3 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Newcastle look to sign ex-Man Utd star as part of stunning £140m triple transfer – but rule out move for Marcus Rashford
NEWCASTLE are ready to launch a fresh raid for Anthony Elanga — as part of a £140million triple swoop.
GettyNewcastle are prepared to launch a new bid for Anthony Elanga[/caption]
GettyThe Magpies are also looking to finalise a deal for James Trafford[/caption]
SunSport understands the Magpies are ready to bid £50m for Elanga after seeing a £45m offer rejected earlier this week.
And they will battle Chelsea for £60m-rated Pedro, while wrapping up £30m Trafford, after June 30.
That is when a new window begins for Profit and Sustainability rules — in which Toon may be able to include around £100m in Champions League revenue.
Elanga is Howe’s top target on the right wing although the club are also exploring other targets in case they fail to land the Swede.
Howe is a huge admirer of Pedro and missed out on him three years ago when he was at Watford before eventually landing Alexander Isak, who he now wants the Samba star to help support in attack.
Brighton are willing to cash in after he was axed for the last two games of the season by Fabian Hurzeler following a training-ground bust-up with team-mate Jan Paul van Hecke.
Newcastle’s players are due to report back for pre-season training on July 7 and Howe, who also ideally wants a new centre-half too, hopes to have at least two new signings on board by then.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
As for goalkeeper Trafford, the Magpies have got the green light to press ahead and finally get a deal over the line.
Burnley announced the £4.3m arrival of German U20 international Max Weiss from Karlsruher on Wednesday, paving the way for Trafford to leave.
The 22-year-old was set to move to Tyneside last summer.
But that scuppered when Nottingham Forest insisted on Greek goalie Odysseas Vlachodimos going to Newcastle as part of the PSR-pleasing transfer that also saw Elliot Anderson head to the City Ground.
Burnley have been quoting a £40m asking price for the 22-year-old, though SunSport understands Toon chiefs are confident a £30m agreement will get it over the line.
GettyMarcus Rashford is not on Newcastle’s transfer shortlist[/caption]
3 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Popular RTE star pays emotional tribute to ‘horse of a lifetime’ that was feature of racing coverage following sad death
RTE RACING analyst and former jockey Katie Walsh paid an emotional tribute to her “horse of a lifetime” after his sad death.
Thousand Stars died aged 21 after spending his retirement in the care of Walsh.
Katie Walsh, left, paid tribute to Thousand Stars following his deathBarry Cregg / SPORTSFILEThe horse was a regular on RTE TV after retirementEóin Noonan/Sportsfile
The horse, which was trained by Willie Mullins and owned by the Hammer and Trowel Syndicate, won 13 of his 80 starts including four Grade 1s.
He was steered to three victories by Katie Walsh, who paid loving tribute to the rival and stablemate of Hurricane Fly.
The daughter of Ted Walsh told The Racing Post: “He was a fantastic horse and I had some great days on him. He was the horse of a lifetime and lovely to be around.
“The County Hurdle was a great day, it was my second winner at Cheltenham.
“The Prix la Barka was brilliant too and I rode him in a lot of Grade 1s, chasing home Hurricane Fly on numerous occasions. He ran in a lot of top-class races.
“It just goes to show how sound he was of wind, legs and wind and everything.
“That’s the standout part about it all. He had a lot of runs in France before he went to Lar Byrne and then went to Willie’s.
“He definitely stood the test of time and was a very sound horse.”
In a racing career that spanned ten years, Thousand Stars earned well over £1 million in prize money before retiring in 2016.
In the subsequent nine years, he became a regular feature on RTEtelevision racing coverage.
It was on board Thousand Stars that Walsh would conduct post-race interviews with jockeys after crossing the finishing line.
And she added: “He was with us a long time, it was lovely to have him.
“I used to do all the RTE work and the jockeys’ interviews on him.
“He was a great horse for that and I rode him in a Racehorse to Riding Horse event at the RDS [Dublin Horse Show].
“From the day I went to Willie’s, he was there and since he retired, he’s been with us.
“He was always around the place and it was great to get the opportunity to look after him and I’m sorry he’s gone.”
Hers was one of a number of tributes paid to the hurdler following his sad death.
At The Races said: “Grade 1 wins in France and Ireland, and a Cheltenham Festival winner too.
“Remembering National Hunt favourite Thousand Stars who has sadly died aged 21.”
RacingTV posted: “Sad to hear of the passing of Thousand Stars at the age of 21. Katie Walsh described him as “The horse of a lifetime.””
Ben said: “Sad to hear Thousand Stars has passed away. Was a class horse on his day and have great memories of him from my time at Cheltenham”
3 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Treasure trove of Princess Diana’s iconic outfits set to sell for MILLIONS at auction in LA
A TREASURE trove of Princess Diana’s clothing went under the hammer tonight — set to net a million dollars.
More than 140 of Di’s garments sparked a bidding frenzy as fans splashed out.
