Blogs

NOEL Gallagher has today given an update on how Oasis rehearsals are going, plus he broke his silence on the Glastonbury rumours that have been circulating.

Fans are on the edge of their seat for the tour to kick off next week and Noel, 58, has today been spilling the beans on the hotly-anticipated live shows

Getty

Noel Gallagher has given fans an update on Oasis’ big reunion[/caption]

EPA

The Oasis tour will kick off next week[/caption]

TalkSPORT

Noel spilled the beans on today’s TalkSPORT[/caption]

Getty

Noel and his brother Liam shot to fame in the 90s[/caption]

Now the superstar rocker has revealed details of how rehearsals are going with “our kid” Liam.

Speaking on today’s TalkSPORT, the Oasis legend said: “We finished rehearsing last Tuesday.

“We’ve got a few days off now and it’s sounding huge, so we’re all, well this is it, there’s no going back now. It’s good.”

All this week rumours about whether the famous 90s band will play a secret set at Glastonbury have been swirling – but don’t get your hopes up of them coming true.

Addressing the speculation, Noel joked: “I might have a look at it on the iPlayer, yeah, but everyone was saying ‘are you coming?’

“I was like, ‘I think it’s probably best if I sit it out this year as I’ve got something going on next weekend.’”

Oasis will kick off their long awaited reunion tour on Friday July 4 in Cardiff.

The sell out run of stadium gigs includes 5 shows at Heaton Park in Manchester and seven at Wembley.

Gigs will run all summer with the closing concert on September 28.

The band were recently heard rehearsing together, performing an electric version of Cigarettes and Alcohol all but confirming its place in the setlist.

Liam arrived at the London practice space armed with throat sweets but sounded in fine form, no doubt aided by his decision to swap booze for tea.

A source close to the Gallaghers told us: “Liam drinks tea to help warm up his vocal chords.

“He feels really fresh and they’re excited to get going.

“Rehearsals have been electric and they’re perfectly in sync.”

BRENTFORD have held talks to sign Gambian wonderkid Adama Bojang but could face a fight with West Ham for the highly-rated forward.

The exciting 21-year-old caught the attention of Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea in 2023 before sealing a switch to French side Stade Reims.

Getty

Adama Bojang is on the list of Premier League clubs two years after arriving in Europe[/caption]

Getty Images - Getty

Bojang’s playing style is being likened to former Premier League star Adebayor[/caption]

He spent last season on loan in Switzerland with Grasshopper Club Zurich, where he bagged six goals and chipped in with two assists across 27 appearances.

He netted a hat-trick against FC Luzern in April and scored twice against INEOS-owned FC Lausanne-Sport in February.

In Gambia, Bojang is known as the “next Emmanuel Adebayor” thanks to his lanky frame, technical ability and blistering pace.

Bojang is regarded as one of the most promising African talents of his generation and was previously courted by RB Leipzig, Eintracht Frankfurt and Hoffenheim before heading to France two years ago.

SunSport understands Brentford have already held talks with the player’s representatives and believe a fee of around £5million could be enough to tempt Reims into selling this summer.

The Bees are undergoing a major summer rebuild and are on the cusp of appointing current set-piece coach Keith Andrews as the successor to Thomas Frank.

They’re also bracing for the departure of star forward Bryan Mbeumo.

Manchester United have launched a £60million bid but Brentford are holding out for closer to £65million.

BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK

The Bees are also set to lose dependable Christian Norgaard this summer after Arsenal bid £9million for the midfielder to replace departing Thomas Partey.

West Ham, meanwhile, have also spoken to Bojang’s camp while an unnamed Premier League club are believed to be monitoring the situation.

The Hammers are expected to be in the market for forwards, with the futures of Niclas Fullkrug and Michail Antonio both uncertain.

They admire Bojang’s potential and see him as a long-term project  but now face serious competition from Brentford, who are suddenly scrambling to rebuild after Frank’s shock departure.

TRANSFER NEWS LIVE – KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST FROM A BUSY SUMMER WINDOW

MANILA, Philippines — A 31-year-old man was arrested by authorities for allegedly shooting a 50-year-old businesswoman in Quezon City, the police said. The suspect, identified as “Jerald,” was caught at a residence in Barangay Commonwealth late Thursday afternoon, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said in a statement on Friday. The killing took place Monday

SAM Thompson had an awkward run-in with one of his exes after it was revealed he’d split from Samie Elishi. 

Yesterday The Sun told how Sam, 32, and Love Island star Samie, 25, had called time on their romance after just two months. 

Shutterstock

Instagram

Shutterstock

And the former Made In Chelsea star attended Buckingham Palace for The King’s Trust Awards – where he bumped into former flame Sophie Habboo. 

Pregnant Sophie, 30, who dated Sam for six months in 2018, was at the event with husband Jamie Laing. 

