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FANS will have to pay a bit extra for drinks and food at Wimbledon this year.

Prices have inflated once again for the highly-anticipated Grand Slam in south-west London.

The cost of a pint of draught beer has increased by 35p from last summer, with a pint of Stella Artois priced up at £8.85 and a Guinness costing £8.45.

Bottles of beer have also increased by 30p this time around.

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Outspoken Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has publicly criticised the BBC’s “very strange” decision to drop him from its coverage Wimbledon 2025.

His reaction was characteristically candid and laced with snarky comments about the broadcaster’s decision and his potential replacement.

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Nick Kyrgios is not part of the commentary team for this year’s Wimbledon[/caption]

Tennis bad boy Nick Kyrgios had been hoping to play at the All England Club for the first time since losing the 2022 final to Novak Djokovic.

However, The 30-year-old confirmed he would not be appearing because of a recurring injury.

What did Nick Kyrgios say?

He said on Instagram: “Just wanted to give everyone a quick update — l’ve hit a small setback in my recovery and unfortunately won’t make it back for grass season this year.

“I know how much you’ve all been looking forward to seeing me out there, and I’m genuinely sorry to disappoint.

“This is just a bump in the road though, and I’m already working hard to get back stronger than ever.

“Thank you for all your continued support — it means everything to me. See you soon!”

And on June 10, 2025, reports emerged that he won’t even be there as a commentator — which he has now confirmed.

Confidence in his own credentials

Despite this setback, Nick clearly believes in his commentating abilities, telling the Guardian: “I know I’m a great commentator. All I’ve done for 20 years is play, study and breathe this sport.

“I also think tennis needs commentators who say things that not everyone says”.

He argued that his extensive experience on the professional circuit, including victories over some of the sport’s greatest players, sets him apart from other pundits.

Criticism of the BBC and his replacement

Nick didn’t shy away from questioning the BBC’s decision, describing his exclusion as “unfortunate” and insisting: “it’s probably their loss more than mine”.

Referencing his apparent replacement on the commentary team, Nick said: “I understand they’ve got Chris Eubanks, but he hasn’t beaten the greatest of all time multiple times.

“When someone’s beaten Federer, Nadal, Murray and Djokovic and has incredible insights, it’s very strange you wouldn’t want that person adding knowledge to tennis fans”.

Eubanks’ best run at Wimbledon came in 2023, when he stunned the likes of Cameron Norrie and Stefanos Tsitsipas before losing in five sets to Daniil Medvedev in the quarter-finals.

I know I’m a great commentator. All I’ve done for 20 years is play, study and breathe this sport

Nick KyrgiosThe Guardian

But Nick hasn’t shut the door on working for the BBC again at some point in the future, explaining: “I’m sure our paths will cross again.

“I only ever want to add humour, some knowledge and some great atmosphere.”

Nick on Wimbledon

Despite his disappointment, Nick expressed his enduring affection for Wimbledon, recalling his breakthrough on the Grand Slam stage at the event in 2014 and describing it as “the pinnacle of tennis”.  

He also acknowledged feeling somewhat out of place at the tournament, saying: “I definitely feel like a snowman in the desert there, but I enjoy it”.

Although Nick has now pulled out of this year’s Roland Garros and Wimbledon, he is determined to resume playing this year.

He added: “Yes, for sure. I’m definitely playing the US swing and I’ll take it one day at a time.”

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Nick’s last match at Wimbledon was losing the 2022 final to Novak Djokovic[/caption]

Nick’s hiring by the BBC in 2024 was met with criticism by senior MPs and women’s campaigners.

Women and equalities committee chair Caroline Nokes said the broadcaster should “hang its head in shame”.

A BBC statement at the time said: “We are in no way condoning his cited previous actions or behaviours, on and off the court, and he is employed to share his views on tennis only.

“He has provided similar services to other major sports broadcasters in recent months.

“The legal process he was involved in has concluded, is well documented, and he has spoken about it publicly.”

