From Thuc Nhi Nguyen: The score wasn’t the only thing that made this the Lakers’ worst loss of the season.
Even more concerning than the Lakers’ 139-96 blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday was watching superstar guard Luka Doncic hobble off the court with a left hamstring injury in the third quarter.
The 27-year-old guard was held to just 12 points and seven assists, and he committed six turnovers before he pulled up on a drive with 7:39 left in the third quarter. He grabbed at the back of his left leg and limped to the baseline, where he lowered himself to the court, rolled onto his back and covered his face. Concerned teammates surrounded him. Coach JJ Redick offered one hand to pull him to his feet.
Go beyond the scoreboard
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Doncic will undergo an MRI scan Friday, Redick said, before the Lakers (50-27) play Doncic’s former team, the Dallas Mavericks, on Sunday. In a subdued locker room, the Lakers were left to wrestle with their largest margin of defeat since Nov. 27, 2023 amid the possibility of having to finish the regular season without the NBA’s leading scorer.
“At this juncture of the season, it’s the last thing you want to see,” said LeBron James, who had 13 points, six rebounds and two assists. “Especially — anybody on our team — but when you have an MVP candidate on your team, the last thing you want to see is somebody go down with a hamstring injury. … I don’t know obviously what the case may be, so pray for the best for sure and a speedy recovery.”
Guard Austin Reaves shook off his own injury scare to finish with 15 points, one assist and four turnovers after grabbing at his left lower back for most of the first quarter. He said he overextended himself chasing a loose ball. He turned the ball over trying to connect with Deandre Ayton on the next possession, reaching immediately for his lower back after the pass went awry.
UCLA center Lauren Betts celebrates during a win over Duke in the Elite Eight of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament on March 29.
(Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
From Marisa Ingemi: You’d be forgiven if you thought this year’s Final Four was just a case of déjà vu.
On paper, that seems true — four No. 1 seeds who have dominated every round of the NCAA tournament arrived in Phoenix this week and they are the same four teams who reached the Final Four last year in Tampa, Fla.
Sustaining that level of success during the modern college basketball era, the four teams insist, isn’t as easy.
Connecticut doesn’t have Paige Bueckers; South Carolina doesn’t have Kamilla Cardoso; and UCLA coach Cori Close and the Bruins have a much different lineup.
“Getting here,” UConn coach Geno Auriemma said, “is the hard part.”
Now, they will use it as they to push to reach the NCAA championship.
“The Big Ten win really feels good and helps our confidence going [into NCAA regionals],” she said. “It felt great to put everything together because I feel like we really built off of one another and showed what we can do to not only the Big Ten competition, but to everyone.”
“It gives us just the right amount of confidence going into regionals and then seeing where it takes us,” Tiana Sumanasekera said.
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, right, and coach Tyronn Lue react during the second half of a 118-99 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday.
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
From the Associated Press: De’Aaron Fox scored 22 points on nine-of-13 shooting, and the San Antonio Spurs beat the Clippers 118-99 on Thursday night without Victor Wembanyama in the lineup to win their 11th in a row.
Wembanyama was rested on the second night of a back-to-back. He had 41 points and 18 rebounds in a 127-113 win at the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday.
The Spurs (59-18) had six players in double figures, including Stephon Castle with 20 points and Dylan Harper with 19 off the bench.
Nashville Predators forward Luke Evangelista scores the winning goal past Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper in a shootout to secure a 5-4 win Thursday at Crypto.com Arena.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea / Associated Press)
From the Associated Press:Luke Evangelista scored the only goal of the shootout in the eighth round, and the Nashville Predators tightened the Western Conference playoff race with a 5-4 win over the Kings on Thursday night.
Nashville, the Kings and San José are now even with 79 points apiece for the second wild-card playoff spot in the West, but the Sharks — who beat Toronto 4-1 earlier Thursday — have a game in hand.
Steven Stamkos scored his 37th goal and Jonathan Marchessault ended his 14-game goal drought for the Predators, who snapped their three-game skid despite blowing a three-goal lead. Filip Forsberg and Zachary L’Heureux also scored.
