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Sir Keir Starmer says his sister-in-law could have been killed when his house was firebombed

An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Keir Starmer speaking to the media

SIR KEIR Starmer has said his sister-in-law could have been killed when his house was firebombed.

The Prime Minister has revealed his wife’s sister was luckily still awake when the alleged arson attack took place in the early hours.

Screengrab of firefighters extinguishing a burning car.
PA
The PM says his sister-in-law could have been killed when his house was firebombed[/caption]

Sir Keir told The Observer his family were “shaken up”.

He said: “She happened to still be awake, so she heard the noise and got the fire brigade.

“But it could have been a different story.”

The incident came just hours before he was due to give a press conference, which he considered cancelling due to the impact on his family, including wife Victoria.

He said: “Vic was really shaken up — as, in truth, was I.

“It was just a case of reading the speech and getting through it somehow so I could get back to them.”

The blaze in Kentish Town, North London, on May 12 was the most recent of three apparent arson attacks on property and cars linked to the PM.

A car was set ablaze on the same street days earlier, and converted flats were targeted in nearby Islington.

Three men who have been charged in connection with the attacks will face trial in April next year.

Keir Starmer speaking to the media.
Sir Keir Starmer reveals his wife’s sister was luckily still awake when the alleged arson attack took place
AFP

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Reckless pro-Palestine protesters break into warehouse and damage nearly £1m of military equipment destined for UKRAINE

A SWARM of pro-Palestinian protesters caused nearly £1million worth of damage to military equipment which had been earmarked for Ukraine.

Some 150 dim-witted activists wielding hammers and spray paint went on a warehouse rampage – reportedly causing severe damage to several tanks.

Freddy Versluys, CEO of OIP Land Systems, standing on Leopard 1 tanks.
Reuters
CEO of OIP Land Systems Freddy Versluys said the vandals caused severe damage to the tanks at his warehouse (pictured)[/caption]
Pro-Palestinian protesters waving Palestinian flags at a demonstration.
Pro-Palestine protesters smashed up computers and damaged the facility (stock)
Reuters
Ukrainian tank crewman on an infantry fighting vehicle.
Getty
The firm has provided around 260 armoured vehicles to Ukraine since Putin’s invasion[/caption]

They raided hangars and smashed up computers at the facility in Belgium owned by OIP Land Systems – who produce military equipment for Ukraine.

But the idiotic protesters, dressed in white overalls and masks, wrongly believed that the equipment was being shipped to Israel, 7sur7 reported.

Taking part in the Stop Arming Israel campaign, they first broke into and ransacked the warehouse’s offices in Tournai.

The dopey demonstrators then headed for the storage units before vandalising the facility and the critical equipment inside it.

They brought along disc cutters and hammers during the frenzy on Monday which “severely damaged some vehicles”, the firm’s CEO Freddy Verslyus said.

He branded the group of vandals “Hamas sympathisers”.

The next shipment of military aid which – was reserved specifically to help Volodymyr Zelensky fend off Russia’s meatgrinder invasion – has now been delayed.

OIP Land Systems specialises in the maintenance, repair, and modernisation of military vehicles.

Since the Vladimir Putin’s bloody invasion, the company has already delivered around 260 armoured vehicles to the Ukrainian army.

Versluys said: “The next delivery is now delayed by at least a month.

“That’s all these Hamas sympathisers will have achieved with their actions.”

The fuming CEO also announced his intention to file a complaint against unknown parties following the huge £1million damage bill.

The military company was reportedly targeted by the protesters because it is owned by Israeli defence company Elbit Systems.

The activists reportedly believe that Elbit supplies 85 per cent of the Israel Defence Force’s drones, and most of their ground military equipment.

But the raging protesters were left mortified after the firm’s CEO claimed that his company had not produced defence systems for Israel in over 20 years.

At least 30 people were arrested following the embarrassing raid, Stop Arming Israel said.

Tournai police arrived to the scene supported by Borinage cops who also came with riot control vehicles.

A helicopter was also scrambled during the mindless rampage.

Some activists fled to neighbouring villages in order to escape, before being chased down by cops.

OIP Land Systems has provided defence products to Ukraine on several occasions.

The military equipment provided includes Leopard 1 tanks, which are manufactured at the Tournai plant.

It comes after two pro-Palestine activists broke into an RAF base and vandalised two planes in a “grotesque” breach of security.

The men were seen breaking into RAF Brize Norton in a video shared online by group Palestine Action.

The UK’s defence ministry slammed the “vandalism of Royal Air Force assets” in a scathing statement.

Dozens of German-made Leopard 1 tanks in a hangar.
Reuters
Leopard 1 tanks are seen in the hangar in Tournais, Belgium[/caption]

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Great news for sports fans as booze ads ban AXED sparing fans a ticket price hike and boosting investment in grassroots

PLANS to ban alcohol sponsorship at sporting events have been axed — sparing fans ticket price hikes, The Sun can reveal.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has ruled out barring booze firms, it is understood, to the relief of football, rugby and tennis chiefs.

David Beckham drinking Stella Artois.
Stella Artois.
Adverts like David Beckham’s for Stella Artois would have been banned under the proposals[/caption]

The Premier League agreed a four-year mega-deal with Guinness last season while ABK Beer backs October’s Rugby League Ashes.