In February 2023, Nick admitted to assaulting ex-girlfriend Chiara Passari.

But a magistrate in Canberra, Australia, said the 2021 incident was “a single act of stupidity or frustration” — sparing the sports star from receiving a criminal record.

The BBC is yet to issue an official public explanation for its decision.

A TOP Iranian cleric has issued a fatwa against President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – calling for their deaths.

In the Islamic religious decree, Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi branded both leaders as “enemies of God”.

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The Iran State Radio and Television (IRIB) building hit by an Israeli strike[/caption]

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An explosion is seen during a missile attack in Tel Aviv, Israel[/caption]

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Israeli Iron Dome air defence system fires to intercept missiles over Tel Aviv[/caption]

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Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi is an Iranian Shia Marja and religious leader[/caption]

The  Shiite cleric issued the fatwa after the 12-Day war between Israel and Iran, which was also briefly joined by the US following American military strikes against Tehran.

It effectively states that Trump and Netanyahu “waged war against [Allah] and must be made to regret their words and actions.

“Those who threaten the leadership and integrity of the Islamic Ummah are to be considered [mohareb],” it added.

Under the Iranian under Iranian penal code, mohareb – someone who wages war against god – must be punished by “execution or crucifixion” or face “amputation of the right hand and left foot or exile”.

The fatwa also forbids any Muslim to cooperate with or support the two leaders – and says that any jihadist who is killed while attacking them will receive a reward from Allah, the New York Sun reports.

It reads: “It is necessary for all Muslims around the world to make these enemies regret their words and mistakes.

“[A] Muslim who abides by his Muslim duty and suffers hardship or loss in their campaign, they will  be rewarded as a fighter in the way of God, God willing.”

Critics of the Mullahs’ regime have condemned the fatwa, calling it a state-endorsed incitement to global terrorism.

Popular British-Iranian commentator Niyak Ghorbani said: “The West must realise: the Islamic Republic is not only targeting its own people — it is preparing for global violence in the name of religion.”

The fatwa comes just days after Trump said he saved Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei from an “ugly death”.

During the 12-Day War, the Israelis, on multiple occasions, suggested that targeting Ayatollah Khamenei was “not off the table”.

But Trump, who said he knew exactly where the supreme leader had been hiding, did not let the US forces or the IDF” assassinate Khamenei.

In a Truth Social post, Trump raged: “I SAVED HIM FROM A VERY UGLY AND IGNOMINIOUS DEATH.

“And he does not have to say, ‘THANK YOU, PRESIDENT TRUMP!’

“I knew EXACTLY where he was sheltered, and would not let Israel, or the U.S. Armed Forces, by far the Greatest and Most Powerful in the World, terminate his life.”

Trump also blasted the Ayatollah’s claims that Iran won the war.

He said: “Why would the so-called ‘Supreme Leader,’ Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, of the war-torn Country of Iran, say so blatantly and foolishly that he won the War with Israel, when he knows his statement is a lie, it is not so.

“As a man of great faith, he is not supposed to lie.”

Iran’s top mullah Khamenei, 86, claimed victory over Israel and America despite his country being hammered for almost two weeks.

He ludicrously claimed Iran had almost crushed Israel, and the government in Tel Aviv was on the verge of collapse.

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President Donald Trump speaks as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu waves following a meeting in the White House[/caption]

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Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei addresses the nation in Tehran, Iran on June 26[/caption]

That’s despite the IDF controlling the skies over Tehran, assassinating dozens of top generals and nuclear scientists, and destroying dozens of valuable missile batteries in just 12 days of fighting.

Khamenei also said that Iran had given the US a “severe slap” to its face and that it had “gained nothing” from the attack on Iran’s nuke plants.

The Ayatollah said: “The American regime entered a direct war because it felt that if it did not, the Zionist regime would be completely destroyed.

“However, it gained no achievements from this war.

“Here, too, the Islamic Republic emerged victorious, and in return, the Islamic Republic delivered a severe slap to America’s face.”