UCLA coach Bob Chesney leads the Bruins through their first spring football practice at Spaulding Field on Thursday.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
From Anthony Solorzano:UCLA football coach Bob Chesney wasn’t looking for star performances during the Bruins’ first spring practice on Thursday — instead, he wanted his players to focus on holding themselves accountable for putting in their best effort.
“We talk about the mirror test. Don’t worry about what your coach says, don’t worry about what your other teammates say,” Chesney said. “Go look at yourself in the mirror. That’s really the only guy that’s gonna know, right?”
There was excitement and intensity but perfection wasn’t expected. For the new head coach, it was about whether the fundamentals UCLA worked on throughout the winter carried over, he said.
“While I watch it out here, the things that don’t take skill, the things that don’t take great genetics, were the things I wanted to focus on today more than anything — the effort,” Chesney said.
Diablos Rojos’ Trevor Bauer pitches against New York Yankees during an exhibition game March 24, 2024, at Alfredo Harp Helu Stadium in Mexico City.
(Fernando Llano / Associated Press)
From Chuck Schilken: Former Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer will pitch for a U.S. team for the first time since 2021 when he serves as the opening day starter for the Long Island Ducks of the independent Atlantic League later this month.
Since his last MLB start, on June 28, 2021, Bauer has been accused of sexual assault by four women. He denies all the allegations and has never been charged with a crime.
After Bauer served a 194-game suspension for violating the league’s sexual assault and domestic violence policy, the Dodgers severed ties with the 2020 National League Cy Young Award winner on Jan. 6, 2023, less than two years after signing him to a three-year, $102-million contract.
Puka Nacua stands on the field during a win over the Detroit Lions at SoFi Stadium in December. Nacua’s attorney announced Wednesday that the Rams wide receiver entered rehab last month.
In this image from video provided by the Martin County, Fla., Sheriff’s Office, golfer Tiger Woods is strapped into a police vehicle following a car crash in Jupiter Island, Fla., on March 27.
The phone conversation was not captured on video, but Woods could be heard saying, “Thank you so much,” as he hung up and the deputy approached. It wasn’t clear if Woods was referring to President Trump, whose former daughter-in-law, Vanessa Trump, is dating Woods.
Shortly after the golfer’s March 27 arrest, Trump was asked about Woods and told reporters: “I feel so badly. He’s got some difficulty. Very close friend of mine. He’s an amazing person. Amazing man. But, some difficulty.”
1923 — “Black Sox” sue White Sox (unsuccessfully) for back salary.
1930 — The Montreal Canadiens win the NHL Stanley Cup with a two-game sweep of the Boston Bruins.
1933 — Ken Doraty’s overtime goal gives the Toronto Maple Leafs and 1-0 victory over the Boston Bruins in semifinals of the Stanley Cup playoffs. The goal comes at one hour, 44 minutes and 46 seconds of the overtime beyond the one-hour regulation game.
1966 — P Tom Seaver signs with the NY Mets.
1975 — Bobby Fischer stripped of world chess title for refusing to defend it, title awarded to Russian Anatoly Karpov.
1977 — Jean Ratelle of the Boston Bruins scores his 1,000th point with an assist in a 7-4 triumph over the Toronto Maple Leafs.
1982 — Buffalo’s Gil Perrault scores his 1,000th point with an assist in a 5-4 victory over the Montreal Canadiens.
1987 — Chicago Cubs trade Dennis Eckersley to Oakland A’s.
1988 — Louisiana Tech wins the NCAA women’s basketball championship with a 56-54 come-from-behind victory over Auburn.
1988 — Amy Alcott shoots a 1-under 71 to win the Dinah Shore by two shots over Colleen Walker.
1988 — Mario Lemieux wins NHL scoring title, stopping Gretzky’s 7 year streak.
1989 — Michigan beats Seton Hall 80-79 in overtime to win the NCAA basketball championship. Rumeal Robinson hits two free throws with three seconds left for the Wolverines. It’s the first time that a first-year coach, Steve Fisher, wins the national title.
1991 — Bo Jackson signs 1-year contract with Chicago White Sox.
