free webpage hit counter

Blogs

RTE star tipped to replace Joe Duffy as Liveline host as ‘it looks like decision made’ after presenter’s TV show axed

LIVELINE favourite Katie Hannon is tipped to take over from Joe Duffy after announcing the shock end of her TV show today.

RTE chiefs confirmed that its flagship Monday night current affairs series, Upfront with Katie Hannon, won’t be back in September after three seasons on air.

Photo of Joe Duffy announcing his retirement from RTE.
Joe Duffy’s most likely successor has been revealed
Copyright remains with handout provider

And as Liveline supremo Joe, 69, prepares to call it a day this Friday, speculation that Hannon will succeed him went into overdrive following the bombshell announcement.

Hannon — currently the 1/5 odds-on fave with Ladbrokes to take over at Liveline — will remain  one of the key anchors of RTE’s Behind the Story podcast.

She will also host a new TV series ahead of the Presidential election, which must take place by November.

In a statement, Hannon, 53, said: “I’m very proud of what we achieved on Upfront.

“We managed to buck the international trend and actually grew our audience on linear television and our digital footprint.

“It was a privilege to work with our small team of talented and hardworking colleagues led by our editor Janet Traynor.

“I also want to thank all of those who came into our studio and trusted us with their stories and contributed to the national conversation on the issues that matter to all of us.

“I’m disappointed that we won’t be able to keep that conversation going.”

A spokeswoman for RTE said: “The decision to wrap production has been made due to the prioritising of people and financial resources, as the organisation incurs significant change and becomes smaller.

“As part of the organisation’s new direction strategy in the prioritising of digital content, it has recently launched a news podcast and ‘Clarity’, a new strand beginning to tackle increasing misinformation and disinformation challenges.”

Other employees from the show will continue working with RTE News and Current Affairs section of the national broadcaster.

Upfront started in January 2023 as a replacement to Claire Byrne Live, that finished up as host Claire wanted to focus on her radio show.

The most recent series of Upfront With Katie Hannon, which ran from September 24 to May 25, had an average audience rating of 198,000.

TOP TV

This represents a 25.8 per cent of audience share, with these figures being up from an average of 168,000 and 23.7 per cent in series two.

Similarly, the series grew on the RTE Player, attracting 269,000 streams in series three, from 209,000 in series two.

Clips from the programme have also generated over 3.3 million video views on Instagram.

Radio 1 icon Joe stunned listeners last month by announcing he was leaving Liveline after 27 years.

A source told us: “Katie Hannon is the obvious successor to Joe on Liveline. She has been filling in for so long.”

Katie currently leads the way as the bookmakers’ favourite to replace the 69-year-old.

Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “It looks as though a decision has been made when it comes to Joe Duffy’s replacement. With Upfront now cancelled, Katie Hannon’s diary is now clear for the iconic gig, and the odds suggest it’s hers.”

Read More »

Glam footballer Madelene Wright puts on busty display in lacy lingerie and shows off bum as fans say ‘hotter every day’

MADELENE WRIGHT has left fans in awe after showing off her bum and wowing in lingerie.

The glamorous footballer dazzled her 320,000 Instagram followers in her latest post.

Woman in yellow shorts and top standing in a kitchen.
Instagram @madelene_wright
Madelene Wright showed off her bum in tight shorts[/caption]
Woman in yellow shorts standing at a kitchen counter.
Instagram @madelene_wright
The glam footballer gave her followers a treat[/caption]
Woman taking a selfie in a mirror, wearing a blue silk pajama top.
Instagram @madelene_wright
Madelene revealed she was getting ready to make more content[/caption]
Woman in a blue slip dress with white lace trim.
Instagram @madelene_wright
She put on a busty display in a low-cut dress[/caption]
Selfie of a blonde woman wearing glasses and a black top.
Instagram @madelene_wright
Madelene is no stranger to a revealing snap[/caption]

Madelene, 26, wore revealing yellow shorts as she posed in her kitchen.

The blonde bombshell cheekily bent over and wished her fans a “good morning”.

In a later upload she revealed that is was “content day” as she was sat at her make-up table.

Madelene got ready in a low-cut outfit and wrote: “Loving this slip dress.”

It comes just a few days after the OnlyFans star posted revealing snaps of herself wearing glasses black lace lingerie.

Her followers commented: “Looking so amazing Maddie. Just incredible.”

Another added: “Hotter every day.”

More reacted: “Wow beautiful.”

Madelene used to play for Leyton Orient and Charlton.

She now balances representing Chesham United with her modelling and OnlyFans career.

The beauty is no stranger to raunchy photo, previously wowing in an open shirt and bra.