Trump floated the idea of a regime change in Tehran to “Make Iran Great Again” after bombing the Islamic Republic.

Less than a day after the US military blitzed three key facilities central to the Iranian regime’s nuclear ambitions, Trump hinted that the Mullahs’ regime could well be toppled.

The president wrote in a post on Truth Social: “It’s not politically correct to use the term, ‘Regime Change’ but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!”

Trump’s post came despite his MAGA administration repeatedly saying the US is not looking for a regime change in Iran.

The 12-Day War began On June 13 when Israel launched Operation Rising Lion – a sophisticated campaign of bombing which targeted Iran’s military nuclear sites.

The Israelis also brilliantly orchestrated Operation Red Wedding – 30 top Iranian military chiefs killed in near-simultaneous blitz as Israel sought to root out the country’s military strength entirely.

Iran retaliated by launching daily salvos of ballistic missiles across Israel, but failed to hit any strategic targets.

Less than a fortnight later, Trump joined the Israeli bombing campaign against Iran.

The US military’s flagship B-2 Spirit stealth bombers dropped more than a dozen  30,000lb GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP).

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US Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth strategic bombers, with the 509th Bomb Wing, approaches a KC-135 tanker to refuel (file picture)[/caption]

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A building on fire after an Israeli attack in Tehran[/caption]

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A drone view shows an impacted residential site, following an early morning missile attack from Iran on Israel[/caption]

The bunker-buster bombs were used to hit Iran’s Fordow Nuclear Enrichment Plant.

Iran, which vowed to hit US military bases across the Middle East, sought its revenge by launching missiles at Al-Udeid Air Base – America’s biggest military station in the region.

But Tehran was said to have cooked up a fake attack after passing warnings to its Qatari allies, which allowed all US service personnel and aircraft to be moved out of harm’s way. 

Trump dubbed the expected response “weak” before announcing that a ceasefire deal had been reached between the Israelis and Iranians.

But even with a ceasefire being agreed upon, Trump made it clear he would “absolutely” consider bombing Iran again if it was ever needed.

He told reporters in the White House he would “without question” attack the country if US intelligence pointed towards Iran enriching uranium to concerning levels.

It comes as Iran held a funeral for the commanders wiped out in the war.

The event was severely plagued by “Death to America” chants and the burning of Israeli flags throughout the day.

IRISH drivers are being warned of delays this morning as a busy tunnel in the capital closes and public transport faces delays.

Dublin Tunnel is closed this week, which may impact drivers heading through the capital.

In a post on X, Dublin Tunnel reminded drivers of the closure.

They wrote: “Dublin Tunnel Closure this Week:

“03/07/25, Thursday : 21:30 to 04:30 – Full Tunnel Closure.“

Over the course of a few days in the coming months, the tunnel is set to be closed from 9.30pm until 4.30am.

These dates include July 3, 17 and 31.

In August, the tunnel will close from 9.30pm until 4.30am on the 14, 27 and 28.

It will also close for the same time on September 11, 24 and 25.

A number of bus services are also impacted this morning, as some switch to other stops and others are cancelled.

Bus Eireann warned: “Please note the following disruption to our services in the South East/Eastern region on Monday 30th June 2025.”

Route NX, 109 and 109A are currently delayed due to a crash at Garlow Cross to Navan.

Impacted stops include Garlow Cross/ 101361 and Dalgan Park / 132901.

The alternative stop is Johnstown / 189501.

Route 101 at 7.40am will operate from Balbriggan, while Route 115 is cancelled.

Route W5, W1 and W2 will operate at a reduced frequency until further notice, while the 8am and 8.50am 360 services are cancelled.

There is also congestion on both the M50 northbound and southbound, which is set to cause delays for motorists.

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Bus Eireann routes are impacted this morning[/caption]

LOVE Island fans have seemingly rumbled a secret romance after a hunky guy and stunning girl smooched during a challenge.

On Sunday night, the Islanders took part in the iconic game Snog, Marry, Pie – when a ‘secret couple’ were uncovered.