1993 — For the first time in its 157-year history, the Grand National steeplechase is declared void because of a false start. Esha Ness crosses the line first, but most of the jockeys are unaware a false start is called and the majority of the 39-horse field continue the 4½-mile race around the Aintree course even though nine stay behind at the start line.
1994 — Charlotte Smith’s 3-pointer at the buzzer gives North Carolina a 60-59 victory over Louisiana Tech in the NCAA women’s basketball championship game.
1995 — UCLA wins its first national basketball championship in 20 years and record 11th NCAA title, keeping Arkansas from repeating with an 89-78 victory.
1996 — St Francis Fighting Saints scores college baseball run record with 71.
2004 — St. Louis clinches its 25th consecutive NHL playoff berth, the longest in major league sports, with a 4-1 win over Nashville.
2006 — Joakim Noah dominates UCLA with 16 points, nine rebounds and a record seven blocks to key a 73-57 blowout for Florida’s first national title in men’s basketball.
2006 — Steve Yzerman scores his final NHL goal (#692).
2007 — After a nine-year title drought, Tennessee and coach Pat Summitt are NCAA champions. The Lady Vols capture an elusive seventh national title, beating Rutgers 59-46.
2010 — Bernard Hopkins wins a brutal unanimous decision over Roy Jones Jr. in their long-delayed rematch, emphatically avenging his loss in the famed champions’ first fight nearly 17 years earlier.
2012 — Brittney Griner scores 26 points and grabs 13 rebounds to help Baylor finish off an undefeated season with an 80-61 win over Notre Dame in the women’s national championship game. Baylor becomes the first team in NCAA history to win 40 games.
2017 — Justin Jackson delivers the go-ahead three-point play and North Carolina scores the last eight points for a 71-65 win over Gonzaga and an NCAA title that heartbreakingly eluded the Tar Heels last year. It’s an ugly game, filled with 44 fouls and 52 free throws. Carolina was down 2 with 1:40 left when Jackson took a pass under the bucket from Theo Pinson, made a layup and got fouled. The free throw made it 66-65, and after a Gonzaga miss on the other end, Isaiah Hicks made a shot to help North Carolina start pulling away to the school’s sixth title.
2019 — San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich is ejected after an NBA record low 63 seconds in the Spurs 113-85 loss in Denver; receives 2 technical fouls in a verbal confrontation with a referee.
Compiled by the Associated Press.
Until next time…
That concludes today’s newsletter. If you have any feedback, ideas for improvement or things you’d like to see, email me at houston.mitchell@latimes.com. To get this newsletter in your inbox, click here.
HE IS the working class boy from Wales who conquered Hollywood as Sir Elton John in Rocketman.
She’s the Louisiana-born Baywatch actress whose reality TV family want to be the nextKardashians.
Taron Egerton and Brooks Nader have become showbusiness’s hottest coupleCredit: BackGridBut Taron’s inner circle is sounding the alarm on the pair’s relatonshipCredit: SplashThe chaotic circus of Brooks’s life could derail Taron’s acting career, it is fearedCredit: Getty
But behind the steamy snogs, Taron’s inner circle is sounding the alarm.
For I can reveal, that the 36-year-old Kingsman heartthrob’s prestige acting career could be spectacularly derailed by the chaotic circus of Brooks’s life, and her ferociously protective, camera-hungry family.
As my insider warned: “This could all end in disaster. He doesn’t know what he has gotten himself into. She will eat him alive.”
But it is not just one Nader Taron has to contend with.
She also has a brood of high-flying sisters who all live together in Manhattan and keep a watchful eye on their big sis.
Dubbed the “Wannabe Kardashians”, Brooks and her photogenic sisters – Sarah Jane, Grace Ann, and Mary Holland – became smash hit reality stars when their show launched last year on Disney+.
If his relationship with Brooks hits a speedbump, Taron won’t just be dealing with a private heartbreak – he’ll be dealing with the wrath of the sisters and a Hulu camera crew capturing every excruciating detail.
As one insider summarised the situation: “Who knows if this is happily ever after. But it could spectacularly backfire for Taron if things get messy. The Nader sisters are brutal and unafraid to play dirty to protect their own.”