Jamie, 36, later took to Instagram to share a snap of them posing together with Fearne Cotton. 

But Fearne, 43, later took a swipe at Jamie and Sophie after they shared a clip of them recreating Meghan and Harry’s infamous “Baby Mama” dance on the Grand Staircase.

Jamie posted the video to his 1.6 million Instagram followers, writing: “They said we couldn’t film in Buckingham Palace.”

After Jamie and Sophie posted their hilarious video mocking the Sussexes, Fearne appeared to take a dig at the pair.

Writing in the comments next to video, the podcaster said: “You also had your pap camera out with a flash.

“Think of what the flash has done to those priceless paintings.”

Sam and Sophie got together while starring on Made In Chelsea but she ended their relationship because he gave her too much attention. 

She told new! magazine: “His best [attribute] was he doted on my hand and foot, but his worst was maybe that he doted on me too much.

“Some girls like that, I don’t. For me, I don’t like someone who’s needy. Independence is key.”

Sam and Samie confirmed they were dating in early May when they were spotted sharing a steamy kiss on a night out.

But yesterday an insider told us of their split: “It was a mutual thing and there is no bad blood between them.

“They both just have really busy schedules, particularly Sam who has been non-stop recently, and it was really hard to make it work. They’re still good mates.

“It’s a shame but sometimes things just don’t work out.”

Their romance came after Sam split from Zara McDermott in January.

Zara, 28, is now in a relationship with One Direction singer Louis Tomlinson.

BGUK

LUCY Letby’s enhanced prisoner status gives her a staggering £33 a week to spend on sweets and chocolate. 

The former nurse can also receive twice as many visits as other prisoners, after being fast-tracked from standard status. 

PA

Lucy Letby was convicted of killing seven babies[/caption]

PA

The nurse worked at the Countess of Chester Hospital in the North-West[/caption]

PA

The nurse reportedly gets to spend £33 on sweet treats in the prison canteen[/caption]

Letby was convicted of killing seven babies and for attempting to murder another seven. 

She is now imprisoned in unit four of the only purpose-built private prison in the UK – HMP Bronzefield. 

Now an enhanced prisoner, Letby is given £33 a week to spend in the prison canteen where regular prisoners are only given £19.80.

Some prisoners are bumped down to basic status as a punishment, which gives them only £5.50 per week. 

All prisoners are given status reviews every 28 days, but Letby has retained her enhanced position throughout her time at HMP Bronzefiled. 

A source told the MailOnline that the killer nurse was upgraded because of fears that she may be attacked by other inmates. 

The source said: “Lucy is reserved and very quiet, she isn’t really a problem with staff.

“It grates with officers though – she’s committed the worst crimes possible and here she is on the enhanced unit with all the benefits that come with it.

“Again the real reason she is here is safety, she would be attacked on any other unit.”

Letby reportedly has shared a cell with a former prison officer who was jailed after having sex with an inmate. 

Linda De Sousa Abreu, Letby’s cell mate, was fast-tracked to privileged status for her own protection since she is a former guard. 

Abreu worked at the famous prison HMP Wandsworth in London. 

Letby has been in police custody since November 2020 and was handed a “whole life order” in August 2023. 

The inmate is the fourth woman in British history to be given no hope for parole after committing her string of chilling murders. 

Letby has been found to have targeted 17 babies whilst at large between June 2015 and June 2016.

Her first confirmed victim was a boy born in June 2015, who, despite being born prematurely, was described as being “stable”.

Letby came on shift at 7.30pm that same day and, by 8.26pm, the boy’s condition was “deteriorating rapidly”.

He died twenty minutes later after air was deliberately injected into his bloodstream.

That boy’s twin sister became ill just 28 hours later after “purple blotches” broke out across her body – symptoms shared with her brother.

Thankfully, that baby survived.

Reuters

Some have cast doubt on Lucy Letby’s conviction[/caption]

However, another two babies died under the nurse’s care that same month – one of which ingested air and the other being killed when air was injected into her bloodstream.

More babies – including one in on 4 August and another on October 23 – died from incidents involving air while at Letby’s hospital.

Finally, Letby was found to have killed two more babies on June 23 and 24 2016.

The killer nurse was arrested on July 3, 2018, and faced a three-year court battle before finally being jailed for life.

She had been working at the Countess of Chester Hospital while at large. 

Despite her conviction, Letby insists that she is innocent and several high profile politicians have called for her case to be re-examined. 

Former health secretary Jeremy Hunt said that, although the victim’s family must be at the “forefront” of politician’s minds, there is “doubt on what actually happened”. 

He added: “They are not conspiracy theories dredged up from far-flung reaches of the internet.”

The former health secretary and Tory chancellor said that 14 paediatric specialists ruled that the deaths of the babies had been down to natural causes. 