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In the game, the Islanders had to kiss the Islander who they fancied the most, propose and marry the Islander they most thought of as marriage material, and pie the Islander who they didn’t fancy or had any previous issues with.

Shakira, who is currently coupled up with Harry, was pied three times while receiving one snog and one proposal.

The snog she received was not from the hunk she is coupled up with, but instead from Irish rugby player Conor.

And since the pair shared a steamy smooch and Conor declared Shakira as the “fittest girl in the villa”, fans have predicted their blossoming romance.

“Anyone else think shakira and Conor might couple up at some point or is that a stretch?” asked one person on X.

“Hear me out… shakira and Conor,” said another.

“Conor and Shakira? I could see that,” added a third.

A fourth then declared: “The conor and shakira agenda starts now.”

“Wait I can kinda see conor and shakira together,” agreed a fifth.

“Kinda need Conor to get with Shakira.. better than Harry I guess,” said a sixth.

While a seventh penned: “Conor less than 24 hours after crying over Megan, then snogging Shakira for being the ‘fittest in the villa’.”

And an eight said: “Conor kissing shakira after talking shit about her in the morning.. oh okay.”

Conor was previously coupled up with Welsh beauty Emily, but then began getting to know Irish stunner Megan.

But Megan was dumped from the Island on Friday night, leaving Conor heartbroken.

Conor was in floods of tears when Megan was packing her case ready to leave the villa.

Megan told Conor that she would wait for him on the outside, with him even giving her a flower.

Standing at the door as she made her departure, Conor was visibly upset as she cried and sobbed.

But it seems that just hours after his love interest’s dumping, Conor was ready to move on.

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Conor was heartbroken just hours before his smooch with Shakira when his love interest Megan was dumped from the Island[/caption]

MANY people love summer for unwinding with pals or sprucing up the garden.

But some popular sunny weather habits may be giving off signs that you are actually “common”, according to etiquette experts. 

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There are a few giveaway signs that you are ‘common’, especially over summer, according to experts[/caption]

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Fire pits bring out the ‘neanderthals among us’, claims expert William Hanson[/caption]

If you don’t want to look tacky, you may wish to avoid the following 15 telltale signs…

1. FIRE PITS

While fire pits may be appealing to those obsessed with Love Island, expert William Hanson isn’t entirely sold on the idea.

He told Fabulous: “I suppose they’re appealing to the neanderthals among us I guess, I’m not one of them.

“They’re not the tackiest thing to have in your garden, I’d rather that than a gnome or a hot tub, but if in doubt, don’t.”

As if the barbecue wasn’t Neanderthal enough for most men, enter the fire pit. 

The smarter set will simply add a sensible fleece or heavy jumper if they are outside and getting cold. 

2. PATIO STENCILLING

William added that not only is stencilling your patio a social faux pas, you should avoid calling it that altogether.

He explained: “To start with, calling it a patio is the first social booby trap.  It’s a terrace or veranda.  

“Patio sounds faintly mythic and socially sound people will have no idea what you’re talking about – or pretend not to.

“Then we come to the stencilling.  

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Patio stencilling is ‘horticultural tattooing’ and should be avoided[/caption]

“Just as with faux grass, if you want a greco-inspired terrace then rip the tiles up and put in the real deal, rather than waste time doing superficial stencils.

“Patio stencilling is horticultural tattooing.  Enough said.”

3. FLIP FLOPS

According to etiquette expert Laura Windsor, who runs her own academy, you should not be seen in flip flops in town, even if it is scorching hot.

She told Fabulous: “Flip flops are not appropriate for town, shopping, dining, or socialising unless you are on the beach or by the pool. 

“And is it practical? Have you ever tried running in flip flops? You are basically barefoot and one stubbed toe away from a lot of pain as well as opening yourself up to social embarrassment.  

“A fashion faux pas, exposing all sorts of toe health problems – who wants to see hairy toes, ingrown toe nails, and other deformities on their way to the coffee shop? 