The Louisiana-raised siblings swapped the country for the bright lights of New York and Los Angeles, and they absolutely do not take prisoners.
In the first season of their show, which quickly became a guilty pleasure for millions of viewers, the sisters famously tore shreds into Brooks’s exes.
This could all end in disaster. He doesn’t know what he has gotten himself into. She will eat him alive
Insider
They had choice, cutting words for her former husband, advertising executive Billy Haire, whom she divorced in 2024, with Brook herself saying she married him “for rent purposes”.
When she was asked on a chat show what she thought about her ex remarrying, Brooks remarked: “Which ex?”
But the sisters saved their unfiltered venom for her Dancing With the Stars partner and ex-boyfriend, Gleb Savchenko.
The pair met when they were partnered on the dance show, and sister Grace Ann revealed they hit it right from the off.
Brooks and her protective, camera-hungry sisters have been dubbed the ‘Wannabe Kardashians’Credit: Instagram/BrooksNaderThe Kingsman heartthrob could be dealing with the wrath of her sisters and a camera crew capturing every detail if his relationship to Brooks hits a speedbumpCredit: Alamy
‘Highly dangerous tightrope’
She explained in eye-watering detail: “I can tell you firsthand, every time I visited Brooks’ trailer, the trailer was shaking — every single time.”
But Brooks’s whirlwind fling with the Russian dancer imploded months later, but made great reality television.
The sisters discovered he had left his phone in their flat and quickly went about searching the device while being filmed for the series.
Brooks said they were “shocked” by what they found. She said on the episode: “All these screenshots of my boobs. What the f— is this? There’s like a million girls in here. This is a week ago.”
She then found a contact labeled “Threesome girl, Joshua Tree,” and broke down in tears.
Gleb vehemently denied the allegations, but the truth hardly mattered once the Nader sisters went to war.
They cornered him both on-screen and off, acting as Brooks’s personal attack dogs.
Brooks later admitted that watching herself “crying on the bathroom floor” over the split was the hardest part of filming the show,
But she also issued a chilling warning to anyone who might doubt her family’s investigative skills, proudly claiming: “My sisters are my sources.”
With these glamorous private investigators, any misstep Taron makes is guaranteed to end up in the next season.
Reality television thrives on conflict, and the Nader sisters know exactly how to deliver it
Insider
This is exactly why Hollywood insiders are so nervous for the Welsh actor. A-list directors and prestige studios often shy away from actors embroiled in reality TV circus acts.
My insider added: “By aligning himself with a star whose life, heartbreak, and family drama are filmed for public consumption, Taron is stepping onto a highly dangerous tightrope. Reality television thrives on conflict, and the Nader sisters know exactly how to deliver it.”
But he does not seem deterred. The pair have been painting California red over the last week, looking thoroughly besotted with one another.
Since The Sun revealed earlier this week that they were dating, they’ve been spotted holding hands outside luxury steakhouses and grabbing intimate drinks at Shutters on the Beach.
Yet, as the romance heats up, there are dark whispers in Hollywood, with some questioning the authenticity of the sudden pairing.
A more cynical insider even suggested that the highly photographed romance might be a well-orchestrated PR stunt designed to mutually boost their profiles.
‘Extremely ambitious’
Taron, despite his undeniable talent, has slipped off the radar slightly since his meteoric run with Rocketman and the Apple TV+ prison drama Black Bird.
Meanwhile, Brooks is “extremely ambitious” and “desperate” to cement her burgeoning reality TV empire.
Still a source told The Sun, Taron is “very keen” on the swimwear model, but this highly public romance is a stark departure from his roots.
Born in Birkenhead but raised in the quiet seaside town of Aberystwyth, small-town boy Taron has until now kept his private life discreet.
Taron, above with Elton John, had his meteoric run with Rocketman and is said to be ‘very keen’ on the swimwear modelCredit: Instagram
When he burst onto the scene as a council estate rebel turned superspy in Kingsman: The Secret Service, he was praised for his grounded nature.
He dated assistant director Emily Thomas for six years, keeping the romance strictly low-key and away from red carpets before they quietly parted ways.
However, the famously cheeky star hasn’t been entirely mute about his romantic preferences or his prowess as a boyfriend in past interviews.