And she caught the eye with a busty display in a corset.

Woman in a green lace bodysuit sitting at a table.
instagram @madelene_wright
Madelene has been called ‘beautiful’ by fans[/caption]
Woman in lingerie standing in a kitchen.
X formerly Twitter / @WrightMadelene_
She loves a pose in her kitchen[/caption]
Woman in green lingerie celebrating St. Patrick's Day.
Instagram @madelene_wright
Madelene used to play for Charlton and Leyton Orient[/caption]
Woman in a black bikini overlooking the ocean.
INSTAGRAM @madelene_wright
She has a successful OnlyFans page[/caption]

Read More »

Eden Blackman dead: Celebs Go Dating star’s heartbroken family announce death after ‘long illness’

CELEBS Go Dating star Eden Blackman has died following a long illness, his family has confirmed.

A post on Eden’s official Instagram account this evening paid a heartbreaking tribute to the dating expert and TV star.

Man with tattoos relaxing in a hammock.
Instagram
Eden Blackman has died, his family revealed in a statemen tonight[/caption]
Man standing on beach at sunset, facing the ocean.
Instagram
The TV star was best known for his work on Celebs Go Dating[/caption]

Alongside a smiling picture of Eden, 57, it read: “We are heartbroken to share that our beloved Eden passed away on 21 June 2025, after carrying a long illness with quiet grace.

“Eden blazed through life with charm, mischief and a fire that was entirely his own, magnetic, stylish, sharp, impossibly handsome and always up for the adventure.

“Music was his first love and constant companion, a pulse that shaped who he was, and he carved his path through that world with instinct, passion and deep care for the people he worked with.

“Later he brought that same energy and wild spark to television, helping others shine. He championed people with sincerity, humour and encouragement, always wanting others to feel seen at their best.

“To know Eden was to be caught in his orbit – fun, unpredictable, vivid and full of life. He stood proud, laughed loudly and lived as only he could. We’ll carry his spirit with us always.

“We ask for privacy as we find our way through this loss, and thank you for your love and kindness.”

Tributes came flooding in from shocked friends and followers.

His Celebs Go Dating successor Paul C Brunson wrote: “Sending love and deepest condolences. I never met Eden, but we were forever linked through Celebs Go Dating. He showed me kindness when he didn’t have to, and I’ll never forget it. May he rest in paradise.”

Another person wrote: “his is sad news. Rest easy, Eden.”

A third said: “What a huge shock. I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending copious amounts of love.”

Read More »

Britain’s top staycation destination for food lovers is revealed

BRITAIN’S top staycation destination for food lovers has been revealed.

Research of 2,000 adults revealed Cornwall claimed the top three spots on Brits’ foodie destination wish list – with St Ives taking first place.

Tourists queueing outside a Cornish bakery in St Ives.
SWNS
Britain’s top staycation destination for food lovers has been revealed[/caption]
Aerial view of St Ives, Cornwall.
SWNS
St Ives, in Cornwall, was ranked in first place[/caption]
Aerial view of Brixham harbor in Devon, England.
SWNS
Brixham, in Devon, came in at fourth on the list[/caption]

Padstow and Falmouth followed closely, alongside Devon’s coastal town of Brixham, Blackpool – often dubbed the ‘Las Vegas of the North’, and Norfolk’s classic seaside spot, Great Yarmouth.

The popularity of traditional seaside fare may help explain St Ives’ appeal, as more than half (51 per cent) of UK holidaymakers opt for fish and chips while on a break – and the town even boasts the aptly named Fish Street.

Other reasons for visiting these foodie destinations include trying a local delicacy (33 per cent), dining at a specific restaurant (32 per cent) and buying local ingredients (29 per cent).

The research was commissioned by Sykes Holiday Cottages as part of its annual Staycation Index report.

To compile the locations for the top 30 list, the holiday brand used ONS data on the number of restaurants, cafes and mobile food services in UK towns and Tripadvisor insights on the amount of five star eateries and outlets per square mile.

Dorset also featured three times in the top 30 foodie towns list with people wanting to dine in Bournemouth, Lyme Regis and Weymouth.

James Shaw, managing director of Sykes Holiday Cottages, said: “Food is an essential part of the staycation experience, whether that’s indulging in fresh seafood at the coast, browsing local farmers’ markets, or seeking out a pub lunch.

“People are increasingly planning their holidays with their palates in mind – and that’s great for local businesses across the UK.

“We’re seeing more and more holidaymakers prioritise local experiences over abroad escapes, and with so many flavour-packed places to visit in this country, it’s no surprise that foodie travel is on the rise.”