Dropping the “nanny state” ban will also boost grassroots sport, as cash trickles down from the elite levels.

One senior Tory said: “Sponsorship helps keep football tickets affordable and grassroots sports alive.

“You don’t drive harmful drinking down by banning adverts, you just hit fans in the pocket.”

However, partial restrictions on alcohol ads will form part of a ten-year NHS plan out next week, it is believed.

They may be outlawed before the 9pm watershed in line with junk food and drink as ministers try to tackle growing health problems.

Junk food ads are to be banned between 5.30pm and 9pm from October.

We told yesterday that more than half of Labour voters opposed an ads ban by meddling ministers.

Portrait of Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has ruled out barring booze firms from sporting events
Getty

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Manny Pacquiao, 46, looks to become boxing’s oldest ever champion as legend says ‘I have two or three fights left’

MANNY PACQUIAO is looking to become boxing’s oldest ever champion, declaring: “I still have two or three fights left.”

Pacquiao won 62 of his 72 professional bouts and remains the only eight-division world champion in boxing history.

Manny Pacquiao warming up at Wild Card Boxing Club.
Getty
Manny Pacquiao is ready to become the oldest-ever champ in boxing history[/caption]

In 2019 he set new records as the oldest welterweight champion ever aged 40.

Pacquiao retired two years later as he lost his WBA title to Yordenis Ugas.

But next month he is stepping out of retirement to take on Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight championship aged 46.

Winning it would make him the second-oldest champ in any division, three years behind Bernard Hopkins.

But Pacquiao is looking to set the record himself by insisting he still has several fights left — taking him to the ripe old age of 50.

Speaking at a media workout today, he declared: “I think I have two or three more fights left.

“I feel like I could do this for a couple of years. But I’m just taking it one at a time.

“My goal is to be the oldest champion and retire as a champion. This fight is very important to me because it’s history.

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“I believe I’d be the first Hall of Famer to win another world title, and I’d also break my own record as the oldest welterweight world champion.”

After retiring in 2021, Pacquiao had three exhibition bouts.

Boxing match graphic comparing Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios' stats.

But he admits he missed the feel of a proper slog, leading him to perform a U-turn.

He added: “When I retired in 2021, it wasn’t a good feeling because I had it in my heart and my mind that I can still fight.

“I’ve always known that I could still work hard and dedicate myself and focus on training. I’ve rested and now I’m back.

“I feel fast and I feel like the strength is still there. I can still do what I’ve done before in training. 

“If anything, my team right now is trying to slow me down and making sure I get enough rest. I still want to push myself every day, but I know that I have to listen to my team.

“Boxing is my passion. I’ve missed the sport. These last four years have been good for my body, because I’ve been doing this a long time. I feel like my passion and fire is back and you can see it in my work.”

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How trendsetting Brit Anna Wintour became fashion’s ultimate force at Vogue – with NO ONE safe from her sharp tongue

SHE came, she saw the fashion world from behind her Chanel sunglasses, she conquered.

After 37 years as the formidable force on US Vogue, Anna Wintour is stepping aside as Editor-in-Chief.

Anna Wintour waving at the Met Gala.
GC Images
Anna Wintour has announced she’s quitting her iconic role at American Vogue in a shock career move[/caption]
Anna Wintour at the PEN American Center Gala.
Getty
Anna, pictured in 1996, has had her signature razor-sharp bob since the age of 14[/caption]

The move marks the end of an era, in which the UK-born power player ruled the fashion industry with a perfectly manicured fist.

One flick of her hair or glance and your fate was sealed.

Dame Anna, honoured by Queen Elizabeth II in 2017 in full Chanel couture, turned unknown models into stars, transformed “trashy” celebs into tastemakers, and set trends the high street copied.

Her signature razor-sharp bob — which she has had since the age of 14 — needs two daily blow-dries (morning and evening) and near-constant trims.

Her attitude is equally polished — and feared. Nicknamed Nuclear Wintour for her icy reputation, she remains fashion’s most enigmatic personality.

The documentary The September Issue offered a rare peek inside Vogue’s Manolo Blahnik-strewn corridors, capturing the chaos of assembling an 840-page edition of the magazine in 2007.

Debuting in 2009 at Sundance and grossing around £7million, the film cemented Anna’s status as the ultimate force in fashion.
Surrounded by ‘thin, rich and young’ people

Her frosty persona inspired The Devil Wears Prada’s Miranda Priestly — Meryl Streep’s pursed lips and cutting glares were taken straight from the Wintour playbook — and even The Incredibles’ eccentric designer Edna Mode was modelled on her.

But inside Vogue, Anna’s power wasn’t a scowl or stare. It was a yellow Post-it note stuck to the bottom of a printout, bearing the a seal of approval “AWOK” — Anna Wintour OK — which could make or break careers.

One star Anna truly legitimised was Kim Kardashian. When she boldly put Kim and then-fiance Kanye West on Vogue’s cover in 2014, the fashion elite gasped.

Her response? “If we only put tasteful people on the cover, no one would talk about us.”

Anna also championed other stars — giving Kendall Jenner strong Vogue backing and helping her break into high fashion.