GettyPrincess Diana’s clothing went under the hammer last night[/caption]
SplashA flurry of interest surrounded the floral Bellville Sassoon dress Diana wore alongside Charles in Seville[/caption]
Before the Princess Diana’s Style & A Royal Collection auction in Beverly Hills last night, hundreds of thousands of dollars in bids had already been placed.
A flurry of interest surrounded the floral Bellville Sassoon dress Diana wore alongside Charles in Seville in 1992 — with one punter meeting the $300,000 asking price.
The silk outfit was known as Diana’s “caring dress”, which she often wore on visits to hospitals to meet patients, including The Lighthouse Project for AIDS in London in the same year.
A custom cream Catherine Walker evening gown worn during her 1986 Gulf Tour of Saudi Arabia and UAE, had already attracted a $150,000 bid — half of the £300,000 estimate.
Early bids also met the $100,000 reserve price by Julien’s Auctions on a yellow Bruce Oldfield outfit Di wore to Ascot in 1987.
Her favourite red ski suit, which she wore on the slopes in Klosters, Switzerland, in 1986, was expected to fetch at least $50,000.
A blue cap was estimated at $4,000, while her 1997 British Lung Foundation sweatshirt was set to fetch $20,000.
The collection was curated with items from multiple owners across the globe — with a portion of the proceeds going to Muscular Dystrophy UK.
Handwritten letters and a birthday card signed by William, Harry and Diana were also for sale.
Julien’s Auctions executive director Martin Nolan said: “This celebrates Diana’s elegance and enduring cultural impact.”
GettyPrincess Diana’s favourite red ski suit, which she wore on the slopes in Klosters[/caption]
The suit is expected to be at least $50,000SplashDiana’s Catherine Walker Evening Gown, worn during a Gulf trip, had already attracted a $150,000 bid — half of the £300,000 estimate[/caption]
Diana in a yellow Bruce Oldfield outfit at Ascot in 1987GettySplashBids met the $100,000 reserve price by Julien’s Auctions[/caption]
3 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Why Paula Yates was the secret force behind Live Aid and why Bob Geldof’s phone call with a pop star helped raise £74m
THE world will always remember 1985’s Live Aid as the global fundraiser organised by Bob Geldof.
But the truth was, he could not have pulled off the mega rock concert without his then-girlfriend, Paula Yates.
Paula Yates was the secret force behind Live AidShutterstock EditorialPaula and Bob Geldof began a romantic relationship in 1976[/caption]
Four decades on from the historic event, a new documentary reveals how the Boomtown Rats frontman tapped into his glamorous partner’s music-industry contacts as he put together the incredible line-up.
In Live Aid At 40, which airs next week, Sir Bob says it was really Paula who brought together the likes of Duran Duran and Spandau Ballet to boost the appeal, which ended up raising about £150million for the starving in Ethiopia.
She had access to big-name celebs through Channel 4’s Eighties music show, The Tube, which she hosted with Jools Holland.
My wife had befriended all these new guys
with beautiful suits and hair. I asked who was on her show and she put Midge Ure on the phone
Bob
On the BBC Two programme Bob, who married Paula in 1986, recalls: “All I had the power to do was write tunes. But the Boomtown Rats were not guaranteed to have hits any more. All these new guys had come along with beautiful suits and coiffed hair.
“And I understood this new thing because my wife had befriended all these people on the show that she was host of, The Tube.
“So I called Paula and I asked who was on the show that night and she said, ‘Ultravox’. I said, ‘Put Midge Ure on’ and he just said, ‘What do you want to do?’.”
That was the moment which led to the cream of British music coming together on November 25, 1984, to record Band Aid’s Do they Know It’s Christmas?, which then led to Live Aid on July 13, 1985.
‘Lot of male egos’
The global event saw Madonna, U2, David Bowie, Elton John and Queen, among others, perform at simultaneous concerts at Wembley Stadium and John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia.
They were broadcast worldwide in a bid to encourage donations to combat the Ethiopian famine.
But fundraising to help victims was actually an idea dreamt up by Paula — who was just 25 — in the family home she shared with Bob, then 33, and their two-year-old daughter Fifi.
He can still vividly recall the moment they watched the evening news and witnessed Michael Buerk’s now-famous 1984 news report on the humanitarian crisis.
She couldn’t stand watching the Ethiopia news.
She put a bowl on the table with a note saying put £1 or £5 in here. I thought: That’s not adequate
Bob
In the three-part documentary, Sir Bob says: “My partner Paula couldn’t stand watching it, she didn’t want our child to watch it. She clearly associated what she was seeing with our child. She just grabbed her and went upstairs, but I stayed, transfixed.
“I came down the next morning and there was a green bowl on the table in the kitchen, and Paula had put a note in there saying, ‘Anyone who comes to this house must put a pound or five pounds into this bowl’. I thought, ‘That’s not adequate’.”