The research also found holidaymakers are willing to travel an average of 70 miles in the UK to try a certain cuisine or eatery – with one in 10 prepared to trek more than 150 miles.

When it comes to eating out during their stay, traditional British pubs remain the top choice for travellers (58 per cent), followed by independent local restaurants (52 per cent) and fish and chip shops (51 per cent).

Others enjoy sampling tearooms (50 per cent), farm shops and markets (29 per cent) and eating from street vendors (24 per cent).

Nearly one in five (17 per cent) said the enjoyment of their break is heavily influenced by what they eat, while one in 10 have rebooked a destination purely to go back to a favourite eatery.

Almost two thirds (63 per cent) of those polled via OnePoll plan to have a UK-based break this year, while 71 per cent of Gen Zs will – suggesting the younger generation are leading the way with staycations.

Holidaymakers will typically go on three UK breaks this year, each lasting an average of six days.

Reasons for choosing a staycation rather than going abroad include it being easier (38 per cent), less stressful (35 per cent) and cheaper (35 per cent).

The most popular types of UK trips were revealed as city breaks (49 per cent), lakes and mountain locations (41 per cent) and beachfront holiday homes (40 per cent).

Countryside walks (31 per cent), visiting local attractions (28 per cent) and exploring historical sights (25 per cent) are among the top activities Brits like to experience on a holiday within the UK.

And while respondents tend to go away with their partner (67 per cent), children (29 per cent) and friends (23 per cent), almost one in three (29 per cent) say they’re more likely to go on a solo break now than they were five years ago.

James added: “Our annual report takes a deep dive into the latest UK travel trends, and it’s clear that staycations are continuing to grow in popularity – something that’s welcome news to the communities across the country that rely on tourism.

“Now in its seventh year, the index shines a light on the evolving habits and motivations shaping domestic travel – from an apparent Gen Z UK travel boom to a rise in solo staycations and a focus on food while away.

“Brits are seeking more meaningful escapes and fresh adventures, all without needing a passport.”

TOP 30 UK LOCATIONS FOR FOOD

1.           St Ives, Cornwall
2.           Padstow, Cornwall
3.           Falmouth, Cornwall
4.           Brixham, Devon
5.           Blackpool, Lancashire
6.           Bournemouth, Dorset
7.           Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
8.           Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear
9.           Lyme Regis, Dorset
10.        Weymouth, Dorset
11.        St Andrews, Fife
12.       Windsor, Berkshire
13.        Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway
14.        Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
15.        Barnstaple, Devon
16.        Barnard Castle, County Durham
17.        Warwick, Warwickshire
18.        Margate, Kent
19.        Folkstone, Kent
20.        Tenby, Pembrokeshire
21.        Alnwick, Northumberland
22.        Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire
23.        Llandudno, Conwy
24.        Broadstairs, Kent
25.        Southport, Merseyside
26.        Loughborough, Leicestershire
27.        Rochester, Ken
28.        Formby, Merseyside
29.        Hereford, Herefordshire
30.        Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire

Read More »

Iran Vs Israel War: Pinoys In Qatar Describe Missile Attacks

This is how Pinoy described the missile attacks amid the Iran vs Israel war. Read below. IRAN VS ISRAEL – Overseas Filipino Workers in Qatar share their experience when Iran launched missile attacks at a US military base in Qatar. On Monday, President Donald Trump announced that Iran and Israel agreed to a staggered ceasefire. As ... Read more

The post Iran Vs Israel War: Pinoys In Qatar Describe Missile Attacks appeared first on PhilNews.

Read More »

Irish jockey ‘angry at my body’ but holding onto ‘glimmer of light’ after being left paralyzed by life-altering injuries

IRISH jockey Graham Lee admitted he was “angry at my body” after suffering life-changing injuries from a horrific fall.

The Galway rider, 49, suffered severe spinal injuries when he was unseated in the stalls in a Flat race at Newcastle in November 2023.

24 May 2015; Jockey Graham Lee after riding Russian Punch in the Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas. Curragh Racecourse, The Curragh, Co. Kildare. Picture credit: Cody Glenn / SPORTSFILE
Graham Lee suffered life-changing injuries from a fall
Cody Glenn / SPORTSFILE
Man in wheelchair with woman standing behind him.
He has opened up on the emotional journey

The 2004 Aintree winner and legendary figure in the weighing room was left paralysed from the neck down and has required 24-hour care ever since.

His daughter Amy started a JustGiving fundraising page for the Injured Jockeys Fund which has raced beyond £200,000.

In an interview with The Racing Post, Lee expressed appreciation for the support afforded to him.

