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TV ICON Kevin McCloud has recently criticised the design of a popular EV model after struggling to get out of it.

The 65-year-old, best known as the host of Grand Designs, revealed that he experienced a “panic attack” while trying to figure out how to open the door of an unspecified make and model of electric car during the filming of an episode of the Channel 4 show.

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The Grand Designs host said he experienced a ‘panic attack’ while trying to figure out how to open the car’s door[/caption]

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Despite these complaints, he’s seemingly a fan of EVs and has been spotted driving a luxury Polestar 2[/caption]

McCloud, a self-confessed petrolhead with a love for classic cars, shared the incident while appearing on the Fuelling Around podcast, hosted by Jason Plato and Dave Vitty.

He said: “I was in this car the other day, and I had a panic attack because I couldn’t get out of it.

“There was no door handle on the door.

“They were filming me getting out of the car, and I swear to God, they can’t use the shot because it’s just me flapping my hand around, going: ‘Where’s the handle? Where’s the handle?’

“It turns out there’s a tiny button, and it’s barely noticeable.

“There’s got to be some kind of safety issue around that.”

Despite this mishap, McCloud appears to be a fan of EVs and is often spotted driving a Polestar 2.

He also expressed admiration for the BMW i3, having previously owned two of them, describing it as a “really fabulous car”.

McCloud also revealed that he has “one or two runners” and several cars that are “in bits”.

Among his personal favourites are a 1932 Marendaz, a 1921 Lancia Dikappa, and a 1967 Fiat Dino.

Although he seems to enjoy electric cars, McCloud voiced concerns about the direction of EV design.

He criticised the “problem” of manufacturers reverting to “crazy interiors“, which he said included “weird designs and really odd buttons to do stupid things”.

He added: “It doesn’t make any sense.”

McCloud also lamented the trend of producing “massive cars with massive electric batteries”, which he argued results in a homogenised driving experience.

He said: “This is the inevitable conclusion to a process of homogenisation in car design that’s been happening for 30 years.

“If you didn’t have a logo on pretty much any modern car, you wouldn’t know what it was.”

A RADICAL six-wheeled truck that features a built-in helicopter-like flying machine is set to be released in 2026, according to reports.

Named the Xpeng AeroHT Land Aircraft Carrier, the mighty machine features a built-in modular ‘flying car’.

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An amazing six-wheeled truck with a built-in flying contraption willbe available to buy next year[/caption]

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Built by Xpeng, the vehicle is currently in the testing phase[/caption]

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The vehicle’s concept is to open ‘a new dimension for people who fly’[/caption]

Having made its public debut at the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, its manufacturer, Xpeng AeroHT – a subsidiary of the Chinese EV brand Xpeng – revealed it had already received over 3,000 ‘intent orders’.

First announced in January 2024, the vehicle’s aircraft has now completed its initial test flights in China, according to Autocar.

It has also received type certification approval, marking a significant step towards enabling it to conduct public flights.

Xpeng AeroHT co-founder and chief designer Wang Tan said: “This will appeal to multiple customer types.

“There are people who enjoy going off-road, and this vehicle, with its six-wheel set-up and differential lock, offers genuine off-road capability.

“It will also open up a new dimension for people who fly.

“I’m a pilot, and every time I want to fly, I need to go to the airport. If I have my own helicopter, I might also need a trailer.

“It makes everything very inconvenient, but with this, I can take my eVTOL anywhere.”

Full technical details are yet to be confirmed, but the truck will utilise a range-extender powertrain, providing a combined range of approximately 620 miles.

Measuring 5.5 metres in length and 2.0 metres in width, the EV – despite its appearance and advanced capabilities – can even fit in standard parking spaces.

Meanwhile, the flying machine makes extensive use of carbon fibre to reduce weight, and its design was determined by the truck’s dimensions.

Tan added: “We had to prioritise function.