She championed Gisele Bundchen in the late 1990s and early 2000s, featuring her on many Vogue covers, and Kate Upton’s debut on the front of the magazine in 2013 signalled a shift toward embracing curvier models in the industry.

Infamously private, Anna Wintour’s influence is impossible to ignore. The Devil Wears Prada even became a musical — proof of her cultural reach.

At 75, she kept Vogue not just relevant, but reigning as fashion and culture’s ultimate authority.

From supermodel golden eras to today’s social media trends, Anna transformed the title from a magazine into a global style empire.

Every May, she breaks the internet with the Met Gala — her annual, star-studded spectacle where celebrities stun in jaw-dropping looks.

What was once a low-key fundraiser transformed under her reign into fashion’s most exclusive, over-the-top, meme-worthy night.

Black and white photo of Anna Wintour during an interview.
Getty
Anna Wintour cracks a rare smile while at work in 1989[/caption]
Scene from The Devil Wears Prada showing Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci reviewing photos.
Alamy
Anna’s frosty persona inspired The Devil Wears Prada’s Miranda Priestly[/caption]

Starting in 2004, Anna harnessed showbiz glamour to skyrocket the event into global fame.

Today, from TikTokers to A-listers, the guest list is fiercely selective — just 30 seconds of fame on a bright red carpet holds massive cultural weight.

While Anna wields immense power over designer brands and celebrities, she has also had a huge impact on the high street.

From her very first Vogue cover mixing budget jeans with couture, she has championed accessible fashion for all.

Anna has been key in shaping runway trends that trickle down to high street retailers. In 2009, she launched Fashion’s Night Out, turning shopping into a celebrity- studded, cocktail-fuelled event in New York and London, raising funds for causes such as the NYC AIDS Fund and September 11 Memorial until the event ended in 2013.

But Anna did not just dip into retail — she transformed the high-street experience.

By blending celebrity appeal, charity and immersive theatre, she redefined how brands engage with shoppers.

She was a fixture at Topshop’s London Fashion Week shows and has long championed luxury-meets-store collaborations — think Balmain x H&M — bringing runway glamour to the masses and giving the UK high street a major boost.

FASHION QUEEN

In an interview with The Times last year, Anna tipped her hat to Gap for snapping up designer Zac Posen and gave props to Uniqlo for working with Givenchy’s former artistic director Clare Waight Keller, who had designed Meghan Markle’s wedding dress.

The fashion queen said: “These big mass companies have finally clocked the power of creativity. You wouldn’t have seen that ten, 15, even 20 years ago.”

Anna has two children — Charles, a psychiatrist born in 1985, and TV producer Katherine, known as Bee, who she had in 1987.

Their father is child psychiatrist David Shaffer, who Anna was married to from 1984 to 2020.

She is reportedly romantically linked to actor Bill Nighy, though they describe themselves as close friends.

Still, in Wintour’s world, loyalty can be as fleeting as fashion trends.

Vogue magazine cover featuring Kim Kardashian and Kanye West.
AP:Associated Press
When Anna boldly put Kim and then-fiance Kanye West on Vogue’s cover in 2014, the fashion elite gasped[/caption]
Naomi Campbell and Anna Wintour at a Marc Jacobs event.
Getty
Anna with fellow Brit fashion icon Naomi Campbell[/caption]

Her decades-long friendship with the late Andre Leon Talley — once her trusted right-hand at Vogue — ended bitterly after he was pushed aside.

In his 2020 memoir The Chiffon Trenches, Talley claimed she preferred to surround herself with “thin, rich, and young” people. Ouch.

Top designers haven’t escaped her icy glare either. After various scandals, names such as John Galliano and Dolce & Gabbana were swiftly frozen out of Vogue’s world — proving that even fashion royalty are not safe from her.

Yet despite the many ups and downs, one thing is certainly true.

Anna Wintour is a force, a legend and one hell of a woman whose influence stretches far beyond the pages of Vogue.

She will now focus on her roles as Global Editorial Director and Chief Content Officer at the magazine’s publisher Condé Nast.

Whoever is picked to take over her old job better be able to fill her Manolo Blahnik pumps.

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Heartbreaking tributes pour in for Kerry teen who died in horse-riding accident – as funeral details confirmed

THE funeral details have been announced for a teenager who died tragically in a horse-riding accident in Killarney yesterday.

The teen has been named locally as Isabelle O’Callaghan, 17, from Rockfield, Killarney in County Kerry.

Photo of Isabelle O'Callaghan.
Tributes have poured in for Isabelle O’Callaghan
COLLECT

The accident is understood to have occurred at her home just outside Killarney town.

Locals said that Isabelle, who was a pupil at St Brigid’s school in Killarney, loved horses and was a member of Kingdom Pony Club.

Paying tribute, one of her teachers wrote: ‘’Isabelle was quiet yet determined, with the most gorgeous smile and a wonderful sense of humour.

“She had such a bright future ahead of her, and it is a profound sorrow that she will never get the chance to fulfil.

“My class will feel her absence deeply, but she will never be forgotten.

“Rest in peace Isabelle, being your teacher was such a privilege’’.

Local priest Fr Kieran O’Brien said the community was numb with the news of the tragedy.

He added: “We have heard she was an outstanding individual who loved horses and it was a freak accident that claimed her life doing what she loved.”