“Common, yes in both senses of the word.”

4. TOPLESS MEN

Even during boiling temperatures, men should never take their tops off, according to Laura. 

She explained: “A definite no no – even if, on occasion, it may get up to 31 degrees. 

“No one wants to see you flaunting your beer belly or your hairy arms, armpits and back. Just adopt a bit of self-control. 

“Keep this for your more intimate moments unless you are at the beach or by the pool.”

5. CALLING PROSECCO, CHAMPAGNE

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You should never accidentally call prosecco, ‘champagne’[/caption]

Laura said that you never offer a guest “champagne”, when you have prosecco.

She added: “It’s like promising someone a luxury yacht and turning up in a rubber dinghy. 

“It’s also intimating that you think Prosecco is an Italian champagne. 

“Champagne is champagne – expressly from the Champagne region in France. 

“Prosecco is known as sparkling wine. Refined or ‘posh’ people know the difference and will call it by its appropriate name.”

6. ADULTS IN PADDLING POOLS

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Although it is tempting to cool off in a paddling pool, you should refrain from it as an adult, claims Laura Windsor[/caption]

Laura said that despite paddling pools being unsightly and only suitable for children, it seems to attract a lot of adults who “think that it’s ok to wash their muddy feet in it, unaware that children are inside.”

She added: “And suddenly it becomes a shared foot bath along with half the garden that the children have brought with them. 

“Eventually it looks like a swamp and smells like a science project gone wrong.

“Is that really ‘posh’?”

7. EGG CHAIRS

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William said that any form of chair, ovular or not, suspended from a chain is probably not a good idea.

He explained: “We all know what is going to happen at some point. Snap!

“You’ll fall to the ground, the thing will break and you’ll have egg chair all over your face. 

“To paraphrase George Orwell: four legs, good – one chain, bad.”

8. STRING BIKINI BOTTOMS

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Anna Bey warned that string bikinis can look ‘vulgar’[/caption]

Everybody is racing to update their summer wardrobe with the latest fashion – but there are some trends that aren’t so hot.

Etiquette coach Anna Bey says a big no-no for summer are high-wasited bikini bottoms with a draw-string.

She says: “Ladies like to pull it up almost to their ears.

“I get it, we have this trend right now with this kind of bikini bottoms but this in particular makes me really disgusted, every time I see it on my Instagram feed.”

Anna credits influencers and models as the reason behind the bikinis popularity.

The expert says that women who wear ths type of bottoms “really wants to highlight their crotch area” – and can even be a bit vulgar.

She suggests that if women want to look elegant they should go for traditional swimwear looks that are more covered up.

9. HOT TUBS

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Hot tubs are ‘ oversized petri dishes of filth’[/caption]

With the hot weather we’ve had this summer, some people have found buying a hot tub for their garden has been a godsend. 

However, William argued: “These oversized petri dishes of filth have become the 2020 social indicator of the aspirational lower middle class.  

“There are few worse accusations one can level against someone than that they own, or aspire to own, a hot tub.  

“No amount of money spent on such an item will upgrade a person’s garden.  

“The presence of a hot tub does not transform a nondescript-semi in Borehamwood to a cosy chalet in Val d’isere.”

10. KIDNEY SHAPED PONDS

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William said it is acceptable to have a “lake” in your garden, if the size allows, but a small kidney-shaped pond is something else entirely.

He explained: “They are dreadful for so many reasons.

“Even if you put expensive koi carp in it, it is still dreadful.”

11. PLASTIC FLUTES

Plastic flutes may be light-weight for picnics, but are not that chic, argues Laura.

She shared: “It’s definitely for the cheap and cheerful. Let me ask you a question: would you prefer drinking beer from a glass or a plastic one?

“99 per cent would probably say glass.

“Any wine lover will know that drinking a good wine from a plastic cup doesn’t exalt the wine’s aroma and quality.

