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A BELOVED burger chain which previously shut all of its locations will re-open after fury from staff.

Cult burger restaurant Almost Famous has reopened two locations.

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Owner Beau Myers previously revealed the “current economic climate” had proven “too challenging” for them.

And “despite best efforts” they closed all sites in January 2025.

This included its two sites in Manchester, plus branches in Liverpool and Leeds.

In a state of fury, over 100 Almost Famous employees started a union-backed campaign to demand compensation, BBC reports.

One month on and D2, the team behind Liverpool’s popular PINS Social Club have acquired the keys to the Manchester Northern Quarter and Liverpool sites.

D2’s new Managing Director Daniel Kelly has pledged they will “hire as many of the old team as we can”.

As of Friday, February 21 and Monday, February 24, both restaurants have reopened.

The next steps for the Almost Famous branches in the Great Northern Warehouse and Leeds are undecided.

PINS Social Club have not acquired the keys as of yet.

Daniel will be at the helm of the Northern Quarter and Liverpool sites.

He was the former Operations Director at Almost Famous between 2018 and 2022.

Daniel said: “We’re buzzing to get Almost Famous back – hire as many of the old team as we can, get the grills on and the burgers flying out.

“I’ve been part of this brand and I know what it takes to maintain its bigger, better, and make-it-outrageous approach.

“We’re here to bring back the legendary AF experience – killer service, next-level food, and all the chaotic, messy, unforgettable vibes that made Almost Famous, well… Famous.”

Almost Famous was founded 13 years ago at the height of the dirty burger craze and has since served more than a million burgers to guests.

It was known for its towering burgers, wings and loaded fries.

REASON FOR CLOSURE

Speaking last month, Beau Myers said: “It is with broken hearts and tearful eyes that we must announce the closure of Almost Famous.

“The current economic climate has proven too challenging for us to overcome.

“The lingering debt from Covid, rising costs across every aspect of the business, and a tightening in people’s ability to spend on dining out have created an impossible situation.

“Despite our best efforts, we are no longer able to continue.

“Ironically, while our venues remain busy and our reviews are glowing, the financial pressures stacked against us have made it impossible to sustain the business – making this scenario even more heart-breaking.”

He added: “It has been an unforgettable journey, and we hope we’ve been able to create lasting memories, happy moments, and plenty of smiles along the way.

“All we ever wanted was to make incredible burgers and provide good times. That mission drove us every single day.”

HAPPY FANS

After hearing the news that PINS Social Club saved Liverpool’s joint, lots of fans took to Facebook to spread the joy.

One person wrote: “Free state kitchen is the best burger place in Liverpool.”

To which another replied: “I second this. Absolutely tremendous.”

And another replied: “Absolutely correct!”

Meanwhile a post made by Proper Manchester on Facebook had fans commenting: “Good things do happen in the world.”

Followed by a second person: “Been sulking for nothing ahah, just hope they open GN as well cause that’s where we went.”

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A MAJOR delivery company has launched a parcel delivery service that is easier and cheaper than the Royal Mail.

InPost, a company with 9,200 parcel lockers in the UK, has today unveiled the service, with prices starting from just £1.99.

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This is much cheaper than the Royal Mail’s lowest price of £3.25.

Until today InPost was only available to customers when they bought goods online or sold items through second-hand websites such as Vinted.

The launch follows criticism of the Royal Mail, which hiked the price of first-class stamps to £1.65 in October.

Customers have also complained that they have waited weeks for parcels to arrive or their item has been lost altogether.

InPost users will be able to send parcels that weigh up to 15kg through the service.

It will cost £1.99 to post a small 8 x 38 x 64cm package.

Medium items of up to 19 x 38 x 64cm will cost £2.59.

Meanwhile, large items of up to 41 x 38 x 64cm will set you back £3.99.

In comparison, the Royal Mail charges £4.09 to send a 1st class parcel, or £3.25 for a second class one.

Prices for tracked 24-hour delivery start at £4.25 while tracked 48-hour delivery starts at £3.39.