Paula Silles, whose son Luke drowned in a swimming tragedy in Tralee last month, said: ‘’Such heartbreaking news. May that beautiful young girl rest in peace.

“We feel their pain having lost our amazing son a few weeks ago in a tragic accident. Sending our love’’.

Isabelle is survived by her parents Eamon and Deirdre and brother James.

Her remains will repose at O’Shea’s Funeral Home, Killarney on Sunday June 29 from 7pm to 9pm.

Funeral arriving at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney on Monday morning at 11.45am for Requiem Mass at 12 noon. Burial afterwards in Aghadoe Lawn Cemetery.

Tributes poured in online for the young teenager.

One mourner said: “Our deepest sympathies on the loss of your beautiful Izzy.

“Such a gorgeous girl inside and out, who will be deeply missed.

“Thinking of you at this immense heart breaking time.

“May the memories you shared give you strength in the times ahead.”

While another added: “From one horsey parent to another, I am devastated to hear about the loss of your daughter.

“May she rest in peace and all your treasured memories, in time, heal your broken hearts.”

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Chelsea on verge of £55.5m Jamie Gittens transfer with deal for Dortmund star expected next week

CHELSEA are close to landing Jamie Gittens for £55.5million from Borussia Dortmund.

Both clubs, who are at the Club World Cup in the United States, have been locked in talks in the last 48 hours and should reach an agreement next week.

Jamie Gittens of Borussia Dortmund in a yellow uniform.
Alamy
Borussia Dortmund ace Jamie Gittens is on the verge of joining Chelsea[/caption]

Gittens, 20, is ready to end his four-year stint in Germany and return to the club where he was once part of the youth set-up.

Chelsea were hoping to secure the England Under-21 international for £50m with add-ons but the deal will cost more.

Gittens has struggled with illness and hardly played in the USA.

The Blues have already spent £1.4billion to assemble their current squad, but club transfer chiefs are desperate to bring their former youth star back home.

Reports suggest they have tabled a seven-year offer to tempt him into a Stamford Bridge return, despite a £42million bid being rejected earlier this month.

Gittens – who changed his surname from Bynoe-Gittens on the advice of his father – enjoyed a breakout season with Dortmund.

Across 48 games in all competitions before the Club World Cup, 34 of which he started, the England youth star netted 12 goals and added five assists.

In October, at 20 years and 75 days old, Gittens became the youngest English player to score against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Jamie Gittens' 2024-25 Bundesliga stats: games, chances created, goals, assists, shots on target, passes, and fouls.

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Gittens joins new Dortmund team-mate Jobe Bellingham and Chelsea’s Liam Delap in a list full of players who couldn’t join England’s Under-21s at the Euros this summer.

Despite several high profile absences, the young Three Lions have made the Euros final yet again, where they hope to retain their title when they face off against Germany on Saturday night.

Meanwhile, Blues defender Tosin Adarabioyo insists Cole Palmer CAN handle the hype of being the club’s “superstar”.

The pair were pals at Manchester City, even though Tosin, 27, is four years older.

Fifa have used the face of Palmer on every poster plugging Blues’ games at the Club World Cup, including Saturday’s last- 16 clash with Benfica.

Tosin said: “I banter him sometimes and tell him he’s a little superstar. But he handles it very well and he knows his focus is on football.”

Jamie Bynoe-Gittens #21 of England playing soccer.
Gittens won the Under-19 European Championships with England
Collage of soccer players with transfer news live graphic.

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Amazing news for pet owners as dogs now live two YEARS longer – here are the reasons why

DOGS live two years longer on average than they did ten years ago, data research shows.

Pooches now have a life expectancy of 12-and-a-half years, compared to just over ten a decade ago.

Experts say it is down to improved vet treatments and owners feeding them healthier food.

Pet food firm Bella+Duke, which did the study, also said 58 per cent of owners reckon their dog is as much a part of the family as the humans in it.

The study said owners are “investing more time and money in their pets, elevating the bond to one mirroring the connection between parent and child”.

The report looked at data on 580,000 pets collected by Liverpool John Moores University and dog organisations the Kennel Club and Dogs Trust

B+D co-founder Tony Ottley said many dog lovers are adopting healthier diets for themselves and want the same for their pets.

He said: “Increasingly, we hear, ‘If I wouldn’t eat processed junk, why should my dog?’.

“Pet owners are demanding minimally processed, nutritious food.”

Happy senior Golden Retriever sitting amongst autumn leaves.
Getty
Dogs live two years longer on average than they did ten years ago, data research shows[/caption]

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From hunky Jack Draper to Emma Raducanu – the who-to-watch guide for Brit Wimbledon hotshots hoping to win big at SW19

TENNIS fans will hope Jack is nimble – and quick – as our latest Wimbledon hope takes to the court.

World No4 Jack Draper, 23, whose looks have won him a Burberry modelling deal, has a serious shot at the title.

Four athletes—two tennis players, a golfer, and a tennis player—pose in winter attire on a snowy mountaintop.
Emma Raducanu hopes to go deep into the tournament after a recent return to form
Getty

On the ladies’ side, former US Open champ Emma Raducanu, 22, hopes to go deep after a recent return to form.

There are 23 Brits in the singles – 13 men and ten women – which is the most since 1984.

Mike Ridley serves up a selection of them before the action starts at SW19 on Monday.