PA

Health secretary Jeremy Hunt has said that the inmate’s case should be reopened[/caption]

A MUM has come under fire after she ruined her daughter’s adorable pregnancy announcement.

Letting your closest ones know that the family is about to grow more is always an exciting moment that’s about to be cherished forever.

TIKTOK/@olena.perez

One mum has gone viral for all the wrong reasons after her reaction over her daughter’s pregnancy announcement[/caption]

TIKTOK/@olena.perez

She even tapped on her daughter’s wrist as if to tell her to cut it out[/caption]

But while some parents-to-be opt for more intimate reveals, others come up with cute ideas, like one mum Olena Perez recently did.

The mum, from the US, decided to share the wonderful news during a family outing in Florida – however, it didn’t quite go to plan.

In her head, Olena would get a stranger taking a photo of her and her brood with scenic greenery in the background.

As everyone would be striking their best poses, she’d then whip out the positive pregnancy test from her purse and surprise the lot – and the happy reactions would be forever saved in a wholesome clip.

Sadly for the young mum, the video didn’t turn out that way – with the footage going viral on TikTok for all the wrong reasons.

In the video, Olena could be seen standing next to her family as she approached the person behind the camera and instructed him to keep filming.

As everyone is standing next to each other ready for what they think is a photo, Olena proceeds to stop for a moment and look for a lipstick in her bag.

But instead of pulling make-up out of her bag, she whipped out a pregnancy test – which she immediately showed to her mother.

Olena’s mum appeared to be confused looking at the positive test and even tapped on her arm a few times, as if to tell her daughter to cut it out.

”I’m pregnant,” Olena explained to her mum and the rest of the family – who seemed just as uninterested as Olena’s mother.

While there were a few cheers, it was certainly not the reaction the mum-to-be was expecting, as she quickly went to grab her phone from the camera guy.

”Oh my God… Thank you.”

She wrote alongside the viral footage: ”Lmaooo, my mum was not letting my pregnancy announcement ruin her photo.

”My mum loves a good pic!”

‘No offence but what kind of family is this?’

Since being posted online, where Olena regularly shares content under the username @olena.perez, the clip has gone viral, winning her close to 25million views.

As 2million people gave it a like, over a whopping 21k flooded to comments where Olena’s mum came under fire.

One gobsmacked person said: ”I’m glad you’re starting your own family….cause I don’t know what this is….”

Another wondered: ”No offence but what kind of family is this?”

A third joked: ”they’re like this could’ve been an email.”

”Everyone seems miserable, girl I’m sorry,” a TikToker said.

”she’s begging someone to show a little bit of excitement come on family do better!” someone else typed.

A WOMAN has revealed that thanks to Mounjaro, she has lost eight stone and has dropped from a size 20 to an 8.

But Alexandra, 33, who is from the UK and is currently living in Dubai, expressed that since using weight-loss jabs, she has suffered with hair loss.

tiktok/@alexandraindubai

A young woman has revealed that she has slimmed down from a size 20 to an 8 thanks to Mounjaro[/caption]

tiktok/@alexandraindubai

Getty

However, the content creator isn’t bothered by this, as she claimed she likes her locks thinner.

Posting on social media, the brunette beauty, who previously revealed the very scary impact stopping Mounjaro had on her body, shared a before and after look at how her figure has changed since using the fat jabs. 

In just 12 months, Alexandra confirmed that she lost eight stone, as she wrote: “What a journey the last year has been. 8 stone lost.”

Alexandra confirmed that during April 2024 to April 2025, she was able to totally transform her life, as she recognised: “Fat and miserable in the UK to living my best life in Dubai. 

“I never would have dreamed life could be this good.”

When asked if she experienced hair loss, the young woman confirmed: “I did at month four, horrible but no issues now and I like my hair a bit thinner.” 

Mounjaro, which is known as the King Kong of jabs, is now being prescribed on the NHS in the first anti-obesity rollout of its kind.

It is said to suppress the ­appetite, making people feel fuller for longer.

Such injections are licensed for patients with type 2 diabetes and to assist those who are clinically obese – with a Body Mass Index of 30 or over.

One jab is administered each week but the duration is dependent on a person’s weight.

The drugs can be lawfully supplied only when prescribed by a practitioner – like a doctor, nurse or a pharmacist-independent prescriber.

But many are buying them through online pharmacies with insufficient checks.

Best thing I’ve ever done!

Alexandra

And just earlier this month, a fat jab warning was issued after more than 100 UK deaths were linked to weight loss drugs. 

Not only this, but the family of a man from Burton upon Trent, Staffs, who died after taking Mounjaro, are now calling for a probe into the jab’s “potential to kill”.

Social media users react

Alexandra’s TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @alexandraindubai, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 67,500 views, 3,617 likes and 70 comments. 