This saw Bob team up with Midge to write Do They Know It’s Christmas?, with a little help from pals such as Gary Kemp of Spandau Ballet, who Bob pressured to sign up.
Shutterstock EditorialPaula hosted The Tube with Jools Holland[/caption]
AlamyPaula and Bob join Prince Charles and Princess Diana to watch 1985 mega concert at Wembley[/caption]
In the documentary, Gary recalls: “He came running in — his presence is huge, he takes over — and he said this report was from Ethiopia where the famine is huge and out of control and it broke my heart, and it broke Paula’s heart.”
Paula was also credited with holding things together when the Band Aid track was recorded — a day which could easily have been derailed by rivalries among the mostly male line-up of rock and pop superstars.
As U2’s Bono says in the programme: “There was a lot of male egos in the room, not enough women.”
Bringing together so many huge artists from the day — some of whom had sniped at one another in the past — could have ended with fighting and stars storming out.
Gary says: “Paula Yates was really the lovely glue, carrying her child around, Fifi, and their dog, Growler. They’re a great family.”
Midge adds: “Everybody knew Paula, we all knew Bob through Paula.
“She was funny and witty and highly intelligent, and she kept everyone entertained, walking around chatting to them.”
The glowing praise for the TV host is in stark contrast to the dark clouds that overshadowed her life in later years, when her marriage to Sir Bob imploded.
After a decade together, they had wed in Las Vegas, with Simon Le Bon of Duran Duran as best man.
They went on to have two more children — Peaches in 1989 and Pixie in 1990.
But in 1995, Paula interviewed Michael Hutchence on Channel 4’s The Big Breakfast and started a wild, drug-fuelled affair with the INXS frontman.
GettyThe jubilant Live Aid crowd[/caption]
GettyCo-organiser Midge Ure performs on the day[/caption]
GettyBob at launch of Just For One Day – The Live Aid Musical, in May[/caption]
That finished her marriage to Bob and led to her having a child, Tiger Lily, with the singer in 1996.
Then, in 1997, he took his own life in a Sydney hotel room aged 37.
Three years later, Paula died aged 41 of a heroin overdose at her home in Notting Hill, London.
‘Wonderful spirit’
Tragically Peaches, her daughter with Sir Bob, died the same way, aged 25, in 2014.
But with the passing of time, the new BBC documentary provides a clearer look back at the day the world was changed by the unlikely force of rock and pop music.
Do They Know It’s Christmas? was a huge success, shooting straight to No1 and staying there for five weeks, which saw it sell three million copies in the UK alone.
Bob laughs as he recalls convincing Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government to effectively wave the VAT on sales.
‘BOB THOUGHT QUEEN WERE ROCK DINOSAURS’
QUEEN’S mesmerising set at Live Aid was one of the concert’s most memorable performances – but it almost never happened.
Bob Geldof did not rate Freddie Mercury and Co and had to be convinced to add them to the bill because he simply “didn’t want them”.
Drummer Roger Taylor explained: “Bob came from the post-punk explosion, so he had pretensions of being a bit punk, so he must have thought we were dinosaurs.”
However, after “packing a few bangers in our set”, Queen managed to somehow crank up the volume at Wembley to unparalleled levels.
Their epic contribution, which included the songs Bohemian Rhapsody, Radio Ga Ga and We Are the Champions, soon changed Bob’s tune.
Forty years on years on, he says: “I just thought it was over-blown operatic, you know ‘we use the studio as an instrument’, oh f*** off.
“Subsequently, of course, we all have to admit that we thought the songs were great.
“So with age, we’re allowed to admit it.”
Then another huge boost came when musicians across the Atlantic decided to record their own fundraiser for Africa in the form of We Are The World on January 28, 1985.
The track was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, and the supergroup called themselves USA For Africa.
In the documentary, Bob recalls receiving a surprise phone call from a man who was instrumental in the US project.
He says: “The phone rings and it’s just, ‘Is that Bob Geldof?’. It’s this husky, gravelly voice that’s very slow and I go, ‘Yep, who’s that?’. And he says, ‘It’s Harry Belafonte . . . and here’s Michael’.
“He goes, ‘Hi Bob!’ and, like, Paula’s sitting on the sofa and I’m saying to her, ‘It’s Michael Jackson!’. And she gets up and sort of runs around excitedly. Anyway, he says, ‘Will you come out and help us?’.”
Bob flew to LA, where he effectively gave a pep talk to stars including Michael and Lionel, plus Diana Ross, Bruce Springsteen, Cyndi Lauper and Tina Turner.
As a result of these huge names, the single sold a staggering 20million copies.
More importantly, it forged a trans-Atlantic drive to do more.
That led to the launch of Live Aid in London and the US, which was also joined by performances around the world.
It soon became apparent just what a success it had been.
Interviewed on the night, the ever-positive Paula was asked if she had doubted Bob could pull off the feat.