Neil Kuschel, CEO of InPost UK, said: “With Send, consumers can send a wide range of items, from special gifts to everyday parcels, with the confidence that they will get to the recipient safely and securely. 

“Whether it’s dropped off at their chosen locker or delivered straight to their home, there are no more queues, no more labels, just a lot of locker love!”

How to use it 

The new InPost “Send” service will allow customers to post parcels from any InPost locker or shop, known as an out of home site.

Their parcel can be delivered to another out of home point or directly to a home address.

To use the service all customers will need is the InPost app and the address of the person they are sending to.

There is no need to print a label as users generate a QR code using the InPost app.

This is scanned at the locker or shop to help track the parcel.

The sender and receiver will be able to track the parcel using the app, which will give them peace of mind.

Deliveries can be made to secure lockers 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which can ensure parcels do not go missing from customers’ doorsteps.

Delivery to a locker can also help to reduce the need for multiple delivery attempts or a “we missed you” note.

The lockers have boomed in popularity in recent years.

InPost has set up 3,000 lockers in the past year alone.

Meanwhile, Royal Mail is planning to up the number of parcel lockers it has this year.

The company wants to increase its number of out of home drop-off locations, including lockers and parcel shops, to more than 21,000 by the end of March.

What other postal services are available

Several other companies offer parcel delivery within the UK and Northern Ireland.

Among them is Yodel, which charges £2.25 (excluding VAT) to send a package.

To use the service, customers book their parcel delivery online, print the label at home or in store, and post their item.

The parcel will be collected by a driver who will deliver it to your recipient’s door or their local Yodel store within three to five working days.

Meanwhile, Evri charges £2.62 to send a package.

Unlike other couriers, items can be sent overseas to 200 destinations, including the USA, Spain, and Portugal.

To send a package, customers simply visit one of Evri’s 16,000 ParcelShops and lockers or book a courier to collect the item from their front door. 

At DHL prices start at £2.79 and items can be delivered the next day.

The company delivers to more than 220 countries and territories around the world.

To use the service customers simply drop off their parcel at a local DHL Service Point or book a collection with DHLitNow.

AN island that inspired Enid Blyton is reopening to the public for the first time in four months.

Brownsea Island is off the coast of Poole, and owned by the National Trust.

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Brownsea Island is reopening to the public next month[/caption]

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No one lives on the island but 100,000 visit a year[/caption]

Closing every year for the winter, the island is opening to the public again next month.

From March 15, tourists will be able to travel to the island which is a bird-watching haven for enthusiasts as well as being a site know for its red squirrel population.

There are also guided tours of the island, running twice a day, or shuttles that go around the island.

Secrets caves, play parks, a bookshop and a cafe are all on the island to explore as well.

While no-one lives on the island, as many as 100,000 people visit a year.

It is even thought to have inspired some of the Famous Five books, written by Enid Blyton.

The book Five Have a Mystery to Solve featured a place called Whispering Island, thought to be Brownsea after Enid visited.

Also on the island is Brownsea Castle, built by Henry VIII between 1545 and 1547.

It has been run by by John Lewis Partnership since 1963 and is currently only open for employees, as well as their friends and family.

Last summer, it was suggested that the hotel could open for events like weddings and even for overnight stays.

This would be during quieter periods outside of the summer holidays, with up to 20 events a year.

A spokesperson told BBC: “Brownsea Castle is a beautiful, picturesque setting, available for our partners to enjoy.

“We’re exploring options for a small number of people outside our partnership to enjoy the benefits of the scenic location to celebrate their special occasions, such as weddings.”

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You could soon stay at the island’s castle, currently owned by John Lewis[/caption]

The hotel is open from the end of January until the week before Christmas.

Until then, you can stay on the island by camping at the Brownsea Island campsite, with prices from £64 for two nights.

While that’s for a basic pitch, you can also splash out on a glamping pod or even a hanging tree tent, some of which have sea views.

Brownsea Island is just a 20 minute boat ride away from Poole Harbour which runs every half an hour in the peak season.

Tickets cost around £13 for the ferry, and non-National Trust adults need to pay an extra £9.50 entrance fee for the island.