Social media users were stunned by Alexandra’s new figure and many raced to the comments to express this.

One person said: “You look amazing.” 

Another added: “Wow! That’s incredible! Well done you!” 

A third commented: “Amazing! You must feel brilliant.” 

In response, Alexandra wrote back and shared: “I feel much better that’s for sure!! Thank you!” 

Meanwhile, someone else questioned: “Is it worth it?”

To this, Alexandra confirmed: “Best thing I’ve ever done!” 

The reality of Mounjaro

But despite Alexandra’s weight loss success, last year it was revealed that Scots nurse Susan McGowan, 58, died after taking low-dose injections of Mounjaro over a fortnight.

A probe also found that nearly 400 people have gone to hospital after taking weight loss drugs.

Whilst Alexandra dealt with hair loss, the common side effects include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, which can lead to severe dehydration.

And if that wasn’t bad enough, doctors say they have also seen “life-threatening complications”, including seizures, bowel obstruction and inflammation of the pancreas.

Model Lottie Moss, 27, even said she had a seizure after taking high doses of Ozempic.

The makers of Mounjaro, Lilly UK, said patient safety is its “top priority”.

Lilly UK stressed: “Regulatory agencies conduct extensive independent assessments of the benefits and risks of every new medicine and Lilly is committed to continually monitoring, evaluating, and reporting safety data.

“If anyone is experiencing side effects when taking any Lilly medicine, they should talk to their doctor or other healthcare professional.”        

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

BEYOND the chiselled physiques and unwavering dedication to fitness, there lies a deeper, darker side to female bodybuilding communities – with some willing to risk their lives to rule supreme over their beefy competitors.

For many women, this high-stakes environment often extends far beyond the competitive stage, exposing them to threats from other rival contestants and serious health risks from extreme dehydration and deadly steroid abuse.

Instagram/miacollinsss

For amateur bodybuilder Mia Collins, bodybuilding is a journey of self-discovery and discipline[/caption]

AFP

Female bodybuilding is seeing a second wave of popularity sparked by the rise of fitness influencers[/caption]

instagram

Young bodybuilder Jodi Vance, aged 20, died from extreme dehydration[/caption]

Instagram/riminimiloro

Rimini Miloro, 26, believes the industry is competitive but is a sport where everyone ‘understands each other’[/caption]

Surprisingly, not all female bodybuilders are chasing trophies or glory. For some, bodybuilding is a lifestyle, a statement, or even a livelihood.

Since its first boom in the 1980s, female bodybuilding is seeing a second wave of popularity sparked by the rise of fitness influencers.

Celebrities including former Page three girl Jodie Marsh, Dwayne Johnson, Teresa Giudice and Hugh Jackman have all admitted to either doing it, or giving it a go.

Speaking previously to The Sun Newspaper of her buffed up look, Jodie Marsh said: “I don’t give a s*** what they say. I feel sexier than I have for ten years.

“I used to loathe my body but now I absolutely adore it.”

However, more recently after ditching the lifestyle she gave a health up date claiming she’s “fat but happier than ever.”

Back in 2018, American reality star Teresa explained that it was “the best” she had ever felt, while Dwayne Johnson and regularly spoken about the mental effort that is required.

He often uses the phrase “blood, sweat, and respect”.

For amateur bodybuilder Mia Collins, bodybuilding has been a journey of self-discovery and discipline.

She told the BBC: “You get out what you put in, everyday is an uphill battle with it.

“But the output at the end – you have so much pride in what you’ve achieved. So few people do it because it is so challenging.”

She continued: “So for me to focus on my health, my wellbeing and my muscular strength, it just means I’m hopefully going to be healthier down the line.”

However, the industry has seen its fair share of controversies and scandals, with extreme practices leading to heartbreaking consequences.

In 2020, tragedy struck when young bodybuilder Jodi Vance, aged 20, died from extreme dehydration after using harmful supplements.

Dehydration is widely used in bodybuilding in the final stages of competition prep.

Contestants will manipulate water levels so that they can achieve a “dry” look that reveals every muscle and vein.

During the final 12-24 hours before competitors step on stage, athletes dramatically cut water in-take in order to dehydrate the body. 

Bodybuilders will also do Cutting – which is a phase focused on reducing body fat to reveal muscle definition.

Alison Webster - The Sun

Jodie Marsh previously revealed how “sexy” she felt bodybuilding[/caption]

Instagram/therock

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson previously revealed how bodybuilding doesn’t come easy[/caption]

Getty

Teresa Giudice competed in the Bikini Division of the NPC South Jersey Bodybuilding Championships on June 9, 2018 in Medford, New Jersey[/caption]

Athletes do this by eating at a calorie deficit while maintaining or even increasing protein intake to preserve muscle mass.