“No, I never did,” she replied. “Right from when he first decided, I thought that it would work.
“When they did the record, there was such a wonderful spirit around it. People did want to do it for free. So I thought the concert would happen.”
Live Aid At 40: When Rock ‘n’ Roll Took On The World is on BBC Two at 9pm on July 6.
GettyDavid Bowie at Live Aid[/caption]
AlamyThe historic event birthed Band Aid’s Do they Know It’s Christmas?[/caption]
'DIDN'T DO HOMEWORK ON THEIR TITLE SONG'
BAND AID’s festive track Do They Know It’s Christmas? raised more than £8million for Ethiopia within a year of its release. But it was not a hit with everyone.
Despite its huge financial success – and the fact it featured an impressive collection of artists brought together by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure – some Ethiopians were offended by it.
Two leading government figures admitted the song – which came after Michael Buerk highlighted the plight of starving Ethiopians in a 1984 news report – left them a bit miffed due to inaccuracies in its lyrics.
Dawit Giorgis, former Minister for Aid for Ethiopia, told the documentary: “We didn’t like the title, Do They Know It’s Christmas? It’s the wrong title because they just didn’t do their homework.
“Ethiopians are the oldest Christians in the world, so that offended us a little bit.”
His deputy, Berhane Deressa, was equally bemused, questioning why the song referenced the country’s perceived lack of water with the lyric, “the only water flowing is the bitter sting of tears”.
He said: “The country is that poor there is no rain?
“It supplies its neighbours with rivers that go into the Nile. Writing things like that isn’t going to be right.”
3 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on British tennis star Katie Boulter hopes £1.9m love nest she shares with Aussie ace will help boost Wimbledon chances
TENNIS star Katie Boulter is counting on home comforts at this year’s Wimbledon — by staying with her fiancé at their £1.9million love nest.
The 28-year-old was spotted on a stroll with fellow ace Alex De Minaur near their three-bed cottage this week.
GettyTennis star Katie Boulter is hoping home comforts at this year’s Wimbledon — staying with her fiancé at their £1.9million love nest – will help her on-court performance[/caption]
TillenDoveKatie was seen on a stroll with fellow ace Alex De Minaur near their three-bed cottage this week[/caption]
GettyKatie said: ‘Being at home brings a sense of calm that’s hard to replicate in hotels, and I think that can really help with focus’[/caption]
British No2 Katie cut a casual look in a baggy red T-shirt and leggings, paired with white trainers.
It is understood Alex, 26, bought the London pad in 2023 and they have been living in it together for some time.
A source said: “Love is very much in the air for Katie and Alex. They’ve been together for five years, they got engaged last year, and they’ve found their dream home.
“They can only hope to have as much success on the courtnext week as they’ve had in their relationship.”
Katie, from Leicester, hopes sleeping in her own bed improves her chances of success when she and Australian men’s No1 Alex start their Wimbledon campaigns next week.
Katie told Women’s Health: “Being at home brings a sense of calm that’s hard to replicate in hotels, and I think that can really help with focus.”
3 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on My husband has run off with my best pal – I’ve lost everything in one cruel blow… how do I begin rebuilding my life?
DEAR DEIDRE: JUST six months ago, I had what I thought was the perfect life – a loving husband, two children and a best friend I trusted with everything.
Now I’ve lost pretty much all of it in one cruel blow and I have to watch the two people I loved most, apart from my children, move on with each other.
I’m 41 and my husband is 43. We’d been married for 12 years and, although things hadn’t been perfect, I truly believed we were solid.
My best friend — who I’ve known since we were teenagers — was like family. She came on holidays with us, babysat our kids and confided in me daily.
Then, out of nowhere, my husband sat me down and told me he was leaving me. No explanation, just that he wasn’t happy. I was left completely blindsided.
Only weeks later did I find out the truth. He’d been having an affair with my best friend the entire time.
Now he’s moved in with her and they’re playing happy families while I’m left to process it all alone.
He thinks that because she knows our children well, they will be happy to spend time at their new “home”.
But our children are so young, only nine and seven, and are very confused. I’m struggling to keep it together. I feel humiliated, betrayed and utterly heartbroken.
I can’t understand how they could be so cruel. I would have done anything for either of them.
I try to act normal for the kids but inside I feel broken. I can’t sleep, I barely eat and I don’t know how to start moving forward.
I don’t even know where to begin rebuilding my life.
You can also send a private message on the DearDeidreOfficial Facebook page.
GRANDSON’S CHANGED… AND I BLAME COCAINE USE
DEAR DEIDRE: MY grandson is destroying his life with cocaine, and I’m terrified I’m going to lose him because of it.
He’s only 24, smart and kind-hearted, but over the past year he’s changed beyond recognition. He’s lost weight, become secretive, fallen out with friends and family and he lies constantly.
I recently found out from his ex-girlfriend that he’s using cocaine heavily and often, but when I gently confronted him, he completely denied it.