Hannah Klugman, 16 – GB No17, world No577

STAR-in-the-making Hannah will feel right at home – as her family live in Wimbledon village in South West London, not far from the All England club.

The youngest of four sisters, she excelled at all sports and only plumped for tennis after the Covid pandemic.

Hannah Klugman playing tennis.
Alamy
Hannah Klugman was the first Briton to make the final in Paris since Michele Tyler in 1976[/caption]

At 14, Hannah gave up going to school and did her GCSE studies online.

Earlier this month, that decision already looked to have been a good one as she became a junior Grand Slam runner-up at the French Open.

She was the first Briton to make the final in Paris since Michele Tyler in 1976 and experts are now marking her out for big things – and she already has experience of a grand stage.

Sun tennis writer Rob Maul says: “There are three British female teens in the draw [also Mika Stojsavljevic, 16, and Mimi Xu, 17]. She is already impressive, and she is part of the future for Wimbledon.”

Katie Boulter, 28 – GB No2, world No41

LEICESTER CITY fan Katie Boulter has never got as far as the second week of a grand slam tournament – despite being Britain’s No2.

On her day, statuesque Katie can upset the form book but experts reckon she is perhaps a little too inconsistent to be among the game’s elite.

Katie Boulter on a tennis court at Wimbledon, smiling and holding a tennis racket.
Katie Boulter has never got as far as the second week of a grand slam tournament – despite being Britain’s No2
News Group Newspaper Ltd
Katie Boulter and Alex De Minaur engaged.
Katie is engaged to Aussie world No11 Alex de Minaur after dating him for about three years
Instagram

She is engaged to Aussie world No11 Alex de Minaur after dating him for about three years.

The couple have date nights during tournaments, which they post about on social media.

Alex, 26, was born in Sydney then trained for years in Spain.

But while Alex was unsure whether to play for Spain or Australia at the Olympics, before choosing the former, Katie was famously pictured in 2018 cheering on England’s World Cup footballers.

Katie, who has suffered many injuries over the years, including a stress fracture of the back, is very close to her grandparents who live in the East Midlands where she grew up.

She also appreciates going out with a man who understands the pressures of the game.

Emma Raducanu, 22 – GB No1, world No38

ONE of the most scrutinized female athletes in world sport and one of the most famous.

As Britain’s No1, the whole country will be rooting for her during the championships.

Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon.
PA
Carlos Alcaraz has been romantically linked to Emma[/caption]

And amid rumour of a romance with Spanish world No2 Carlos Alcaraz – who at 22 has won five grand slams including two Wimbledons – he will surely be keeping an eye on her matches.

Will former US Open winner Emma rediscover that old magic, on the back of promising recent results?

Or will she be affected by news that the stalker who reduced her to tears in Dubai in February tried to get tickets for this year’s Wimbledon, only to be red-flagged and denied.

She will be grateful organisers had beefed up security but all eyes will be on her game.

If she can overcome those worries and avoid injury, Emma could go a long way.

Whatever happens, there will be plenty of drama.

Jodie Burrage, 26 – GB No7, world No164

SHE missed Wimbledon last year through injury, so hopes her luck will change.

But judging by a bizarre event that happened at the pre-Wimbledon tournament in Eastbourne this week, she might wonder.

Jodie Burrage of Great Britain celebrates during a tennis match.
Getty
Jodie Burrage missed Wimbledon last year through injury, so hopes her luck will change[/caption]
Jodie Burrage and Ben White at a rugby stadium.
Jodie is dating Scots rugby international Ben White, who plays scrum half for French club Toulon
Instagram

BBC commentator Annabel Croft could not believe her eyes when Jodie’s opponent in the last 16, reigning Wimbledon ladies champ Barbora Krejcikova, fired a shot through a hole in the net.

Krejcikova generously conceded the point but the Czech ace went on to win the match.

Surrey smasher Jodie is dating Scots rugby international Ben White, who plays scrum half for French club Toulon.

At last month’s French Open, Jodie said uncertainty over whether Ben, 27, would be picked for the British Lions squad to tour Australia this summer was affecting her form on the court.

In the end, Ben was not selected –  so expect to see him at Wimbledon cheering on Jodie.

Jack Draper, 23 – GB No1, world No4

ONE of the most eligible men in tennis, young free and single Jack is a Burberry model with an equally fine-looking tennis game.

Now at a career-high world No4, he is hotly tipped to win Wimbledon, if not this year then soon.

Jack Draper of Great Britain during Wimbledon practice.
Jack draper is a Burberry model with an equally fine-looking tennis game
Getty
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Jack Draper jumping into the ocean in Burberry swimwear.
Burberry
Jack with model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in an ad for Burberry swimwear[/caption]

He would be the first English champ since Fred Perry in 1936 – and looks the heir apparent to Scots sensation Sir Andy Murray, who twice claimed the spoils at SW19 before retiring.

After winning the Indian Wells tournament in California earlier this year, and making the semi-finals of the US Open in 2024, big-serving leftie Jack is the real deal at just 23.

The Man United fan, who grew up in Ashtead, Surrey, and started out at Sutton Tennis and Squash Club, also stands out for his chiselled looks.

He set hearts fluttering when pictured recently jumping topless from a boat with model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in an ad for Burberry swimwear.