“We needed to ensure it could fold compactly so there was space for passengers in the truck, and there were size limitations to ensure it could fit on the road.”

Naturally, the vehicle remains under development, but the company states it is on track for first deliveries to begin in 2026.

Initially set to launch in China, global interest in the machine is already apparent, according to Tan.

He also disclosed that a safari tour operator is among the companies that have already placed multiple reservations.

While pricing is yet to be confirmed, Tan revealed that the vehicle will cost “less than $300,000”.

IRELAND have suffered a huge blown ahead of next Saturday’s Six Nations opener against England.

Prop Tadhg Furlong has been ruled out of the clash due to a reoccurrence of a calf injury.

The Wexford ace missed the entirety of Ireland’s November Nations Series test clashes before making his return for Leinster in January.

The 32-year-old forward has been blighted with calf issues for a number of seasons.

Leinster’s Furlong will be replaced by Connacht’s Jack Aungier, who is expected to join up with the squad as the prepare for the clash against their rivals in Portugal.

Finlay Bealham is likely to start after news of the injury was confirmed.

The IRFU issued a statement confirming the news but did not provided a timeline for his recovery.

It read: “Tadhg Furlong has been ruled out of the opening week’s game after suffering a recurrence of a calf strain in training on Saturday and he has returned to Dublin for further assessment.

“An update will be available later in the week.

“Connacht’s Jack Aungier has been called up to the squad.”

“Leinster trio Jack Boyle, James Lowe and Dan Sheehan linked up with the Ireland squad on Sunday morning, while Connacht scrum-half Caolin Blade will also arrive on Monday.”

Dan Sheehan, James Lowe, and Jack Boyle flew out to ‘The Campus’ on Sunday in Quinta do Lago as Ireland prepare for their 2025 opener.

Hooker Dan Sheehan returned to action for the first time in six months last night.

The Leinster number two picked up a severe anterior cruciate ligament injury in last year’s first test of the drawn series against world champions South Africa.

Sheehan skippered Leinster last night in the absence of Caelan Doris, and went on to star in the win over the Stormers at Aviva Stadium.

He bagged a brace of tries in the 36-12 URC win over the South African side.

He’ll be joined by winger James Lowe, who also returned after not playing since November.

The duo’s return is great news for Ireland interim boss Simon Easterby.

Ireland vs England kicks-off at 4:45pm next Saturday.

THINGS will be hotting up on Coronation Street if these first look pictures are anything to go by.

A huge blaze will rip through the Platt’s house in tense scenes next week, destroying not only the home but the lives of Jack P Shepherd and Julia Golding’s David and Shona in the process.

And with no sign of Georgia Taylor’s Toyah, or the kids, it becomes evident that people could be trapped inside – forcing Shona, alongside Nick and Max to head back inside.

It will later be revealed that the fire is an arson attack, with a mysterious hooded figure seen pushing a petrol-soaked rag through the letterbox of No. 8.

It means a number of the street’s residence will have to try to prove their innocence to the police in the scenes that will air from February 3.

Elsewhere, Abi is on the warpath after uncovering that Toyah shopped her to social services, and a huge confrontation takes place.

And a drunken Leanne is creeping around the cobbles feeling lonely, with fingers soon pointing in her direction as the arsonist behind the huge blaze.

It comes after David actor Jack warned ‘no one is safe’ in his character’s storyline – amid a cast cull.

Jack, 37, has played David Platt ever since joining the ITV soap in 2000.

Now, with his character’s loved ones in immediate peril, Jack addressed the latest developments in Weatherfield.

He said: “Knowing that no one is safe and they could come after his whole family, he’s panicked and he’s desperate.

“He’s trying to think of ways to pay the money back but it’s a huge lump sum to come up with and he’s bricking it.”

The actor added: “David’s unpredictable, even for soap, you can see where it’s going with certain stories and that it’s not going to end well but you’re not quite sure how he’s going to get out of it or if he’s going to win in the end but hopefully he does.”

Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8pm on ITV.

Бійці 82-ої окремої десантно-штурмової Буковинської бригади Збройних сил України ліквідували кількох морських піхотинців 155-ої окремої бригади тихоокеанського флоту російських окупантів. Відділення комунікацій підрозділу повідомило про це на офіційній сторінці в соціальній мережі «Фейсбук» та у своєму Телеграм-каналі, оприлюднивши відповідне відео з коментарем: «Полювання на цих виродків, що вбивають наших полонених, пройшло успішно і буде продовжуватись […]

Shakhawat Ali Nobel was a Bangladesh businessman who was arrested on January 17, 2022 because Bangladesh’s actress brutally murdered his ...

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LOCALS have been left fuming after their neighbour felled a 110-year-old oak tree on their street.

Disgruntled residents in Fareham, Hampshire, vented their frustrations after the historic 45ft tree was chopped down.

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Homeowner Steve Thomas said there was “no alternative” to the tree being removed other than his house being crushed.

Fareham Borough Council, in Hampshire, say they were not told about the felling with enough notice amid claims it was unnecessary.

And residents also slammed RSA insurance for cutting down the “hugely important” plant as the “first resort” without considering other options.

Local resident Laura Ancell said the company should have “future-proofed” the affected property rather than chopping down the 45ft oak. 

Laura, 60, said she was “outraged” by the loss of the tree which she discovered when she came back from the shop.

She said: “I am just outraged that this felling has taken place when mediation was in the pipeline. These are almighty oak trees.

“We have really fought for that tree. It is heartbreaking. It is happening all over the South of England and it has to stop.

“We have not been able to save this tree but there are other trees that can be saved.

“It is an utter disgrace. I am just lost for words that this has happened. I am just in shock.

“I just nipped to the shops first thing this morning. When I came back I heard some noise and thought what the hell is that and saw all the branches being cut off.

“Taking that tree out was not the solution to the problem. There used to be a whole row of Oaks.

“The trees have been there for a hundred years. They have got huge value. I have admired these trees for the last 25 years of living here.”

She added: “I believe this is a national scandal that is quietly happening under our noses. A cut here, a cut there. It’s quite simply death by a thousand cuts.

“It’s a vicious circle and insurance companies want to maximise profits, which I understand, but at the same time they spout all of these environmental credentials yet they haven’t offered any other feasible option other than felling a majestic so called protect oak tree.”

Retired surveyor Tim Bishop, 67, explained that the trees were important for biodiversity with “huge numbers of insects and birds”.

He said: “I just think there aren’t that many Oak trees left. It harbours huge numbers of insects and birds.

“It is just the thought we are knocking it down when it was not needed. We are concerned he will go for the other trees next.”

The felled oak was under a Tree Protection Order (TPO) which meant Mr Thomas had to apply to Fareham Borough Council in Hampshire for planning permission to chop it down.

Permission was granted in April last year but the council have now criticised RSA for not giving them five days notice of the tree felling, one of the conditions listed in their decision notice.

The day after the tree was felled this week the principal tree officer at the council, Paul Johnston, contacted the insurance company.

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He said the council were “concerned” that notice had not been given and to highlight the “distress” to residents.

Mr Johnston said: “I would like to draw your attention to the general notes on the decision notice requesting the Council is informed at least five days prior to commencing the approved tree works.

“Whilst there is a lawful decision granting consent for the removal of this oak tree, given the significant public interest and indeed distress amongst some residents, it would have been appropriate for notice to have been provided of the impending tree works.

“I’m raising the Council’s concern that it was not notified as requested on the decision notice.”

An engineering report on the Fareham home found that the subsidence was “slight” and caused by shrinking of the clay soil underneath the home.

The property was built in 1985 with foundations just 1.5 metres deep, which the arboriocultural report found were “inadequate”, and the tree was in the corner of the garden on a strip of Crown land.