I’m his 69-year-old grandmother, and I raised him on and off when his parents struggled. We’ve always had a close bond, and it’s heartbreaking to see him like this.
I know he needs help, but I don’t know how to get through to him. How do you help someone who won’t admit they have a problem before it’s too late?
DEIDRE SAYS: Watching a loved one spiral into addiction is incredibly painful, especially when they refuse to accept help.
Your concern is completely valid – addiction thrives in secrecy and denial, and your grandson may not yet realise the impact it’s having on his life.
Keep the lines of communication open. Let him know you’re worried because you care, not because you’re judging. Avoid confrontation but be consistent in your concern and support.
Reach out to Adfam (adfam.org.uk), who help families affected by drugs and alcohol. My support pack, Drug Worries?, will also help.
CARE OF BROTHER DUMPED ON ME
DEAR DEIDRE: HAVING decided that she is done caring for my brother who has motor neurone disease, my sister-in-law now expects me and my husband to pick up the pieces.
I’m 64, my brother is 67, and of course I want to help. But my sister-in-law dropped this on me without warning, acting like it’s a done deal.
She’s been his primary carer since he was diagnosed a year ago, and I understand how exhausting it must be.
My husband and I help out, but we’re not in a position to take full responsibility – physically or emotionally.
I feel torn between wanting to support my brother and feeling taken for granted. The guilt is eating away at me but so is the resentment.
How do I set boundaries and speak up without causing a family fallout – or leaving my brother feeling abandoned?
DEIDRE SAYS: It is understandable to feel overwhelmed when caregiving responsibilities suddenly shift without your input. Setting boundaries is essential – for your wellbeing and your brother’s care.
Have an honest chat with your sister-in-law and husband about what you can realistically manage. Emphasise that you want to support your brother but need a sustainable plan that doesn’t fall solely on you.
Consider involving a social worker, who can help arrange support. Citizens Advice (citizensadvice.org.uk) should be able to help you with the legalities.
THREATENED BY HER SEX HISTORY
DEAR DEIDRE: I HAVE developed “the ick” for my girlfriend, and I hate myself for it.
I’m 27, she’s 26 and we’ve been together for eight months.
Everything has been great – she’s kind and funny, and we have amazing chemistry. But recently she told me something I can’t stop thinking about.
She mentioned casually that she slept with one of her male friends a few years ago. They only hooked up once, it didn’t go anywhere, and they’ve stayed friends ever since.
I didn’t say anything at the time but now I feel weird about it. They still hang out regularly and message often. She swears there’s nothing between them and I believe her, but something about it just makes my skin crawl.
I don’t want to be controlling or insecure, but I can’t shake the feeling that I’m second best or competing with someone she has known far longer.
I’ve been off with her lately and she’s started to notice. I don’t want to ruin a good thing over something that happened before me but it’s really getting under my skin. How do I get over this?
DEIDRE SAYS: It’s understandable that this revelation has unsettled you but remember she was honest, and their friendship has continued platonically.
That shows transparency, not deceit. Still, your feelings matter.
If the situation makes you uncomfortable, try to explore why. Is it insecurity, fear of comparison, or something else? Talk to her calmly and openly. Focus on how it made you feel, not what she did “wrong”.
This is also a good time to discuss boundaries. Every couple has different lines around exes or past hook-ups, and it’s OK to want clarity. Just be careful not to project suspicion where there’s no sign of betrayal.
I’m sending you my support pack, Dealing With Jealousy, which will help you work through these feelings.
3 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Noel Edmonds’ show is poor man’s Clarkson’s Farm… but he’s right about how much modern Britain has changed
THE most extraordinary television scene of the week featured Noel Edmonds stumbling over his affirmations, in the shower, on the other side of the world.
“I am healthy. I am happy. I am loving. I am loved.”
PANoel Edmonds on ITV’s Kiwi Adventure, where he is attempting to transform 800 acres of New Zealand countryside[/caption]
AmazonThe show draws some very flattering comparisons with Clarkson’s Farm[/caption]
PANoel remains a television genius who made brilliant mainstream shows adored by millions[/caption]
“I am . . . ”
Mr Blobby’s straight man?
The drummer from Brown Sauce?
Cheap Cheap Cheap’s former host?
No.
“I am . . . Jesus.” Apparently.
A claim delivered with a laugh, but one that wasn’t entirely out of character with the self-confident mood on Noel Edmonds’ Kiwi Adventure, an entertaining ITV series that’s drawn some very flattering comparisons with Clarkson’s Farm on account of the fact Nolly is attempting to transform 800 acres of exquisite New Zealand countryside into a “positivity haven”.
And if you’re wondering what the hell that might be, try to imagine Primrose Valley Holiday Park if the static caravans were replaced by a vineyard, wellness spa, spectacular scenery and bloody great statue of a knight, erected in honour of Noel slaying the bankers.