“It’s not just about getting ‘happy’ – it is about the experience; wrapping your lips around the glass rim, smelling the wine, holding the weight of a glass as opposed to the flimsy weight of a plastic one and holding the glass properly by its stem.”

12. PLASTIC PRIVACY SCREENS

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People are raving about the cheap B&Q buy to privatise your garden[/caption]

Privacy fences or screens have boomed in popularity in recent years, but perhaps you should think twice before forking out.

Laura shared: “I call them evergreen monstrosities, protecting you from the neighbours, and from having good taste.”

13. BLASTING MUSIC

It is tempting to host a party when the sun comes out, but there are some rules to consider.

Laura advised: “Blasting your music in your garden for all to hear is seen as lacking in consideration and respect for your neighbours  – disturbing their peace and quiet.

“Wear your headphones, airpods etc!

“Nowadays there is no excuse for disrupting everyone’s weekend, and that includes wearing headphones anywhere in public too!”

A MAJOR ITV shake-up sees Emmerdale and Coronation Street episodes released on YouTube before hitting TV screens.

Traditionally, viewers waited until weekday evenings for brand new episodes.

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ITV soap fans have a big shake-up underway[/caption]

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Episodes of both Corrie and Emmerdale are airing on YouTube ahead of transmission[/caption]

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Emmerdale drama sees Paddy Dingle in harm’s way[/caption]

Both shows already drop episodes early – on the streaming service ITVX.

However, from today (June 30), new instalments are also available on YouTube.

Full episodes are to be shown on YouTube at 7am – on the same day as transmission.

This is not the only exciting news for ITV soap fans in recent memory.

Last month, it was confirmed the two soaps would be joining forces for the first time in an epic crossover episode.

Set to be broadcast in January 2026, teasers suggest characters from both shows will depart and exciting new faces will join as the cast from each of the long-running ITV programmes come face-to-face for the first time.

The hour-long episode is to mark the start of the new ‘soap power hour’ – a schedule change taking hold from early next year.

Emmerdale and Corrie will each broadcast a 30-minute episode every-day back-to-back as part of the new programming changes with the huge stunt set to kickstart it all.

ITV teased that the one-off mash-up will have “everlasting consequences for everyone involved” and will rock Weatherfield and the Dales forever.

But before the crossover hits screens, fans will still have major drama in store.

Upcoming Emmerdale scenes see fan favourite Paddy Kirk rushed to hospital after a horror dog attack.

The vet – played by Dominic Brunt – is faced with an aggressive dog after freeing a trapped sheep from a fence.

Left seriously injured and rushed to hospital, harsh words from a loved one add insult to injury.

How will the beloved character move on in the aftermath?

Over in Coronation Street, viewers were shocked when Gary Windass was revealed to be fighting for his life in hospital.

Having been brutally attacked, the builder was shown to be in a coma.

But just who is responsible for the crime?

Coronation Street and Emmerdale air on ITV1 and ITVX.

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Gary Windass has been left fighting for his life[/caption]

MANILA, Philippines — Majority of Filipinos support the Philippines rejoining  the International Criminal Court (ICC), survey results from OCTA Research showed. Based on the results of a survey conducted by OCTA Research from April 20 to 24, 57 percent of Filipinos support the Philippines rejoining the ICC. Meanwhile, only 37 percent said that they were

CAP d’Agde lies on a stunning stretch of Mediterranean coastline in the south of France. The sea is crystal clear, the sands are powdery white.

But frankly, nobody really cares, because visitors come here with only one thing on their minds – SEX.

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Cap d’Agde is located in the south of France and boasts stunning beaches and crystal clear water[/caption]

Sex with their partners, sex with someone else’s partner, group sex, sex on the beach, sex in the sea, sex during foam parties.

In this hedonistic playground, anything goes.

Hundreds of thousands of swingers, including many Brits, descend on the resort each summer looking to fulfil their wildest fantasies.

But despite all the exhibitionism, it’s a closed, secretive world. As a rule, visitors to Cap d’Agde follow the motto: what goes on tour, stays on tour.