And while he admitted to being angry at his body in the aftermath of the injury, he is holding out a ‘glimmer of hope’ that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

He said: “I had lots of broken bones and plenty of head injuries along the way but my body always overcame the obstacles.

“It always healed. This ain’t healing.

“That makes me angry at my body, which is probably very unfair because my body is okay, it’s just the spinal cord that is broken.

“I’m angry because in the past my body collapsed but then came back. At the minute, there is no coming back.

“When you’re a jockey, you always dream of getting on that one horse who will take you to the next level.

“My situation is the same. I’m hoping and I’m dreaming. That’s what keeps us going.

“I’m just hoping that somewhere, some day, there will be that glimmer of light.”

Lee reserved particular appreciation for his wife who has stuck by him throughout his recovery.

He added: “I am the luckiest man in the world to have the most amazing wife.

“Excuse my language but she is my f***ing rock.

“In Amy and Robbie, I’ve got two amazing children who are happy, healthy and make me feel incredibly proud and fortunate.

“Yes, I have to get Becks to scratch my nose or itch my ear, and I probably do her head in, but I’m so lucky to have her.

“I was lucky to have a very good career but, at the end of the day, it means nothing.

“People say to me, ‘Wow, you won the Grand National, you won the Gold Cup.’ So what? It means nothing.

“I would give up every winner I ever rode to walk out of this room.

“If the TV was switched on and I saw Amberleigh House winning the Grand National or Trip To Paris winning the Gold Cup, it would be like watching a totally different person, even though I know it was me.

“I’ll be forever thankful for what racing has given us as a family, but at the minute I can’t forgive racing for what it has taken away from me.

“Maybe that’s because it’s still raw.”

Read More »

Emmerdale actress pulls out of money-spinning new gig after lacklustre soap exit – and is replaced by noughties pop star

An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Emmerdale 2011 title sequence

AN EMMERDALE actress has pulled out of money-spinning new gig after her lacklustre soap exit.

It’s been revealed that soap star Paula Lane is no longer starring in a Christmas panto, and his been replaced by a noughties pop star.

Paula Lane in a brown sweater.
Instagram
Paula Lane has pulled out of a money-spinning gig after quitting Emmerdale[/caption]
Poster for a Peter Pan pantomime, featuring Paula Lane as Tinker Bell and Connor McIntyre as Captain Hook.
Insatgram
Paula will no longer star in a Christmas panto of Peter Pan[/caption]
Michelle Heaton as Tinker Bell in Peter Pan.
Insatgram
Paula has now been replaced in the panto by noughties legend, Michelle Heaton[/caption]
Chas Dingle from Emmerdale looking concerned.
ITV
Paula left Emmerdale in April but her exit was slammed[/caption]

Paula landed the panto gig following her exit from Emmerdale in April, which fans called “pathetic”.

She was due to play Tinkerbell in a production of Peter Pan at Billingham Theatre in Stockton-On-Tees

It was only announced on June 8 that Paula had joined the cast of the panto, which will kick off this Christmas.

But it’s now been revealed she has been replaced by Liberty X star Michelle Heaton.

It is unknown why Paula is no longer in the show, but announcing singer Michelle would now play Tinkerbell the theatre wrote “cast change” alongside a picture of the noughties star.

EMMERDALE EXIT

This latest blow for Paula comes after her Emmerdale exit was slammed by fans.

The soap star – who previously played Kylie Platt in Coronation Street – left the soap after just one year in the role.

Viewers in early April watched as her troubled character Ella bowed out of the ITV soap.

Her final scenes saw her being led away by led away by police after she pushed Liam and hit his head.

But fans thought Paula’s character was never really given a chance to shine on the soap.

Reacting to the scenes, one fan wrote: “That was a really pathetic exit for Ella has so much potential to be a great addition to the village and the writers ruined it with a pathetic love triangle between Liam & Chas!!!

“Paula Lane is a fantastic actor she deserved better than that!”

The Sun was the first to reveal that Paula would be exiting the soap after her stint as Ella fell rather flat with very little fanfare.

The actress first appeared to confirm she had quit the show when she updated her professional Spotlight account to confirm she would cease filming on the soap opera in February 2025 after 16 months in the role.

A woman experiencing stomach cramps speaks with another woman.
ITV
The character debuted in the soap in early 2024[/caption]

But confirming the news on Instagram, the soap star then shared a video she’d recorded in February ahead of filming her final scenes.

She told her followers: “Hey, all you lovely Emmerdale fans.

“Today is Valentine’s Day and I am actually about to go and finsh shooting my final scene on Emmerdale as Ella.