LAST RESORT

Mr Thomas declined to comment as he watched the tree being felled.

However, he said: “I don’t see why there’s such a fuss. There was no alternative other than the house falling down.”

A spokesperson for RSA said: “Where a home has suffered any tree related subsidence damage, it must always be remedied to prevent further damage to the property and distress to the homeowner.

“As soon as we are notified of these particular claims, qualified experts are engaged to investigate, identify and advise on all potential courses of action.

“All options are considered and explored and the removal of the tree is the option of last resort.

“The loss of any tree is regrettable; but in some cases targeted tree removal can be the most effective solution in mitigating subsidence and protecting our customer’s home.”

An RSA Insurance spokesperson have said they are speaking to the council after being criticised for not giving appropriate notice for the felling of an oak tree.

“We are taking this up directly with the council.”

The Sun has also contacted the council for comment.

UP to 100,000 people could still be without power until next week as Ireland is battered again by new Storm Herminia.

ESB Networks has restored electricity to 438,000 homes, farms and businesses as the repair operation continues following record-breaking 180kph winds from Storm Eowyn on Friday.

Michael O'Sullivan /OSM PHOTO

Stephen Collins/Collins Photos

Stephen Collins/Collins Photos

However, 330,000 customers remain without supply.

By next Friday, ESB said the “vast majority” of those impacted by Storm Eowyn will have their power back.

The energy provider expects the remaining approximately 100,000 customers will progressively have their supply restored over the course of the following week.

ESB crews have continued to work to restore power supplies in difficult conditions caused by Storm Herminia over the weekend.

Technicians from England and France have been called in to help restore power to homes and businesses across the country.

Some 768,000 were without power during the peak of the destruction.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said every effort is being made to restore power and water supplies, describing the destruction caused as “unprecedented”.

Kacper Dudek, 20, died when a tree fell on his car in Co Donegal early on Friday morning.

Met Eireann has issued a yellow warning for rain for counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry, Tipperary and Waterford.

And a yellow warning for wind was put in place from 6am yesterday for counties Carlow, Dublin, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Munster and Galway.

There were also yellow warnings for wind from 11am yesterday for counties Donegal, Leitrim, Louth, Meath, Mayo and Sligo, and from 11pm last night for counties Cork, Kerry and Waterford.

Weather chiefs also warned that Storm Herminia was approaching from a different direction than Storm Eowyn – bringing more chaos to other parts.

And while the new storm won’t bring winds nearly as strong, it was still causing havoc in the southeast yesterday.

Carlow Weather’s Alan O’Reilly said said temperatures will range from -3C to 8C.

He said: “Unfortunately, Storm Herminia is bringing some rough weather to the south coast, already gusting to 98kph at Roches Point and 94kph at Sherkin Island.

“There could be some issues at Dublin Airport. It is a south-east wind direction, which is a different wind direction than what we had from Storm Eowyn.

“It may well bring some new power outages. So stay safe and hope the lights stay on if you have them.”

‘EXTENSIVE’ DAMAGE

Tanaiste Simon Harris said the Irish Defence Forces were assisting ESB Network with helicopters to help restore power.

He said the Civil Defence is also on standby across the country.

The Government is set to make financial support available to families and businesses.

Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary said technicians from England are helping ESB workers, and further support is coming from France.

He said the main focus this week is around restoring power and water.

He described the damage as “extensive”, but said they are “throwing everything at it”.

Housing Minister James Browne said all efforts are being made reach everyone affected by power outages.

He said: “We have helicopters flying across the country trying to identify where wires are down and what supports need to be put in place.”

As well as power cuts, approximately 100,000 people across the country still had no water by lunchtime today.

An additional 112,000 people are now being supplied by generators that have been deployed by Uisce Éireann crews.

Supplies for a further 126,000 people are at risk in areas where power is yet to be restored.