Here are five other islands off the coast of the UK you can visit without needing your passport.

And a tiny island you won’t have heard of has the UK’s best beach.

National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

It is owned by National Trust so members can visit for free[/caption]

EASTER eggs have landed and many of us are indulging early to make the most of their brief stay.

So, you’re looking for your chocolate fix this week we’ve crunched the numbers to find the best value Quality Street Easter egg… and the place to pick one up might surprise you.

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Quality Street has launched a special Golden Collection Incredible Egg this Easter[/caption]

Quality Street has outdone itself with its Easter offering this year, launching an extra large ‘Golden Collection Chocolate Incredible Egg’.

It includes a caramel-flavoured chocolate egg shell studded with chewy fudge and caramel pieces.

And, inside are a mixed bag of all your favourite Quality Street toffee, fudge and caramel sweets.

While Quality Street is closely associated with Christmas, this special offering is sure to see customers running to clear supermarket shelves this Easter.

The prices charged for the 379g egg vary and are likely to change in the run-up to Easter as retailers vie for custom.

This year Easter falls on Sunday April 20, so you have plenty of time to hunt out the best deals, but if you’re looking to grab an egg this week we’ve checked prices at major retailers.

Do remember this is just a snapshot, and prices can vary from one day to the next, so always compare prices to find the best deal. You can find more on how to do that below.

Morrisons, Waitrose and Ocado are all selling the whopper egg for £12, which works out at £3.17 per 100g.

Although, remember that you’ll need a Morrisons More card to grab the supermarket’s deal in-store or online.

However, this was not the cheapest price on the market with Iceland currently selling the mammoth egg for £10 and Asda taking the cheapest retailer crown with a price of £9.98, or £2.63 per 100g.

Currently neither Tesco or Sainsbury’s are shown as stocking the egg online, but this could change as we get closer to the big day so keep checking back.

B&M stores had also stocked the egg for £12 earlier in the year, but it is not listed online so shoppers will need to check in-store for stock levels and prices.

There are plenty of Easter deals available and these will be changing over the next few weeks.

Last week Cadbury eggs were available for as little as £1.45 for a small egg and £2.50 for a medium-sized egg.

And, a major supermarket slashed the price of Cadbury Creme Egg multipacks.

However, it’s not all been good news with shoppers left outraged as they spot more signs of shrinkflation in stores.

As more eggs are released M&S’ Easter range has attracted a lot of attention, most recently for an ‘awesome’ loaded Easter Egg stuffed with marshmallows and jelly.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

A WOMAN has left people stunned after sharing her incredible transformation in just four years.

Toxii is covered from head to toe with tattoos, and the top half of her body is almost entirely blacked out with ink.

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Body modification fan Toxii has stunned people with her before and after snaps[/caption]

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The above ‘before’ shows Toxii before she embarked on her new appearance, in 2019[/caption]

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Now she’s confident enough to show her body off in teeny tiny bikinis[/caption]

She’s also got various piercings and body modifications, including having her nose removed, tattooing her eyes and tongue, having implants which look like horns on her forehead, and having her tongue split in half.

But in a post on Instagram, Toxii revealed that she hasn’t always been so alternative, as she shared a snap of what she looked like back in 2019.

In place of the tattoos and piercings was a fresh face, long blonde hair and soft glam make-up.

A stark contrast to her tattooed facade now, complete with raven black locks.

And in the comments section on the post, people were stunned by how much she’d changed in just a short amount of time.

“You were so beautiful before,” one person wrote.

“What on Earth made you do this to yourself?”

“Why do you hate yourself?” another questioned.

As a third said: “I don’t understand how you can make these mods in such a short time.

“I think these decisions are best made over a longer period – it gives the body mind and soul time to adjust to the change and make a healthy choice on continuing.

“This quick impulsiveness breeds discontent and regret.”

“I just think: WHY?” someone else mused.

While others wondered if there is something darker going on.

“The only explanation for this is the fact that she’s possessed and has a deep strong poltergeist possessing her,” one wrote.