Monstrous self-regard notwithstanding, Diddly Squat is still clearly the vibe Noel’s trying to recreate on this show, even if he sounded more like a serial killer when he attempted to go full Clarkson and said: “The nail gun is a sex toy. Ann Summers should sell them. It is just the horniest bit of kit.”
The most obvious contrast, though, is that while Clarkson’s Farm is very much an ensemble piece, filled with authentic characters who clearly adore Jeremy, no matter how much he annoys them, ITV’s Kiwi Adventure begins and ends with Noel, who is as oddly mesmerising as he is mesmerisingly odd.
David Brent and Alan Partridge are two valid comparisons made by almost everyone, but there’s also a hint of Ted and Ralph from The Fast Show underpinning interactions with the staff and even his “earth angel” wife, Liz, who seems to do most of the real graft.
Natural Kiwi reticence may explain some of the awkward silences, but every single one of them has clearly understood there’s no call for any sycophancy when you’re confronted by an ego as vast as the boss’s.
There is also no need to tell him he looks great for 76 either, because he’s probably already told you, “I am rocking”.
And if you’re really unlucky, Noel will go on to claim it’s down to the cosmos and the fact that: “All we are is energy systems and that body energy system touches everything around us and how we move into the bigger matrix, the universal system.”
Because this Kiwi Adventure is driven by the fact Noel has clearly read Barbel Mohr’s Cosmic Ordering Service and swallowed every word of its pseudo-scientific horse s**t.
To that end, he’s in the process of creating an energy garden using “structured water”, which doesn’t actually exist and has already installed a crystal bath that can no more heal your negative energy than playing Mr Blobby’s single at 78rpm can cure your dachshund’s tinnitus.
Noel’s perfectly free to spout this nonsense, of course.
I would take his positivity guru status a bit more seriously, though, if he wasn’t the sort of man who carries grudges like Mary Poppins carries her magic carpet bag and has an ongoing beef with a New Zealand magazine called Stuff that clearly consumes him.
There’s no denying, though, all the vendettas and cosmic woo-woo lend themselves to a hugely entertaining ITV stitch-up which almost forces you to pick a side.
If that’s the case and it’s Edmonds versus ITV, I am 100 per cent Team Noel here because, whatever his faults, he remains a television genius who, unlike the fools currently mis-managing Britain’s main commercial network, made brilliant mainstream television shows that were adored by millions and have more than earned him his place in this Earthly paradise.
House Party
And should anyone doubt Noel’s ability to read the minds of the great British public, who grew up watching House Party in a happier, funnier, friendlier country than the preachy, uptight, litter-strewn mess we now inhabit, then they should listen to the answer he gives when asked if he misses the UK.
“All the things I miss about Britain are the reasons I left.
“Our country changed so much, so fast, so fundamentally, I found myself a quieter country.”
Or, as a memorable Sun front page once nearly put it, will the last person to leave Britain please switch off the telly.
Noel Edmonds’ Kiwi Adventure, ITV, 9pm, tonight
UNEXPECTED MORONS IN BAGGING AREA
THE Finish Line, Roman Kemp: “Chippy is the slang term for what type of tradesman?”
Janae: “A chip shop.”
Roman Kemp: “Based in Norwich, UEA is the University of where?” Mickey: “America.”
And Roman Kemp, who was actually looking for Nepal when he asked Catherine: “The capital of which country is closest to Mount Everest?”
But got: “London.”
SATURDAY, Blankety Blank, Bradley: “Naga (Munchetty), you’re still writing. What are you doing? A letter to someone?”
That GMB application isn’t going to fill itself in, Brad.
RANDOM TV IRRITATIONS
BBC climate propagandist Justin Rowlatt hopping around like a madman at the first whiff ofsummer.
Nick Frost slumming it for the political cred on Transaction. The BBC vanishing all trace of men from its Summer of Sport promos.
And the sad state of ITV which, since 1994, has gone from Whicker’s World, to The Price Of Perfection host Olivia Attwood saying: “Ten years ago, I’d have cut off my left fanny flap for that tan.”
With the truly frightening thing being, there’s still a long way to go before it reaches rock bottom.
DOCTOR MOTOX
THE Price Of Perfection, episode three, a Botox specialist called Mohamed, who trades under the name Dr Motox, is hit with a killer question by host Olivia Attwood.
“I have to ask, is Doctor Motox your real name?”
It isn’t, any more than yours is Olivia Twattwood.
WOKE IN A GRAY AREA
Jordan Gray flashed his penis on Channel 4’s Friday Night
WHEN Jerry Sadowitz flashed his penis on stage back in 2022, the woke establishment reacted with outrage and the stand-up was banned from the Edinburgh Festival venue.
Yet when Jordan Gray flashed his penis on Channel 4’s Friday Night Live, just three months later, the woke establishment reacted with glee and the stand-up was rewarded with a six-part ITV2 sitcom about a chaotic supermarket night shift called Transaction.