But he has no love match at the moment and is just pals with Rosie, and her Hollywood star other half Jason Statham.

He says: “I’m always on the road, always playing, always training. It’s tough to sustain any relationship.”

Having banked nearly £6million in prize money, and plenty more from endorsements and modelling work, he is dream boyfriend material for whoever should get so lucky.

But for now, his No1 fan at Wimbledon will be mum Nicky, a former junior tennis starlet.

His dad Roger, meanwhile, is an ex-boss of the Lawn Tennis Association, the sport’s UK governing body, so was tasked with finding the country’s next Wimbledon champ.

Sun tennis correspondent Rob Maul says: “Remarkably, he didn’t have to look far!”

Henry Searle, 19 – GB No119, world No409

THE teen wildcard from Wolverhampton may have a lowly world ranking – but he already has some serious form on the lawns of Wimbledon.

It is only two years ago that 6ft 4in Henry became the first Brit to win the boys title, since football legend Stanley Matthews’ son.

Henry Searle celebrates at Wimbledon.
Henry Searle may have a lowly world ranking – but he already has some serious form on the lawns of Wimbledon
Rex

Since Stanley Matthews Jnr picked up the trophy in 1962, it has been won by a host of kids who went on to become tennis greats including Bjorn Borg and Ivan Lendl.

The left-hander is the son of cricketer Harvey Trump, an off-spin bowler who played for Somerset between 1988 and 1997, and his first wife Emma.

Henry has a huge following of fans and friends who join him at matches, wear identical T-shirts and making a lot of noise supporting his every shot.

Sun man courtside Rob Maul says: “Henry is quite a shy lad who doesn’t say a lot but he has what it takes to be a real star of the future.”

Jacob Fearnley, 23 – GB No2, world No51

HOTSHOT Jacob is drawing comparisons with a famous fellow Scot, two-time Wimbledon champ Sir Andy Murray, and recent results show the new pretender may just fit the bill.

He has had a meteoric rise to No51 in the world rankings, from a lowly 664 at the start of the year, and it seems the only way is up.

Tennis player celebrating with a clenched fist.
Shutterstock Editorial
Jacob Fearnley is drawing comparisons with a famous fellow Scot, two-time Wimbledon champ Sir Andy Murray[/caption]
Photo of Jacob Fearnley and Keagan Polk.
keagan.polk / Instagram
Jacob with stunning US girlfriend, beach volleyball star Keagan Polk[/caption]

The powerfully built big-hitter was born and brought up in Edinburgh where mum Sam, who worked for the NHS, taught him to play tennis from the age of three.

But Jacob looks like an American – wears his baseball cap backward and speaks with slight Texan drawl. That’s because he came through the US college ranks rather than a tennis academy.

He spent five years at the Texas Christian University where fellow Brit Cameron Norrie also built his game, and it is where he met his stunning US girlfriend, beach volleyball star Keagan Polk.

At the Australian Open earlier this year, she cheered him on to a win against Aussie bad boy Nick Kyrgios in the first round.

She was also in Jacob’s box at Wimbledon last year when he took a set off the greatest player of all time, Serb superstar Novak Djokovic.

But he has his work cut out in his first match at Wimbledon – up against much-hyped Brazilian teen Joao Fonseca.

Dan Evans, 35 – GB No5, world No170

LIKE seven-time Wimbledon champ Novak Djokovic, who comes into this year’s tournament aged 38 and world-ranked six, our Dan is in the twilight of his career.

Aged 35, he may not have too many more SW19 appearances in him, so catch him now.

Daniel Evans of Great Britain celebrates a point during a tennis match.
Getty
Dan Evans comes into this year’s tournament aged 38 and world-ranked six[/caption]
Dan Evans and his girlfriend arriving at Wimbledon practice.
Alamy
Dan will be cheered at Wimbledon by wife Aleah[/caption]

The former Brit No1 has slipped to world No170 from a high of 21 just two years ago and only got into this year’s draw with a wildcard – but a recent run of form suggests a thrilling last hurrah could just be possible.

One of the most working-class players on the circuit, Brummie electrician’s son Dan spent a year off the tour after testing positive for cocaine in 2017 but stormed back with a vengeance and is a reformed man.

He did Team GB proud last year at the Paris Olympics as he made the doubles quarter-finals with Sir Andy Murray – in the former world No1’s emotional farewell to the game.

Dan is now is giving his all to his time left on court and delighting fans with his mischievous game of crafty spins.

Based in Dubai nowadays, he will be cheered at Wimbledon by wife Aleah as he starts against fellow Brit Jay Clarke, 26, who is GB No7 and world No199.

Dan and Aleah plan to have kids once he hangs up his racquet – and he has banked more than £6million in prize money alone so will have plenty of cash for family holidays.

The single-handicap golfer will also have time for honing his swing, and following his beloved Aston Villa.

OTHER HOME ACES TO SEE

FROM talented teens to a most unlikely 11th-hour men’s qualifier, here are some other British players to watch . . . 

Mingge Xu playing tennis.
Reuters
Welsh wildcard Mingge ‘Mimi’ Xu is only 17 and already British No10[/caption]

TIPPED for big things, Welsh wildcard Mingge “Mimi” Xu is only 17 and already British No10.