“There is no other need for this much body modification and Satanic rituals to be done without attachment of the ‎Unknown.”

“Very bad – like Satan,” another agreed. “This woman, you going straight to hell.”

“You look like an alien,” a third wrote.

In another post on Instagram, Toxii showed herself being interviewed by street artist Devon Rodriguez, who asked which of her body modifications had hurt the most in terms of healing.

“What inspired you to get modifications?” Devon asked.

“Because I like to be imperfect and I think that imperfections make you unique.

“Did those hurt, the ones in the forehead?”

To which Toxii replied: “No, not at all. I think that my nose removal was way worse”.

She also revealed it took around “eight weeks” to heal after the operation.

“Did you keep the nose?” Devon asked.

With Toxii replying: “I have all my body parts, in like little jars, yeah.”

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Her nose removal was one of the most painful things she’s had done, and took eight weeks to heal[/caption]

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She’s also had her tongue tattooed black and split down the middle[/caption]

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In an interview, Toxii admitted she kept her nose in a little jar after it had been removed[/caption]

WITH spring just around the corner, it’s nearly time to bid farewell to winter and welcome in those sunnier days.

And with that, many Brits will be gearing up to spring-clean their homes to let that sunlight in.

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Danielle Mason has given her top cleaning tips ahead of spring[/caption]

According to a survey by Thane UK, more than 93% of British households engage in a major spring cleaning exercise at least once a year.

But, unsurprisingly, over half of Brits dread the thought of doing it.

However, that doesn’t have to be the case, as Danielle Mason, a cleaning expert with 20 years of experience, believes that the key is to start now to make your life easier.

She explains: “Why wait for spring to start your spring cleaning?

“Getting ahead now means you can refresh your space, clear out the winter clutter, and step into the new season feeling organised and energised.

“Plus, tackling it early gives you more time to enjoy the brighter days when they arrive!”

Here, in her own words, Danielle reveals her top cleaning hacks that everyone should be doing now, and the 10 grossest areas people always forget about.

Declutter First

Before diving into deep cleaning, take the time to declutter your home.

Go through each room methodically, sorting items into three categories: donate, recycle, or discard.

Be honest about what you use and need; if something hasn’t been touched in over a year, it’s likely time to let it go.

A clutter-free space makes cleaning more effective and gives your home an instant refresh.

Tackle One Room at a Time

Spring cleaning can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable tasks helps.

Instead of trying to clean everything in one day, focus on one room per week leading up to spring.

Start with high-traffic areas such as the kitchen and living room, then move on to bedrooms, bathrooms, and storage spaces.

Wash Walls and Skirting Boards

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There are areas in your home that should not be missed[/caption]

Over the winter months, walls and skirting boards accumulate dust, grime, and scuff marks.

Use a damp microfibre cloth with mild soap or a mix of warm water and vinegar to gently wipe them down.

Pay extra attention to corners and areas near heating vents, which tend to collect more dirt.

Deep Clean Fabrics

Soft surfaces can trap dust, allergens, and odours.

Launder curtains, upholstery, and bedding, including often-overlooked items such as pillows and mattress protectors.

If your sofa or armchairs have removable covers, check the care labels and give them a proper wash.

For delicate fabrics, consider using a fabric refresher or vacuuming with an upholstery attachment.

Refresh Carpets and Rugs

Carpets and rugs harbour dust, pet dander, and allergens, making regular deep cleaning essential.

Start by vacuuming thoroughly, then spot-clean any stains using a gentle carpet cleaner or a bicarbonate of soda and vinegar solution.

If your carpets need extra care, consider renting a steam cleaner or hiring professionals for a deep clean treatment before spring allergies set in.

Sanitise High-Touch Areas

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Don’t forget about the areas above eye level[/caption]

Germs and bacteria accumulate on frequently touched surfaces like light switches, remote controls, door handles, and cupboard handles.

Wipe these areas down with a disinfectant wipe or a spray made with diluted surgical spirit.

Don’t forget about mobile phones, keyboards, and tablets—they’re some of the germiest surfaces in the home!