Jodi had attended Arnold Schwarzenegger’s sports festival in Columbus, not as a competitor but to support her coaching students.

Her coach, fitness influencer Justin Mihaly, revealed in an Instagram video that Jodi had made a fatal mistake by consuming two hazardous substances without his or her family’s knowledge.

A fat-burning drug which acts as a stimulant and a diuretic drug which causes increased passing of urine.

Your Favorite Fitness Athletes …Naked!

Fitness Divas

The two counteracting drugs ultimately led to her fatal dehydration.

Justin explained that Jodi, who had been experiencing health issues at the time, had shown interest in the fat-burning drug despite having no competitive reason to use it.

In May, a study by Dr Marco Vecchiato, an expert in sports medicine from the University of Padova, found that pumping iron could leave you at greater risk of suddenly falling to your death, a major study of 20,000 bodybuilders has revealed.

Researchers found those who had built extreme levels of muscle over their lifetime were twice as likely to die from sudden cardiac death, compared to the general population. 

On the other hand, professional bodybuilders who competed in events like ‘Mr Olympia,’ including figures such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, faced a fivefold increase in the risk of sudden death compared to those at an amateur level.

Worryingly, nearly 40 per cent of all deaths among the bodybuilders examined were unexpected and linked to heart issues.

The authors also suggested their figures could be an underestimation, as many deaths were listed as ‘ unknown’.

Although many deaths are listed as ‘unknown’, the British Heart Foundation have warned that taking anabolic steroids is associated with high blood pressure and an increased risk of developing heart conditions such as left ventricular hypertrophy.

I think we’ve had a massive issue with gendered expectations or roles placed upon women particularly

Dr Brendon Stubbs, a leading researcher in physiotherapy at King's College London

According to a study  led by Tim Piatkowski from Griffith University, women bodybuilders are 12 times more likely to use anabolic steroid – which is traditionally used by young male bodybuilders to build and repair muscle quickly – than the general female population, including recreational gym users.

Despite it being illegal to possess anabolic steroids without a prescription, the study showed a four per cent rate of steroid consumption among women globally, higher than the 1.4 per cent last reported in 2014.

But it comes with permanent side effects for women including loss of breasts, deepened voice, problems with periods, hair loss, swelling of the clitoris, paranoia, blood clots, liver failure, and heart attacks.

In England, it’s illegal to possess, import or export anabolic steroids if it’s believed you’re supplying or selling them. This includes giving them to friends.

The penalty is an unlimited fine, or even a prison sentence of up to 14 years.

Anabolic steroids, often associated with young male bodybuilders for their muscle-building and recovery benefits, are becoming increasingly popular among women in the bodybuilding community.

Recent research highlights a global steroid use rate of 4% among women, a noticeable rise from the 1.4% reported in 2014.

Instagram/jodi.vance.fit

Jodi died after using harmful supplements[/caption]

Jam Press

Last year, Johanna Pérez passed away just a few days after her 35th birthday[/caption]

Jam Press Vid

Johanna ran the Johafit nutrition and trainer health pages on social media and racked up tens of thousands of followers[/caption]

AFP

A dark community where women are willing to do anything to get a competitive edge over their rivals is emerging[/caption]

Dark community emerges

But it’s not only troubling training methods that leave these female Adonis’ at risk, a dark community where women are willing to do anything to get a competitive edge over their rivals has emerged.

Earlier this month, the bodybuilding world was rocked by the death of a beauty queen, Luz María Barrera Agatón, aged 36, who was found lifeless in a hotel swimming pool while holidaying with her family.

Luz, who had been staying at the Coco Resort & Villas in Motul, in Cancun, when she died, was crowned Fitness Champion at the 2017 Mister Mexico bodybuilding contest, won the bikini category at the Mr Olympia Amateur competition held in Spain and was crowned queen of the Motul Carnival in 2024.

Police have not ruled out foul play, and local reports revealed she had received sinister threats just two weeks prior, when a menacing banner was hung outside her gym in Merida, Yucatán.

Luz reportedly removed the sign herself without informing authorities, but cops are investigating these incidents and whether they could be connected to her death. 

This was not the first time she had faced such threats; back in 2017, she and her former partner, Chiri Roberto, a state prosecutor, were seemingly targeted by two thugs and threatened.

Yo-yo dieting, often seen in bulking and cutting phases, can negatively impact general wellbeing and, for many women, their menstrual cycles

Daniel Herman, a NASM nutritionist and founder of Bio-Synergy

Last year, Johanna Pérez, who ran the Johafit nutrition and trainer health pages on Facebook and Instagram and racked up tens of thousands of followers in the process, passed away just a few days after her 35th birthday. 

She broke new ground as one of the first women to compete in bodybuilding tournaments in her native Panama. 