Speaking to Andy Cohen, Taron confessed he wasn’t looking for a specific body type, laughing as he admitted his actual preference.
He joked “I’m probably more of an a** man… I’ve got a big butt. Quite a big round butt. When we’re walking away hand-in-hand as a couple, it’s not going to look right [if she doesn’t]. It won’t work.”
He even doubled down while reading thirsty fan tweets online during a promotional tour, cheekily declaring to the camera, “I’m quite proud of my a**, actually.”
And when he does fall for someone, he falls incredibly hard.
Recalling a romantic gesture for his ex, Emily, he once revealed, “When my girlfriend and I first got together, I took her to Claridge’s hotel in London, and I had them deliver a necklace to the room.”
He has confidently described himself in the past as an “attentive, thorough, enthusiastic” lover.
But all the attentive enthusiasm in the world might not be enough to shield him from the Nader family.
Brooks is ‘desperate’ to cement her burgeoning reality TV empireCredit: Getty
The series, which arrived on Netflix on March 26, focuses on a troubled Oslo police detective (portrayed by Tobias Santelmann), who must grapple with both a horrific serial killer and his corrupt colleague.
“Created by one of the greatest storytellers in crime fiction, Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole is a whodunnit serial killer mystery led by famed anti-hero Harry Hole,” the official synopsis teases.
“Underneath the surface, this series is a nuanced character drama about two police officers – and supposed colleagues – operating on opposite sides of the law. Throughout the season, Harry goes head-to-head with his long-time adversary and corrupt detective Tom Waaler,” reports the Express.
The description concludes: “Harry is a brilliant but tormented homicide detective who struggles with his demons. As the two navigate the blurred ethical lines of the criminal justice system, Harry must do all he can to catch a serial killer and bring Waaler to justice before it is too late.”
Joel Kinnaman portrays Tom, alongside Tobias Santelmann as Harry. Pia Tjelta, Peter Stormare, Anders Baasmo Christiansen, Ellen Helinder, Simon J. Berger, and Ingrid Bolsø Berdal also star.
Jo Nesbø has a devoted following, with his novels selling 60 million copies globally, including 5.6 million in Norway – exceeding the nation’s total population. It appears the series has proved to be just as successful as the books, with Detective Hole climbing the Netflix UK rankings just one week after arriving on the streaming service. It currently sits as the fifth most-watched TV programme, and presently maintains a 90% score on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes.
Critics have lavished praise upon the series, with Collider stating: “A roundhouse-kick of a thrill ride that lives up to the promises baked into the thriller subgenre’s name, Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole delivers virtually everywhere it should – which is nothing less than what a modern legend deserves.”
FandomWire contributed: “Stylish, gritty, and suspenseful, Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole is a knockout and Nordic noir done right,” while The Times remarked: “So much plot, so much incident, plus heatwaves, tropical thunder and sweat. As rides go, it’s certainly rollicking.”
Fans have also expressed their enthusiasm, with many devouring all nine episodes in one go. One individual posted on IMDb: “Excellent adaptation of Jo Nesbø’s The Devil’s Star. As an avid reader of the books, I found this to be absolutely spot on with its recreation and casting of the Harry Hole universe. So atmospheric, capturing the style and tone of Jo Nesbø’s writing. Excellent acting and riveting storyline, this was an easy binge. I sincerely hope there will be more seasons as there is a wealth of material to tap into.”
Another chimed in: “A gripping Norwegian masterpiece that stays with you. Just finished bingeing the new Norwegian Netflix series Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole (based on the Harry Hole novels), and wow – what an intense, atmospheric ride… By the finale, I was emotionally drained in the best way.”
They went on to say: “If you love smart, character-driven crime dramas with heart and moral weight (think The Killing or The Bridge but with Jo Nesbø’s signature edge), drop everything and watch Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole. It’s binge-worthy perfection. 10/10 from this amateur reviewer – easily one of the best new international series I’ve seen in a while.”