Most visitors have been part of the swinging scene for a while and have received an “invitation” to join the fun.

But one Cap d’Agde regular has agreed to speak to Fabulous, on the condition her identity is kept secret.

“There are parties going on, group interactions, couples looking for single guys, single women, couples – anything goes,” says Katie, 34, who visits Cap d’Agde with her partner of six years, Steffan, 39.

The couple, from Milton Keynes, run a website for swingers – fittingly.

“Everyone finds it so exciting,” she says. “You get a real sense of the hedonist lifestyle. I’ve seen all sorts. Cap d’Agde has really opened my eyes. It’s crazy.”

The two kilometre beach at Cap d’Agde is divided into three zones. The first is for ordinary families, the second for naturists and the third section is for swingers.

Bonkers’ beach, if you will. The swingers’ zone even has a number of hotels to choose from.

Some accommodation even has two interconnecting rooms for couple swaps, while one hotel has a roof terrace where residents can have sex on sun loungers.

Katie had her first swingers experience ten years ago, while with a former partner.

“We were going to Berlin to see a music gig and I was searching on TripAdvisor for what to do – just some innocent searching,” she explains.

“I came across what was described as a lifestyle club. It was number three on the list of attractions. ‘That looks interesting’, I thought. I was nervous, but inquisitive.

You get a real sense of the hedonist lifestyle. I’ve seen all sorts. Cap d’Agde has really opened my eyes. It’s crazy

Katie

“I remember getting the train there with my ex and I felt like people knew where we were heading. It felt a bit naughty.”

When Katie arrived, she discovered her intuition was spot on.

“It was held in a nightclub and while everyone was clothed, there were private areas where people went to have sex or get involved,” she says.

“It was like this other world we didn’t know existed. We just observed the first time and didn’t participate. But it felt incredibly liberating.”

When she came back home, Katie and her partner began visiting swingers’ clubs in Newcastle and Leeds.

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Cap d’Agde was a naturist village 30 years ago before swingers started going there[/caption]

‘Soft swap’

“We were keen to meet similar people in the UK,” she says.

“We found so many normal people do it. It’s like a secret life. It opened our minds to a different world. Even so, I didn’t participate the first two or three times. I just watched others having sex.

“By the time I did get involved, I’d made some connections with people, so I was more relaxed. My first experience was a soft swap. My first full swap was the next time we went to a club.

“A soft swap might mean switching partners, but not having full sex. It might involve kissing, or foreplay.

“A full swap is having sex with them. It’s like experimenting, but with other people. It opens you up to a new world of different experiences.”

I’m more of a voyeur – I’ll be in among the fun. I like being in the vibe

Katie

Katie says the word swinging is now considered old-fashioned and those involved in the lifestyle call it ethical non monogamy – ENM.

After splitting with her partner, she met her current boyfriend, Steffan, through the scene six years ago.

About a year later, they took off to Cap d’Agde after learning about it from friends on the scene.

“The first time I went, it opened my eyes even wider,” says Katie.

“There’s all sorts of stuff going on. You’ve got adults playing freely, having sex on the beach and in the sea. Some couples like to stand on the sidelines, enjoying the voyeuristic side where you watch others enjoying themselves.”

Voyeurism is Katie’s particular thing.

“There might be a handful of people I’ll interact with, kissing or dancing,” she says.

“But I’m more of a voyeur – I’ll be in among the fun. I like being in the vibe.”

‘Freedom and empowerment’

Katie and Steffan loved their first experience so much that they have returned every other year since. You could call it a swingers’ pilgrimage.

Katie says that contrary to what appearances might suggest, Cap d’Agde is not a free-for-all. Well, not most of the time.

“Everything is about consent and respect,” she explains

“When you go to Cap d’Agde, you’ll be on one of the lifestylers [swingers] apps, such as one called Wyylde. If you have a profile, you explain what you’re looking for, there is a conversation, then you meet.