Areas most impacted were along the West Coast and Midlands including Galway, Mayo, Clare, Cavan, Monaghan, Westmeath, Donegal and Longford.

Uisce Eireann repair crews were again on the ground across the country yesterday working to restore water supplies and operations at wastewater plants.

Head of Water Operations at Uisce Eireann, Margaret Attridge noted that while positive progress had been made on Saturday night, the number of people experiencing loss of supply due to power outages remained significant.

She said: “This unprecedented storm event has had a severe impact on our water and wastewater network nationwide.

“Our crews are on the ground in all impacted areas working to restore water services as quickly as possible, but given the extent of the damage to the power network, it may take some time before full service is restored everywhere.

“We apologise to customers who have been without water for a few days and ask for the public’s continued patience during this challenging time, some customers are also operating with restricted service as treated water storage reservoirs and networks recharge.

“In locations where water supplies have been impacted for longer periods, we are deploying alternative water supplies.

“Details of these supplies and their locations are being posted across our website and social media channels as they become available.”

‘MORE UNSETTLED WEATHER ON THE WAY’

And households were today warned that there was no sign of an end to the challenging weather conditions.

Met Eireann forecaster Linda Hughes confirmed there’s “more unsettled weather on the way” as several yellow weather warnings are in place.

She said: “Sunday is going to be a wet and at times, very windy day.

“Highest amounts of rain in the south and south east, with some spot flooding possible.

“So yellow rain warning for there, starting at 5am continuing until 5pm.

“A yellow wind warning then for counties, Carlow, Dublin, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Munster and Galway, from 6am until 6pm -starting a bit later at 11am then for the North West for Louth and Meath.

“So further, very strong gusts may cause some further damage.”

A large low pressure system will bring some “very strong winds and heavy rain” in the early part of the week.

Our weather is “staying unsettled” tomorrow, with further “strong winds and some heavy rain”.

The low pressure system will begin to move.

The meteorologist added: “It is going to start moving away to the northeast on Tuesday, so an improving picture during Tuesday into Tuesday night.

“But we may see another low come near Ireland on Wednesday.”

The National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG) met yesterday and insisted all efforts are made to restore power, water, telecommunications and other services to homes, farms and businesses following Storm Eowyn.

But warned that the ongoing weather difficulties would continue to make travelling conditions challenging.

‘SEVERAL DAYS BEFORE NORMALITY’

Keith Leonard, Chair of the NECG, said: “With yellow weather warnings in place for much of the country today and into tomorrow, we are again going to see dangerous travelling conditions.

“These strong and gusty winds may cause further damage to already weakened structures and trees – so please take extra care if travelling, and remember to never approach fallen or damaged wires as they are likely to be live and very dangerous.

“The ESB continues to make a huge effort to restore power to those still affected by Storm Eowyn. The damage and disruption to our infrastructure network was unprecedented and the scale of the challenge towards recovery is significant.

“While all available resources are being used to restore power and services as fast as possible, many people may unfortunately be waiting several days before normality returns.

“For those still awaiting a restoration of power, the National Emergency Co-ordination Group is helping Local Authorities to co-ordinate the humanitarian response at a local level, with efforts being made to provide support, assistance and facilities for those who have been significantly impacted, with the needs of the most vulnerable being prioritised.

“We remain focused on providing cross-Government support to these recovery efforts – making sure that any organisation that can help is available to do so.”

Stephen Collins/Collins Photos

A US reality star slammed Eamonn Holmes for the ‘worst interview’ of her career – and insisted she would never do another show with him.

Broadcaster and journalist Eamonn, 65, has had a decades-long career, including long TV stints.

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Eamonn Holmes has been slammed by a past interviewee[/caption]

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Whitney has appeared in her TLC show for 11 seasons[/caption]

Whitney Thore, 40, has appeared on TLC’s My Big Fat Fabulous Wife for 11 seasons.

The show initially documented her weight loss journey before Whitney embarked on a search for love.