The clue to this obvious hypocrisy being the Trans half of that title refers to Jordan, who self-identifies as a comedian.
And if you’re so brainwashed by the gender theory crazies you believe this means I should’ve written “her penis” in the second paragraph, then you may also be able to pretend Transaction is a work of comic genius.
It’ll take a flat-Earther’s level of delusion, though, because the cult of woke has no interest in making an audience laugh.
It’s all about bending them to their deranged political will.
Even without the PC handbrake jammed firmly on, however, the darkly unpleasant Transaction would still fail spectacularly on every level as it has no structure, soul, realism, decent characters, work ethic, wit or anything much beyond an endlessly recurring castration joke which leaves you with the distinct impression Jordan’s genuinely repulsed by the sight of “a penis I never asked for”.
You’d hope, then, that Jordan now understands Friday Night Live viewers felt exactly the same way.
I can offer no other verdict more optimistic here, though, than the possibility there may still be worse television shows to come in 2025. But only if ITV makes a second series of Transaction.
BLANKETY Blank, Bradley Walsh: “Tell us a bit about yourself.”
Janae: “I’m very spiritual. I’m actually a witch, a healer, I’m very good with herbology, numerology, astrology and I’m a Tarot reader.”
On second thoughts, don’t.
GREAT SPORTING INSIGHTS
CALLUM WILSON: “Rodri will soon become the player he already is.”
Jermain Defoe: “You always know what Quenda’s going to do. I thought he’d shoot here but he didn’t.”
And Joe Cole: “He’s hit the post but two inches either way and it’s in.”
(Compiled by Graham Wray)
LOOKALIKE OF THE WEEK
King Charles at Ascot, left, and old man Steptoe, right
THIS week’s winner is King Charles at Ascot and old man Steptoe.
Sent in by Callum Craig, Harrogate.
GREAT TV lies and delusions of the summer. This Morning, Ben Shephard: “Rosie Jones’ Pushers is a masterpiece. It’ll make you laugh a lot.”
Love Island, Sophie: “Harry’s really nice you know.”
And Jonathan Ross: “My next guest is a hilarious stand-up comedian who’s always brilliant at everything she does.
“It’s Judi Love,” who just so happens to have the same agent as Jonathan.
TV GOLD
SuppliedITV4’s broadcaster supreme Steve Ryder at Oulton Park’s British Touring Cars Championship[/caption]
NETFLIX’S Dept Q. Exasperated BBC News anchor Martine Croxall changing “pregnant people” to “pregnant women,” live on air.
Phil Mitchell’s surprisingly tender reaction to Nigel Bates’ Alzheimer’s diagnosis, on EastEnders.
And ITV4’s broadcaster supreme Steve Ryder, bringing all the effortless style and wit that marked his career to a trackside invasion of a geese, at Oulton Park’s British Touring Cars Championship, which briefly threatened to halt his final ever television appearance: “A few crowd control issues.
“This kind of problem, you can send off into the long grass. So they’re on their way to Canada and we can have a gander at the next race.”
What a crying shame neither ITV nor the BBC ever really treated Steve with the respect his great talent fully deserved.
3 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on The ‘number 1’ simple safety step all parents MUST take in school hols and how to avoid potential risks at home & abroad
SUMMER is finally here and today children say goodbye to school for the holidays.
HSE child experts have shared their top tips to help keep them safe.
GettyThe summer months can pose extra risks to children[/caption]
Photocall IrelandDr Abigail Collins shared her tips for keeping children safe this summer[/caption]
Dr Abigail Collins, HSE National Clinical Lead, Child Health Public Health, said: “The summer holiday means a change in routine for children and parents.
“In the home, we are more aware of potential dangers, but with good weather we might be spending increased time outdoors and in less familiar places.
“Children are naturally curious, so it’s good to be aware of some of the steps you can take to help keep them safe over the coming weeks, whether it’s in the garden, park, visiting another home or on holiday.
“This includes thinking ahead about potential risks, such as unsupervised access to a balcony or pool, or going to a family member’s home that hasn’t been childproofed.
“It’s important to take steps to prevent heat exhaustion and sunburn, too.
“Parents can find advice on a wide range of topics on the HSE Mychild.ie website to help keep children safe and healthy during the next few months.”
THE most important thing is to supervise your child at all times.
If you’re out and about with children and other adults, it can be easy to assume the other person is supervising them in busy places such as outdoor events or playgrounds.
Always be clear on who is supervising the child and when.
If you’re going somewhere new with your child, think ahead. What are the potential risks and how can you address them?
For example, a relative’s home might not be child-proofed, so may have dangerous items within their reach, such as chemicals under the sink or medicines in a handbag.
If you’re on holiday with a swimming pool nearby, be very vigilant.
Ensure there is a locked gate or door between your child and the pool.
Don’t forget to apply for your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if you’re travelling abroad.