Born to Chinese parents who met at Swansea University, she is world No318 and has a big ask in round one . . . against Emma Raducanu.

A boy celebrates after winning a tennis match at Wimbledon.
Getty
Oliver Tarvet battled through qualifying this week into the main draw[/caption]

HE is the world’s 719th best player and No33 in Britain – but Oliver Tarvet, from St Albans, battled through qualifying this week into the main draw.

If he wins his first match, against a fellow qualifier, Oliver, 21, could face reigning champ Carlos Alcaraz.

Mika Stojsavljevic playing tennis.
Getty
Mika Stojsavljevic, 16, is a big server with a style like her childhood idol Maria Sharapova[/caption]

WILDCARD Mika Stojsavljevic, 16, is a big server with a style like her childhood idol Maria Sharapova.

Born in West London to a Serb dad and Polish mum, the 6ft belter made headlines in junior circles by winning last year’s US Open girls’ title.

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Betway casino review: Bet €10 Get 150 Free Spins!

EVER wondered if an online casino is truly worth your time and money? Same here. That’s exactly why we dove headfirst into exploring Betway, so you don’t have to. 

Betway Ireland’s no small fry. It’s been around for two decades and knows a thing or two about user experience. It’s licensed by one of the biggest authorities in the industry and has even teamed up with West Ham United and other major betting partners, as it features sports betting too, but this has been great for Betway’s reputation. 

In this brief and catchy Betway casino review, we’ll walk you through what Betway’s really serving up: regulation, games, bonuses, payments, security measures, customer support and even responsible gambling tools — the whole shebang. We’ll share the good and the bad with no sugarcoating.

🧑‍⚖️ The Irish Sun verdict – Rating 4.05/5

Betway online casino launched back in 2006. All this time in the industry has allowed it to develop an understanding of users and how to play by their rules. 

Betway stands out with a user-friendly website, a really good selection of table games, multiple live dealer options and fast and secure payments. You can even place a bet or two on your favourite sports if you fancy a change. 

Betway is a reliable, trusted and time-tested online casino for Irish players who want to play in a safe gaming environment.

⚡ Betway casino quick facts

Since its launch, Betway has been at the forefront of online gaming, bringing Irish players the very best in terms of games, security and customer support. 

Let’s take a closer look at Betway’s basics.

📅 Year Established2006
📃 LicensesMalta Gaming Authority
🎁 Welcome BonusBet €10 Get 150 Free spins + a chance to win a Range Rover
🎰 No. of Games Offered500+
💳 Payment MethodsMasterCard, Visa, Google Pay, Trustly, Siirto, Euteller, Neteller, Skrill, Skrill 1-Tap, Rapid Transfer, Paysafecard, Payz
💬 Customer SupportEmail: support@betway.com
📱 AppYes

💰 Betway casino bonuses and promotions for Irish players

Betway is offering an exciting new welcome deal for all new users in Ireland: Stake €10 & Get 150 Free Spins + A Chance to Win a Range Rover.

To qualify, new ROI customers must deposit and stake a minimum of €10 on Betway Casino using a debit card. You’ll then receive 150 free spins on selected games, including Fishin’ Frenzy Even Bigger Catch, Eye of Horus, Gold Blitz Ultimate, 12 Masks of Fire Drums, and Ancient Fortunes Poseidon Megaways.

There are no wagering requirements on winnings from free spins, and they’re valid for 7 days after being awarded.

But that’s not all: each day you spin the Prize Wheel, you earn a ticket toward weekly giveaways and a grand prize draw to win a Range Rover. Spinning the Super Prize Wheel after wagering another €10 earns you 3 extra tickets, with a maximum of 4 tickets per day.

BONUS

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🎰 Betway casino games and providers

Betway game lobby with many slot games displayed.

Betway provides more than 500 big-brand game titles. It may not be as many as you can find at other casinos in Ireland, but we’re speaking quality over quantity. 

Just take a look at Betway’s provider lineup: Games Global, Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, Blueprint Gaming, Evolution Gaming, ELK Studios, Wazdan, Play’n Go and Big Time Gaming, to name just a few. There are games from over 20 top-class developers here. 

There are hundreds of slots, including the best in the industry, multiple variants of roulette and blackjack and live dealer games

You can also explore Betway’s collections of must-win jackpots, bonus buy slots, drops & wins, crash games, baccarat, poker, Megaways, slingo, bingo and even instant win games. They’ve got something for every taste. 

Betway online casino even has a dedicated Betway Exclusives selection with in-house slots, spin and win games, and live roulette and blackjack.

⭐ Top 3 highest RTP slots at Betway casino

Betway slots game selection.

One of the most popular slots at Betway is Thunderstruck II by Microgaming, with an RTP of 96.65% and a maximum win potential of 8,000x. 10,000 Wishes by Microgaming has a 96.27% RTP and a maximum win of up to 10,000x. Another favourite is Starburst by NetEnt, with a return rate of 96.09% and special features like expanding wilds and re-spins.

Slot nameThunderstruck II10,000 WishesStarburst
RTP96.65%96.27%96.09%
Software providerMicrogamingMicrogamingNetEnt
ThemeNorse mythology Arabian nights Cosmic
Reels5×35×35×3
Paylines243 ways to win10 fixed10 fixed
VolatilityMediumMedium to highLow 
Year released201020212012

🏦 Payment methods available at Betway casino

We would rate Betway’s payment methods a 4.5/5, which is pretty good. 