Speaking to the Daily Star, Whitney recounted her experience being interviewed by Eamonn.

She was asked about the UK shows that she would like to take part in.

Whitney replied: “I haven’t done any UK TV shows in about 10 years, but I would gladly go on any and all of them again—except for [any with] Eamonn Holmes.”

Continuing, she blasted: “He conducted the absolute worst interview of my entire career, but other than that, my experience in the UK has always been so extremely lovely, and I love my time here so much.”

Whitney shared how she also had positive memories on the other side of the pond.

She shared: “Just the other night I got the nicest message from an insanely famous UK singer—I won’t disclose who just for privacy reasons, but it absolutely made my day.”

It comes as Eamonn was recently reunited with his beloved dog Maggie after a bitter custody battle over the pet with ex Ruth Langsford.

The former This Morning anchors shocked fans by announcing their split last May, with Ruth continuing to keep the pooch in her care.

The Sun had revealed Eamonn is set to lose the custody of the Border Collie cross, who is 14-years-old.

Yet it is clear the broadcaster is eager to maintain their bond and Eamonn posted a video to his Instagram page following their day out.

He could be seen sitting in the front seat while Maggie peeked her head from behind.

She could be seen affectionately licking his ear while he sung The Beatles track All You Need Is Love.

The GB News presenter then told the camera: ‘Ahhh that dog loves me, thank you Maggie.”

In his caption he reinforced the song’s lyrics and wrote: “All u need is Love … And a Rescue Dog!”

One fan replied: “Ahh Eamonn isn’t she just so precious.”

Another put: “Well you’ve had a good wash she does love you.”

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TOTTENHAM have broken an unwanted record that had lasted over a century.

The North London outfit were beaten by Leicester City to compound further misery on their season.

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Ange Postecoglou is under increasing pressure at Tottenham[/caption]

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The defeat to Leicester City was the first time in over a century Tottenham have lost to a team in such bad form[/caption]

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Fans have lost patience with the club[/caption]

Spurs had taken the lead in the game in the 33rd minute as Richarlison fired in from close range.

However, just five minutes after the restart, Ange Postcoglou’s side found themselves losing.

Jamie Vardy netted the equaliser before Bilal El Khannouss curled in the eventual winner.

It was the first time Spurs have conceded twice in the opening five minutes of a second-half match in the Prem since November 1987 against Liverpool.

The Foxes went into the game as heavy underdogs, having lost their previous seven games in the Premier League.

The result meant it was the first time Spurs had been beaten by a team on such a run since 1912, 113 years ago.

Just like Leicester, it was an East Midlands club that beat them then as well in Notts County.

Tottenham are now slumped down to 15th place in the league table, just eight points clear of the bottom three.

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The club has not won any of their previous seven league games, losing seven and drawing just one.

This is the side’s longest winless streak in the Prem since the nine-game stretch between May and October 2008.

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Bilal El Khannouss’s goal condemned Spurs to another defeat[/caption]

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Tottenham have not won a league game since December 15 against Southampton[/caption]

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The Foxes are just seven points behind Spurs[/caption]

It now means Spurs have lost THIRTEEN of their 23 Premier League games, winning just seven and drawing three.

After the defeat, Postcoglou insisted the team was giving their best efforts.

He told the BBC: “It is a disappointing result, but at the same time I can’t ask anymore from this group of players.

“They are trying their hardest and things just aren’t falling for us.

“We certainly had opportunities to kill the game off and we didn’t take them.

“It wasn’t for the want of trying, the players gave everything but we fell short.

“I thought first half we were good and probably could have had a couple more goals and for the most part they didn’t threaten us.

“We conceded a couple of goals but after that we had the majority of the play but just weren’t able to get the goals we needed.”

Up next for Spurs is a Europa League tie against Elfsborg at home.

In the league, it does not get easier with trips to Brentford and Aston Villa either side of their visit to Anfield for the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.