Clean Out Kitchen Appliances

Your kitchen appliances work hard year-round, so give them some TLC.

Empty and wipe down the fridge, tossing out-of-date items and organising the shelves.

Descale the kettle and coffee machine with vinegar and water, degrease the oven and microwave, and don’t forget to check the dishwasher filter for trapped food particles.

Don’t Forget the Air

After months of closed windows, indoor air can become stale.

Start by changing your extractor fan filters to improve air quality and efficiency.

Dust ceiling fans and vents, as these collect a surprising amount of buildup over time.

Finally, open windows for fresh air circulation, letting in natural light and a refreshing spring breeze.

IF you thought the price of your weekly shop was getting out of hand, that’s nothing compared to what Erewhon are charging customers.

Frequented by the likes of the Kardashians and Brooklyn Beckham, the high-end chain has locations all over LA.

TikTok/@alyssaantocii

And one woman decided to visit one to try the shop’s viral strawberry, which has a hefty price tag.

In her viral video, TikTok user Alyssa (@alyssaantocii) recorded her live reaction to the expensive fruit.

Her taste test received a whopping 9.7 million views.

The 21-year-old revealed that she forked out $19 (£15) on a single strawberry.

Alyssa explained that the specific strawberry type originates from Kyoto, Japan.

She held up the individually packaged berry, which she noted was served on “a little tray”.

The strawberry is sold by the brand ELLY AMAI, which supplies the “highest-quality fruits from Japan’s most celebrated farms”.

“Apparently it’s the best tasting strawberry in the world,” Alyssa told her 208,000 followers.

She popped off the lid and examined the perfect-looking strawberry before taking a bite.

Alyssa shared her real-time reaction, saying: “Wow, this is the best strawberry, that’s crazy, that is the best strawberry I’ve ever had in my life.”

The TikToker paused to process the flavour before sharing her thoughts with the people around her.

She then joked that she needed to “eat every last bit of it” after spending so much money.

Alyssa simply captioned her strawberry review “insane”, though it is unclear if she is referring to the price or the taste.

TikTok users shared their thoughts on the pricey fruit in the comments section.

“This is so dystopian,” wrote one baffled viewer.

“Who else thinks Erewhon is a social experiment to see what some people will spend on?” asked another follower.

“That’s a $1.99 strawberry from a farmer’s market, wrapped in Lunchable packaging,” joked a third commenter.

“If I dropped $20 on a strawberry, I’d probably convince myself it was the best one I’ve ever tasted too,” pointed out another person.

“There’s no hope for us as a society,” wrote one TikTok user.

“Stuff like this is a slap in the face to poor people in poor countries. I refuse to give into excessive consumerism,” said another follower.

TikTok/@alyssaantocii

Erewhon Market

Erewhon has locations in high-end neighbourhoods in California (stock image)[/caption]

WILLIE MULLINS has been forced to pull one of his huge Cheltenham Festival fancies – after being backed in from 100-1.

Big Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and Turners Novices’ Hurdle Kawaboomga is gone for the season, owner JP McManus’ racing manager Frank Berry has confirmed.

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Willie Mullins has seen yet another of his big guns ruled out of Cheltenham[/caption]

Willie’s brother Tony put up Kawaboomga as one of his horses to follow earlier this season.

The shrewd handler picked him out at 100-1 for the Turners – and he had been backed all the way into as short as 11-2 third-favourite for the 2m5 contest.

But punters experienced more ante-post heartbreak on Sunday night after news of his injury was made official.

His price rocketed on the Betfair Exchange before Berry said: “Kawaboomga has unfortunately had a setback and will miss the remainder of the season.”

Five-year-old gelding Kawaboomga last raced a month ago, beating subsequent winner William Munny by a length-and-a-half in a Fairyhouse maiden.

And before that he was beaten just under three lengths by huge Supreme favourite Kopek Des Bordes in a 2m Leopardstown maiden on Boxing Day.

The form of that race has been boosted massively after Kopek Des Bordes destroyed rivals in winning the Grade 1 Novice Hurdle by 13 lengths at the Dublin Racing Festival.