During her career, she had scooped up several awards, before moving into the world of content creation.

Back in 2022, a Washington Post investigation found that officials – , including J.M. Manion, whose father, Jim – founder and president of International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation [IFBB] Pro League and the National Physique Committee [NPC] – of bodybuilding’s two premier federations have been sexually exploiting female athletes for decades.

Their report found that the females were being pressured for them to pose for nude photographs, posting those photos to soft-core pornography sites.

It also found that at times, the officials manipulated contest results in favour of cooperative competitors.

According to The Washington Post, for more than 15 years, J.M. Manion had been running amateur and professional bodybuilding contests for decades.

One of J.M.’s sites, Fitness Divas, bluntly stated: “Your Favorite Fitness Athletes …Naked!”

I feel the glitz and glam is definitely the main attraction for some girls and that’s great

Rimini Miloro, 26

Jenn Gates, who won the figure category at the prestigious Olympia contest in 2007, was managed by J.M, and earned enough sponsorship money to quit her nursing job.

She graced the covers of fitness magazines, and claims that J.M asked her to take off her bikini top and bottom for photos.

However, Jenn refused but later learned from Post reporters that her swimsuit photos had been featured alongside nude female competitors on one of his pornography sites.

She explained that she “never consented to having” her pictures on a soft-porn site.

Aly Garcia, a bikini competitor who abandoned the spot in 2017 after realising that she would “never get a top win” if she didn’t have sex with the judges or promoters, also claimed to have refused to do nude photos.

Lawyers for Manion and others said they emphatically denied ‘any and all wrongdoing.’

‘Toxic, unhealthy and unrealistic’

Daniel Herman, a NASM nutritionist and founder of Bio-Synergy, has spent 28 years in the industry and previously worked with organisations like Pure Elite and the NPA (Natural for Life Bodybuilding).

He explains that the number of women competing, particularly in fitness and bikini categories, has risen dramatically.

While he supports anything that encourages consistent exercise, he warns of the potential health risks associated with bodybuilding competitions.

He explains: “Yo-yo dieting, often seen in bulking and cutting phases, can negatively impact general wellbeing and, for many women, their menstrual cycles.

“If someone participates in multiple competitions over several years, these effects can be compounded.”

He continues: “For some there is also the additional pressure of using steroids which can lead to further issues.

“The WADA, World Anti-Doping Association says ‘steroids may enhance performance in the short term, but they come at a great cost: organ damage, reproductive disorders, and psychological effects like aggression and addiction.’

“It is imperative as with any competitive sport to get support from experts in nutrition and training to mitigate these potential risks, and choose supplements that are science backed, safe and efficacious to support.”

Dr Brendon Stubbs, a leading researcher in physiotherapy at King’s College London, also confirmed an increase in uptake of the sport among women in the last 10 years.

He said: “I think we’ve had a massive issue with gendered expectations or roles placed upon women particularly.”

Ultimately, while female bodybuilding can be a source of empowerment and achievement, it is crucial for participants to have expert guidance in nutrition and training, as well as access to safe, science-backed supplements.

Jam Press

Earlier this month, the bodybuilding world was rocked by the death of a beauty queen, Luz María Barrera Agatón, aged 36[/caption]

Jam Press

She was found lifeless in a hotel swimming pool in Cancun while holidaying with her family[/caption]

Without these measures, the risks can outweigh the rewards, leaving many women vulnerable to physical, emotional, and even life-threatening consequences.

Taking to Reddit, one person remained anonymous while sharing their experience within the industry.

They explained how they think the body building culture is “toxic, unhealthy and unrealistic” and noted how social media and online communities have only made it worse.

Body building culture has become toxic, obsessive and saturated with people with unrealistic expectations and uneducated uninformed opinions

The social media user also explained that most of the people they’ve met or spoken to “aren’t even competing, nor serious enough about their hobby to warrant copious amounts of money they spend on protein supplements or food.”

The post ended with: “Body building culture has become toxic, obsessive and saturated with people with unrealistic expectations and uneducated uninformed opinions.

“I genuinely believe body dysmorphia disorder is at an all time high.”

Daniel adds: “Another issue is that there is some politics, placings are subjective, and judging criteria can vary depending on federation, category, and even region.

“Some competitors report that success often hinges on more than just physical condition – including coach affiliations, politics, and how well a competitor ‘fits the mould’ of the current trend in body types.”

Participants are assessed on factors such as muscle development, balance, overall conditioning, and stage presence. 

Judges rank competitors by comparing them to one another, with the winner being the athlete who achieves the lowest combined score. Various divisions, such as bodybuilding, physique, or bikini, focus on highlighting different aspects of an ideal physique.

But despite this, the bodybuilding industry is on the rise – especially for women. It’s been reported that this year, female bodybuilding is undergoing a significant transformation.