Before leaving home with your child, make sure you have packed some essentials such as sunscreen to keep them safe from the sun, fluids to keep them hydrated, hand sanitiser and a first aid kit.
CLOTHING TIPS
Make sure that babies and children drink enough fluids.
Children are at higher risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke because their bodies heat up much faster than adults’ bodies.
Wear clothing that covers your skin, such as long sleeves and collared t-shirts, and slap on sunscreen with SPF 30+ for adults and 50+ for children.
Early morning starts or departing just after food can give children travel or motion sickness, so try to organise the travel to make it a more comfortable experience for the whole family.
Try to reduce motion if possible, distract them by talking, listening to music or singing songs.
SWIM SAFETY
Discourage them from reading, watching films or using screens. Break up long journeys to get some fresh air, drink water or take a walk.
It’s important to think about water safety.
The summer holidays might mean opportunities to splash and swim in local lakes or beaches, or swimming pools here or abroad.
Never leave a child alone in a paddling pool. Empty them after use and store them so that they cannot fill with rainwater.
Teach your child to swim when they are at the right age, but you should still always supervise a child in and near water.
MEASLES REPORT
You can reduce the risk of poisoning by keeping products, such as dishwasher tablets, plant feed, batteries, room fresheners including liquid reed diffusers, plants, and essential oils out of your child’s reach and sight.
Also teach children not to put plant parts in their mouths.
Be protected with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
The most recent monthly data shows that measles cases and outbreaks have been reported in many European countries.
These include popular summer holiday destinations, as well as countries further afield (such as USA, Canada, Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippines).
There is a concern that measles outbreaks may occur in Ireland this summer as families with unvaccinated children and adults travel to countries where measles cases have been reported.
Babies aged six to 11 months can get an MMR vaccine free from your GP before travelling to another country.”
Tributes poured in online for the young man following his tragic death.
One friend wrote: “RIP my friend, many a right laugh we had.
“May you get the best bed in heaven, condolences to the family.”
While another added: “Rest in peace Mush.”
Colm is predeceased by his sister Grace and is survived by his parents, Olive and Con, and brothers, Brendan and Tomas.
No funeral arrangements have been confirmed yet, but his death notice described him as a “dearly loved son” who would be “sadly missed” by his family.
The road was closed for a technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators and local diversions were put in place following the fatal accident.
Colm’s body was taken to Midlands Regional Hospital in Portlaoise where a post-mortem examination was carried out.
Gardai are appealing for witnesses to the incident to come forward.
A garda spokesperson said: “Gardai are appealing for witnesses following a fatal single-vehicle collision at Ballaghmore, Borris-in-Ossory, Co. Laois in the early hours of this morning Thursday 26th June 2025.
“Gardai and emergency services were alerted to a collision on the R445 at approximately 3.15am.
“The male driver, sole occupant of the car, aged in his 20s, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
“His body has been removed to the Midlands Regional Hospital in Portlaoise where a post-mortem examination will take place in due course. The local Coroner has been informed.
APPEAL
“The road remains closed this morning for examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators. Local diversions are in place.
“Gardai are appealing for witnesses to the incident to come forward.
“Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) from the area between 3am and 3.30am are asked to make it available to Gardai.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Portlaoise Garda Station on (057) 8674100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
“Investigations are ongoing.”
Colm’s death is the 81st fatality on Irish roads this year – which is the very same number as the same period last year.
Tributes poured in online for the Tipperary manCOLLECT
3 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Inside Lauren Goodger’s romantic getaway with Charles Drury at luxury £250 per night spa after confirming reunion
LAUREN Goodger treated boyfriend Charles Drury to a luxury £250-a-night spa break after rekindling their romance.
The Towie star, 38, made sure it was a weekend to remember for Charles, 27, taking him to the four-star Greenwoods spa in Essex.
InstagramLauren Goodger and Charles Drury are back together[/caption]
Greenwoods HotelThe couple enjoyed a spa weekend for Charles’ birthday[/caption]
A source told us: “Lauren has whisked Charles away as a treat for his birthday.
“It’s a stunning manor house in Stock, Chelmsford and it’s a very romantic place. There’s a pool, a fine dining restaurant, a gym and they even host weddings there.
“Lauren really wanted to spoil Charles and while there are people who aren’t sure about her getting back together with him, she isn’t focusing on what others think and she’s just following her heart.”
Reality favourite Lauren fell pregnant just three months after giving birth to Larose in 2021.
Lorena, who Lauren described as the “most beautiful healthy baby she’d ever seen”, died after her umbilical cord became wrapped around her neck.
Greenwoods HotelThe manor house has immaculate landscaped gardens[/caption]
Greenwoods HotelThe four-star hotel has very decadent bedrooms[/caption]
InstagramThe couple share daughter Larose, three[/caption]
Instagram/laurengoodgerLauren went all out to treat Charles for his birthday[/caption]