“For single guys and adventurous couples, you could have over 10 interactions, from soft swaps to full sex, in a day.”

Interacting with complete strangers is not unusual.

“If you’re on the beach, for example, people might start to watch. You might say, ‘Do you want to join us?’ and there’s the joy of the spontaneous situation.

“But there’s always consent. There’s no pressure. You do get people you’re not interested in making approaches, but you can politely decline.”

One of the curious things about Cap d’Agde is that while all this sex and wild abandon is going on, parents with kids might be eating picnics and building sandcastles just metres along the coast.

“There are families on a different part of the beach,” says Katie.

My parents’ initial reaction was that they wanted to make sure I was OK and it wasn’t something I was being forced into

Katie

“And Cap d’Agde was a naturist village 20 to 30 years ago, before swingers started going there. So you’ll see naturists walking about, who are not there for sex.”

Surprisingly, Katie claims she doesn’t get jealous when she sees Steffan having fun with other women.

“No, actually I find there’s less jealousy,” she says. “It’s about sex positivity, freedom and empowerment. It can strengthen your relationship.”

Katie believes swinging has “skyrocketed” in recent years.

“From our research on Google, it’s around five per cent and growing. It’s opening up in the mainstream,” she says.

“Most of my friends are now in the lifestyle. We told them and they were interested to see what it was all about. People questioning the standard monogamous relationship structures.

“There are ENM clubs across the UK, and events at mansions. From our research, 30 to 60 years old is the main age group, but the 20 to 30 age group is growing.”

While Katie wishes her identity to remain unknown to the wider world, her friends and family know her secret.

“My parents’ initial reaction was that they wanted to make sure I was OK and it wasn’t something I was being forced into,” she says.

“But they’re fine with it because they know I’m fine with it. Family members find it interesting – they’re all very inquisitive.”

Katie and Steffan recently started a family. Their baby son is just four months old, so they won’t be heading out to Cap d’Agde this summer.

Being a new mum, my attention is on the little one now

Katie

“Being a new mum, my attention is on the little one now,” says Katie.

“But I’ll definitely be going back at some point. My family will be able to look after my son.”

Despite the demands of motherhood, Katie says she’s very much still part of the “lifestyle”.

She and Steffan recently set up a website, Playful Pineapple, aimed at improving the experiences of swingers.

“Playful Pineapple is a destination for people in the lifestyle. The online experience was dated,” says Katie.

“You get a lot of fake profiles on websites. We want to make it safe, so people know they’re talking to a real person, a social networking space for the lifestyle.

“On our website, you’ve got profiles, what you’re looking for in lifestyling, what your travel plans are, where you might be heading. It’s a safe environment.”

The logo is an upside down pineapple – a swingers’ symbol.

“Upside down pineapple cake, that was the essence of offering, of hospitality, in countries like Hawaii,” says Katie. Now you get necklaces, earrings and so on, to showcase the lifestyle.”

Pineapples are used as a secret sign to other prospective swingers.

At Cap d’Agde, however, there’s no need for pineapples or any other secret sign. When you hit the beach, there’s not a chance of mistaking what it’s all about.

ALAN PEACOCK has passed away at the age of 87.

The former England and Middlesbrough star’s death was announced by the club on social media.

Getty

Alan Peacock has died aged 87[/caption]

Peacock died over the weekend with his family by side.

He scored 141 goals in 238 games for Boro during his decade-long spell at the club between 1954 and 1964.

Boro announced his passing with a touching tribute.

It read: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of club legend Alan Peacock at the age of 87.

“The former England international, who scored 141 goals in 238 games for his hometown club, passed away peacefully at the weekend with his family by his side.

“The thoughts of everyone at Middlesbrough Football Club are with Alan’s family and friends at this sad time.”

Peacock earned six caps for England between 1962 and 1965, scoring three times.

After leaving Boro in 1964, he went on to have spells at Leeds United and Plymouth Argyle.

He hung up his boots in 1968 at the age of 30 due to persistent injuries.

More to follow…

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..

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