“By the time you watch this, it’s going to be around April, I think. I just wanted to say I have had a lovely time here.

“I’ve met some wonderful people. And I will really, really cherish the experience.

“I just want to say thank you all for your support, your messages.

“I hope you get to see me on some new dramas in the future. Or on stage. Or wherever life now takes me in my career.

Paula concluded: “Honestly, everything is all positive. There’s no negatives to spin on this.

“She is a brilliant character and, you know, never say never. Who knows?”

“So, lots of love from me. Over and out.”

Read More »

Brit Disneyland groom arrested for staging ‘wedding’ to girl, 9, UNMASKED as sex offender behind spate of bizarre stunts

THE Brit arrested for allegedly staging a mock wedding with a nine-year-old at Disneyland Paris is convicted paedophile Jacky Jahj.

Jahj, 39, previously jailed in the UK for child sex offences, is now on the run from British authorities, French prosecutors say.

Mugshot of Jacky Jhaj.
MET Police
Jacky Jahj is a convicted paedophile who was jailed for four years in 2016[/caption]
Pink wristband with partially obscured text reading "... & Jack 21st June 2025".
Instagram/bfmtv
A bracelet given to guests at the fake ceremony showed the name ‘Jack’ as the pretend husband on behalf of paedophile Jacky[/caption]
Person looking at phone at wedding ceremony with large floral arrangement.
revistacrescer.globo.com
Jahj was allegedly the ‘groom’ in a mock wedding ceremony with a child at Disneyland Paris[/caption]
a man standing in front of a bbc world news sign
Twitter/@hannah_moss_01
Jhaj filmed an explosion while naked in September 2024[/caption]

The disgraced director and actor, from Feltham, was jailed in 2016 for four years after being found guilty on four counts of sexual activity with two 15-year-olds.

His latest arrest came on Saturday, with French police charging him with multiple offences on Tuesday.

The sex offender was allegedly the “groom” in a twisted mock wedding ceremony – involving a nine-year-old girl as “bride” – which played out before 100 guests at Disneyland Paris’ Sleeping Beauty castle.

Disney staff immediately called the police upon spotting a “scared and confused” child in a big dress with four-inch heels taped to her feet, reports French newspaper Le Parisien.

Jahj was described as the “mastermind” behind the sick stunt.

He has reportedly been charged with fraud, breach of trust, money laundering and identity theft.

Jahj and the girl’s 41-year-old mother, believed to be Ukrainian, were arrested, along with two others involved in the ceremony.

Both Disneyland Paris and the “guests” claim they were deliberately misled – none knew a child would be involved in the mock wedding.

The sex offender even conned Disney officials by “assuming the identity of a Latvian national and using false documents to secure the contract” of the park, according to a Meaux prosecuting spokesman.

Prosecutors confirmed on Tuesday that Jahj is known in the UK “for sexual offences against minors”.

Before his arrest, he drove around the streets of Hounslow, offering girls alcohol and claiming to be a Hollywood film producer.

After his conviction, Detective Constable Nav Johal, the investigating officer from Hounslow CID, said: “Thanks to the courage and bravery of the young vulnerable victims who gave evidence, a dangerous sexual predator has been brought to justice.

“I am hopeful that the verdict and sentencing will give them some peace and closure, and they will be able to, in time, move forward from this difficult period.”

But the convicted paedophile has pulled a string of bizarre stunts since being released from jail.

In September 2024, Jahj staged an explosion using an old BBC truck and Union Jack-draped vehicles packed with explosives, filming himself naked as the blaze spiralled out of control behind him.

The incident was reported to be a film production stunt.

But it triggered panic, with hundreds of calls flooding emergency services as locals feared a terrorist attack.

Residents were not warned beforehand and only found out afterwards through a post on the Borough of Greenwich’s official Facebook page.

A year before the explosion, footage surfaced of Jahj mixing with around 200 children and 100 young women at a film shoot in London’s Leicester Square.

The shoot, which shows some of the children touching Jhaj, took place on October 17, 2023, the BBC revealed at the time.

The BBC reported that the organiser of the event – known as “Project BRT” – hired 90 children aged six to 14 from an agency called Jam 200

The production also booked around 100 young women between the ages of 16 to 24 from Uni-versal Extras.

A Met spokesperson said: “A 39-year-old man is wanted by the Met Police for breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a breach of a Sex Offenders’ Register notification requirement.

“We are aware the man has been arrested in France for other matters and officers are in contact with the French authorities.”

Disneyland Paris castle.
Disneyland Paris rented out the grounds of the Sleeping Beauty castle under the belief a genuine wedding rehearsal would take place

Read More »