A switch to novice chasing could be on the cards for Kawaboomga next season, providing all is well with his recovery from injury.

Mullins said he appears a horse who will ‘stay much further’ – so he could be one for the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase.

This is the second big Mullins horse to be pulled from the Festival after huge County Hurdle fancy Storm Heart wasn’t entered.

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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.

LUKE LITTLER’S record best average in the PDC Development Tour has been smashed by a 19-year-old.

The Nuke has taken darts by storm since his emergence in 2023 but could soon come up against some other young contenders.

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Luke Littler has some serious competition coming his way[/caption]

Littler, 18, is considered one of the best at the oche at the moment and is the reigning world champion.

However, he will have to keep an eye on the new players that are coming through.

Charlie Manby, 19, pulled off an astonishing 130.70 average during his most recent PDC Development Tour victory.

He claimed a whitewash 4-0 win over Patrick Williams in a destructive manner.

Manby started the game with a 180 and won the opening leg in 13 darts – his worst effort in the match.

His second leg took him just ten darts while his next two were just 12 shots each.

His average bettered Littler’s previous record best on the tour before he joined the seniors.

The Warrington thrower’s highest average at the level was 115.22 which was back in 2023.

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This ranks as the seventh best in the tour records as three other players also broke the 120 mark.

Those were Bradley Brooks, Gert Nentjes, and Owen Bates.

It is the highest ever in the 15-year history of the development tournaments.

Manby still has a way to go if he is to completely usurp Littler’s record-best average.

In Littler’s run to become world champion, he recorded a set average of 140.91 against Ryan Meikle.

It was the best-ever average set at the tournament during an entire set.

Littler has already come face to face with Manby as they played each other at the Isle of Man Classic Youth In 2023.

They played each other in the final, and Littler dominated to a 5-1 victory.

Meanwhile, Littler suffered a disappointing night in the Premier League Darts last week.

In Dublin, the Nuke was dumped out by Gerwyn Price and tossed his darts to the ground in frustration.

WHO Wants To Be A Millionaire viewers were left raging after a contestant burned through all three lifelines on a question they deemed ridiculously easy.

Host Jeremy Clarkson returned on Saturday night for a star-studded edition of the popular game show.

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The Olympic legend burned through three lifelines on a question viewers thought was a breeze[/caption]

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She was asked which 1980s film had sequels titled Afterlife and Frozen Empire[/caption]

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Even host Jeremy Clarkson was stumped[/caption]

Olympic champion cyclist Dame Laura Kenny and Channel 4 News anchor Krishnan Guru-Murthy tried to win up to £1 million for their chosen charities.

However, ITV viewers were left gobsmacked when the Olympic legend burned through three lifelines on a question they thought was a breeze.

The five-time gold medalist stormed through the early rounds but hit a roadblock at £16,000 when asked which 1980s film had sequels titled Afterlife and Frozen Empire.

Despite having Ghostbusters as an option, she turned to host Jeremy Clarkson, 50:50, and even phoned a friend – leaving fans at home in disbelief.

Jeremy admitted that he was not 100% certain either, but ruled out The Terminator and Top Gun.

Fans flocked to social media to slam the blunder, with many insisting they knew the answer straight away.

One viewer raged: “How the heck did neither this Olympian or Jeremy Clarkson know that Afterlife and Frozen Empire are Ghostbusters movies?

“The latter literally came out last year! Such an easy question it could have been a thousand pound one.”

Another added: “Was ‘Afterlife’ not a bit of a clue as to what the answer might be?” 

A third penned: “She should have phoned a friend and he would have said who you going to call and she would have said Ghostbusters.”

A fourth chimed in: “Using the lifelines on these questions is just madness.”

A fifth wrote: “Stop faffing about! It’s Ghostbusters!!!” 

Despite the blunder, Dame Laura still walked away with £8,000 for her chosen charity, The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust.

Not quite the million-pound jackpot – but a solid effort!

Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? Celebrity Special is available to stream on ITVX.