This includes a rise in participation, new competition categories, and a wider cultural acceptance of strength and empowerment.

With more women embracing strength training and bodybuilding, the sport continues to evolve, presenting diverse opportunities for athletes across the globe.

Rimini Miloro, 26, from Burton on Trent believes that the industry is competitive but is a sport where everyone “understands each other.”

‘Very competitive sport’

She says: “Bodybuilding is a very competitive sport. 

“It’s not just about stepping up on stage but it’s all about your daily actions away from the stage also. 

“It’s also a very individual sport meaning everything you do is on you and will also determine the look you bring to the stage.  I wouldn’t say bodybuilding is bitchy at all.

“From my experience it’s a community where everyone understands each other. 

“We have all worked so hard to be able to develop the physiques we bring to the stage and it’s just so nice to share that with people who understand every step you’ve taken because they’ve done the same.

“We are doing the work daily. Not just when it’s time to prep and get on stage. None of us look stage lean all the time either.

“In order to grow a decent amount of bodyfat has to be put on. 

“We need to get strong in order to perform better in the gym, we need to fuel our body with good quality foods and we can’t do that trying to hold onto our abs all the time.

“Bodybuilding is all about what you do in the background before getting the tan and showcasing your physique to the judges.”

Bodybuilding is all about what you do in the background before getting the tan and showcasing your physique to the judges

Rimini Miloro, 26

The introduction of the Fit Model category by the NPC and IFBB is indeed an exciting step forward for female bodybuilding, offering a more accessible and inclusive platform for women.

This new category prioritises a natural and athletic aesthetic, focusing on balance, stage presence, and overall beauty, rather than extreme muscularity.

It bridges the gap between fitness modelling and traditional bodybuilding, providing women with an alternative way to showcase their dedication to fitness and well-being.

The upcoming 2025 IFBB World Bodybuilding Championships and Annual Congress in Khobar, Saudi Arabia, promises to be a pivotal moment for the sport.

With athletes from around the world coming together, this event promises to showcase the growing diversity and innovation in female bodybuilding.

As the sport embraces inclusivity and holistic health, 2025 is set to be a landmark year, redefining its future.

Female bodybuilding is not just evolving in competition – it’s breaking barriers, inspiring empowerment, and uniting a global community.

And although their is scandal with drug taking in the industry, Rimini believes it’s changing for the better.

She says: “I’ve seen people unfortunately pass away due to diuretic use which is actually now not a popular protocol to do due to the risks of that enhancement.

“Both the natural and assisted bodybuilding world for females is at an all-time high – it’s a challenge many want to succeed in.

“I feel the glitz and glam is definitely the main attraction for some girls and that’s great.

“However, it’s super important for girls to understand what comes with that look on the stage for them to see if prepping for 20-30 weeks is worth potentially what is around 5-10 minutes on stage. 

“Social media has had such a positive impact on the bodybuilding scene – especially the natural side.

“But it’s an industry which teaches you mental resilience from pushing yourself on a daily basis.”

Instagram/riminimiloro

We are doing the work daily. Not just when it’s time to prep and get on stage, says Rimini Miloro[/caption]

THIS is the terrifying moment an “angry divorcee” flooded a packed tube carriage with petrol and then torched the place.

The suspect was bitter about his divorce settlement and took out his rage on innocent civilians in South Korea‘s capital Seoul, according to reports.

Jam Press

Flames and black smoke fill the carriage[/caption]

Jam Press

The suspect can be seen on a seat on the left having just sparked the blaze[/caption]

Jam Press

Passengers flee in terror as the man floods the train with petrol[/caption]

Shocking footage shows the man, identified only as Won, emptying a bottle of clear liquid all over the floor of a subway carriage at around 8:45am.

Panicked passengers leap from their seats and flee down the train as the fluid sloshes around their feet.

A pregnant woman slips over and loses a shoe in the chaos.

The man kneels down and sparks the fuel, and flames roar down the passageway.

Smoke and fire consume the space – while the perpetrator sits back against the wall to watch the carriage burn.

Some 129 people needed first aid at the scene.

A further 23 were taken to hospital for smoke inhalation treatment, and six with injuries.

Fortunately, nobody was seriously injured.

The 67-year-old suspect has been charged with 160 counts of attempted murder – the number of people crammed into the carriage at the time.

He had allegedly planned out the attack and chosen the busiest time of day to strike.

Won targeted Line 5 of the Seoul Metropolitan Subway in South Korea.

The cost of the damage was estimated at over £160,000.

The public prosecutor’s office has now released the CCTV footage of the attack, which happened in late May.

The suspect fled the scene but was arrested by the police at Yeouinaru Station, according to local reports.