Betway supports everything from credit/debit cards to e-wallets, bank transfers and prepaid cards. For what it’s worth, the casino doesn’t specify any maximum withdrawal limits. 

The minimum deposit and withdrawal amount is €10. Betway transactions may incur extra fees, so be sure to contact the support team for details.

Payment methodMin. depositMin. withdrawalProcessing time
MasterCard€10€102-5 business days
Visa€10€102-5 business days
Google Pay€10No withdrawal 
Trustly€10€101-3 business days
PaysafeCard€10€100-24 hours (to MyPaysafeCard account)
Neteller€10€100-24 hours
Skrill, Skrill 1-Tap€10€100-24 hours
Rapid Transfer€10€101-3 business days 
Payz€10€100-24 hours

Your withdrawal will have a pending status as the first step of processing, which may last up to 72 hours.

⚠ Responsible gambling & tools at Betway casino

Betway is committed to responsible gambling just as it is committed to providing the best casino platform out there. Here are the tools that you can use for safer gambling at Betway:

  • Gambling self-assessment
  • Links to help organisations 
  • Identity checks
  • Deposit limits
  • Session reminders 
  • Account closure 
  • Self-exclusion 
  • Activity statement 

In addition, Betway online casino partners with Gambling Therapy and Dunlewey Addiction Services. These efforts indicate how seriously Betway takes safe gambling

☎ Betway casino customer support info

We rate the customer service at Betway 5/5, as it provides all the possible support channels, except phone support, which is becoming increasingly rare. You can use one of the following options: 

  • Live chat
  • Dedicated Help Centre with FAQ
  • Support email

Customer support is available 24/7 and can be accessed in English, German, French, Portuguese and Spanish.

🔒 Security, license, reputation and trustworthiness

Betway is fully regulated and licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority, one of the biggest watchdogs in the industry. It also uses the latest SSL encryption to make sure all your data is locked down tighter than a vault. 

Betway Ireland is certified by eCOGRA and partners with IBAS. This means that this online casino really plays by the rules, games are fair, your personal information is safe, and you’ll be assisted if you have a dispute.

👉 How to sign up at Betway casino in Ireland

Signing up at Betway is easy. Let us walk you through the process quickly:

  1. Visit Betway casino and find the ‘Register’ button in the top right corner. 
  2. On the Registration page, choose the welcome offer (optional) and enter your personal details. 
  3. Fill in your account info, including username, password and email. 
  4. Add your contact details, such as your address and mobile number.
  5. Set deposit limits (optional). 
  6. Select your preferred language and currency. 
  7. Tick the right boxes and hit ‘Register’.

Expert’s verdict about Betway casino

Overall, Betway is an established and trusted online casino for Irish players. The well-selected game collection, generous welcome offers and security levels speak for themselves. Betway is available on mobile as well through a mobile-optimised website and a dedicated app. 

We wouldn’t mind seeing a few more games and a few more casino bonuses, such as cashback and reload offers. A VIP program would be another nice perk. 

The best part about Betway is its detailed grouping of games, so you can easily find what you want without scrolling endlessly. That’s an ‘A’ from us.

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👇 FAQ about Betway casino

Here are a few FAQs to consider after reading through our Betway casino review: 

1. Is Betway casino IE legit?

Yes, Betway is a reliable online casino licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority, meaning all games are fair, your data is safe and payments are secure.

2. How long do Betway casino withdrawals take?

All Betway withdrawals go through a pending period of up to 72 hours. The casino processes them quickly, but the rest is up to your payment option. E-wallets are the fastest at up to 24 hours, while card payments may take up to five business days.

3. How to win big on Betway casino games?

You can boost your chances by playing games with high RTP, using the available bonuses and promos and trying Betway’s progressive jackpots.

4. Does Lukki Casino have live dealer games?

Yes, Lukki Casino IE has a live casino section. Here, there is a choice of card and table games, including roulette, blackjack and poker.

5. Is it safe to play at Betway?

Yes, it is fully safe to play at Betway. The casino uses SSL encryption and is certified by eCOGRA, so the platform’s operations are monitored regularly.

5. Who owns Betway casino?

Betway casino is managed by Betway Limited, a significant player in the industry that is registered in Malta.

🔎 More casino reviews

About the author

James Anderson

James Anderson is a Betting & Gaming Writer at The Sun. He is an expert in sports betting and online casinos, and joined the company in November 2020 to work closely with leading bookmakers and online gaming companies to curate content in all areas of sports betting. He previously worked as a Digital Sports Reporter and Head of Live Blogs/Events at the Daily Express and Daily Star, covering football, cricket, snooker, F1 and horse racing.

Find James on LinkedIn

Responsible gambling

A responsible gambler is someone who:

  • Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
  • Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
  • Never chase their losses
  • Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
  • Problem gambling – problemgambling.ie
  • Gamble Aware – gambleaware.org

Help with gambling addiction

If you have a problem with gambling, or you know someone who does, help is out there. Extern Problem Gambling is the leading provider of information, treatment, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling harms across Ireland.

Read More »