.

Event managers Dr Udo Kleine and Uwe Greipel-Dominik later revealed how they felt the incident had taken place.

BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK

Alexander Zverev holding his tennis racket after a match.
AP
Zverev, 28, went on to comfortably beat Marcos Giron[/caption]

A joint statement said: “We suspect that the drumming against the cushions caused screws to come loose.

“This should not happen, and we apologise. We will also check all other cushions and their fastenings immediately after the Zverev match. The safety of our spectators is our top priority.”

Following a safety check, the contest was able to continue, with world No3 Zverev winning 6-2 6-1.

The 6ft 6in German will take on Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego in tomorrow’s round of 16.

Last week Zverev reached the final of the ATP 250 event in Stuttgart, only to lose to rival Taylor Fritz.

In his runner-up speech on court, spiky Zverev joked: “Last but not least, Taylor, I’m f***ing tired of you.

“I don’t wanna see you again over the next two to three years.

“Please stay away from me. Don’t come to Germany anymore.

“No, well done you deserve to win this title.

“You are one of the best players in the world on this surface and you were much better than me today, so congrats to the whole team and I’m sure you are going to do incredible on the next two tournaments on grass, so well done.”

Taylor Fritz and Alexander Zverev holding their trophies at the BOSS OPEN.
Alamy
Taylor Fritz beat Alexander Zverev in the Stuttgart final last Sunday[/caption]

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