Jam Press

People cower at the far end at the moment the fire is lit[/caption]

Jam Press

An abandoned bag is consumed by the flames[/caption]

Prosecutors said the act was “tantamount to terrorism”.

They added that he carried out the mass attack to gain as much attention as possible.

According to officials, it was the passengers’ rapid evasive action and the installation of fire-resistant materials which prevented a more devastating tragedy unfolding.

Won remains in police custody as the investigation continues following the fire on May 31.

The attack had chilling echoes of a deliberate subway blaze in 2003 in South Korea’s Daegu.

A staggering 192 people were killed in that incident.

BRITS with older mobiles will miss the UK’s upcoming test of its Emergency Alert System.

The upcoming 2025 drill – which is meant to simulate a genuine emergency, like flooding or fires – will go out to millions of phones across the country.

It follows a similar test that took place in 2023, where Android and iPhone devices across Britain issued a 10-second “sound and vibration”.

The UK Government tests the service to make sure it works properly even when there’s no actual emergency.

But according to official government guidance, some phones won’t be able to deliver the alert.

That means those Brits won’t just miss out on the drill – but will also miss out on genuine emergency alerts too.

This means your old mobile is more dangerous than newer models, as you won’t get the Government-issued alerts about “severe flooding, fires, and extreme weather”.

WHICH PHONES WON’T GET THE ALERTS?

For Apple customers, alerts come to any iPhone running iOS 14.5 or later.

The following devices are iOS 14.5 compatible, and will get the alert:

• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max
• iPhone XR
• iPhone X
• iPhone 8
• iPhone 8 Plus
• iPhone 7
• iPhone 7 Plus
• iPhone 6s
• iPhone 6s Plus
• iPhone SE (1st generation)
• iPhone SE (2nd generation)

Anything newer than the phones on that list will also be able to get the update.

That’s because they launched with iOS 15 or later.

That means these models will also get the alert:

• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (3rd generation)
• iPhone 14
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 15
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 16
• iPhone 16 Plus
• iPhone 16 Pro
• iPhone 16 Pro Max
• iPhone 16e

If you have an iPhone older than the devices on those lists above, you won’t get the alert, according to UK government guidance.

These models can’t get iOS 14.5 and will miss the alert:

• iPhone
• iPhone 3G
• iPhone 3GS
• iPhone 4
• iPhone 4S
• iPhone 5
• iPhone 5C
• iPhone 5S
• iPhone 5s
• iPhone 6
• iPhone 6 Plus

For Android, it’s more difficult to give a full list of supported phones.

That’s because so many different gadget makers produce Android phones.

You’ll need to make sure that your Android phone is running Android 11 or later.

Apple

You can toggle emergency alerts off in your settings[/caption]

To do that, just go to Settings > About Phone > Android Version.

If it’s not running Android 11 or later, try updating it in Settings > System > Software Update.

And if you can’t get Android 11 or later then you may miss out on the emergency alerts.

If you have one of these cut-off phones, you should consider upgrading it immediately.

SECOND HIDDEN DANGER

Of course, that’s not the only reason these older mobiles are dangerous.

These handsets no longer receive active updates.

For iPhone, we’re now on iOS 18 and will get iOS 26 later this year – but millions of older mobiles can’t get either of those updates.

And it’s the same story for old Android phones too.

Tech giants use software updates to close dangerous security loopholes.

These loopholes can be used by hackers to break into your devices and accounts – so updating your phone is the easiest way to stay safe.

But if you can’t update your phone, then you can’t receive the latest security fixes – leaving you exposed to known loopholes that criminals can exploit.

So missing out on emergency alerts isn’t the only reason to upgrade your old (and sadly, dangerous) mobile.

WHY ELSE MIGHT YOU MISS THE ALERT?

Having a phone that is too old isn’t the only reason why you might miss out on the alert.

The UK Government says that you won’t get the alert if your phone is turned off, connected to a 2G or 3G network, or Wi-Fi only.

And you might also miss alerts if your phone is in airplane mode.

You can also turn alerts off, so you’ll want to check your settings to make sure that the feature is on.

On iPhone, go to Settings > Notifications > Emergency Alerts and make sure that the alert toggles are in the green “on” position.

And on Android phones, just search for Emergency Alerts in your phone’s search bar, and then toggle them on.

They should be on by default anyway.

WHAT WILL THE ALERT SOUND LIKE?

Sadly there’s no confirmed date for the 2025 alert test just yet.

But when it happens, the Government says: “Your mobile phone or tablet may make a loud siren-like sound, even if it’s set on silent”.

It may also vibrate and read out the alert.

“The sound and vibration will last for about 10 seconds,” government advice explains.

The alert will also include a phone number or link to the Government website for more info.

When the 2023 test alert was issued, it said: ”Severe Alert. This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby.

”In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe.

“Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information. This is a test. You do not need to take any action.”