A third viewer described the series as “absolute perfection,” while a fourth fan likewise commented: “Detective Hole is a gripping, unforgettable series that captures the raw brilliance and dark originality of Jo Nesbø. With its intense atmosphere and a deeply flawed yet magnetic protagonist, it pulls you straight into a world where crime, emotion, and truth collide.”
Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole is available to stream on Netflix
We spoke exclusively to Altered Carbon and For All Mankind actor Joel Kinnman about his brand-new Netflix crime drama Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole
Netflix has dropped a brand new crime drama that’s perfect for audiences looking for their next binge watch.
Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole is adapted from the internationally best-selling author’s acclaimed books and follows alcoholic but brilliant detective Harry Hole (Tobias Santelmann) as he tries to hunt down a brutal serial killer on the prowl in Oslo, Norway.
However, Harry is also trying to take down corrupt fellow detective Tom Waaler (Joel Kinnaman) as the two men try to out-wit each other.
The nine-part series, which can be described as Luther meets Line of Duty, has some gruesome moments putting it in on par with Idris Elba’s BBC detective drama.
In a recent interview with the Mirror’s publishers Reach Plc, Detective Hole star Joel Kinnaman broke down perhaps the most stomach-churning moment in the show and shared some surprising behind-the-scenes insight into bringing the grisly scene to life.
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This lets members watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes hit shows like Stranger Things and The Last of Us.
WARNING: This article contains major spoilers from Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole on Netflix
The scene in question saw Kinnaman’s sociopathic police officer Waaler luring an unsuspecting man into public toilets on the promise of sexual favours, before castrating and murdering his victim.
Kinnaman said: “When we were shooting that, that’s where you really felt like this big budget was coming in because that penis prosthesis was so perfect. It felt very real holding it.” Adding: “It was a very realistic experience.”
Despite the sequence proving a tough watch, filming it was another matter for Kinnaman and the rest of the crew.
The star joked that every time the prosthetic appeared, he would “make a soundtrack” for its entrance.
“It was pretty hard to keep from laughing but then when he got into it, it became sort of horrifying,” he said.
Adding: “It was a very strange feeling. It was very strange to do it, but I enjoyed it.”
Addressing joining the crime drama, the Swedish-American actor said he was “very excited” about the idea of playing the Swedish character in a Netflix production, which he said would make it “accessible” to audiences.
Kinnaman went on to say that he was excited to step into acclaimed crime author Nesbø’s world and the character of Waaler, saying: “I’ve never got to play this kind of mouth-watering, crazy role. So fun and such an opportunity.”
The star went on to say about Waaler’s mindset: “He’s sort of morally conflicted and he’s driven by his sexual confusion and his sexual desires and his strive for power and power games. But what is also fuelling all of this is his childhood trauma.
“I sort of play him as a malignant narcissist on the scale of psychopathy. That was sort of the hypothesis that I was playing off of and that’s someone… he’s not born a psychopath, but he has been damaged at a young age.
“And then it veers, it makes his personality veer off in this direction and course.”
Kinnaman said that childhood trauma had created a lack of empathy in Waaler that led to his extremely violent behaviour.
Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole is streaming on Netflix now
Luba Muhstuk has been seen heading to her new job after her brutal axe from Strictly Come Dancing and looked full of confidence as she was spotted in London over the weekend
Luba blew a kiss to the camera (Image: JAMES CURLEY AND MAGICMOMENTSUK)
Luba Muhstuk has been seen heading to her new job after her brutal axe from Strictly Come Dancing. The TV star, 36, has served as a professional on the BBC Saturday night favourite since 2018 but along with Karen Hauer, Michelle Tsiakkas and Nadiya Bychkova, it was recently announced that she will not be part of the competition series going forward.
Just hours after the news broke,. Luba herself broke her silence on the matter. Taking to Instagram, insisting the time had come for her “step away” from the show, she wrote: “With a heart full of gratitude, the time has come for me to step away from Strictly Come Dancing. I am deeply grateful for the past 10 years on this beautiful show! Thank for you for the amazing opportunities and unforgettable memories. It truly has meant the world to me.”
Sharing that she was now looking forward to the future, Luba continued : “Now it’s time for me to follow my dreams beyond the show, and I’m excited for what the future holds. I can’t wait to see you all on the Pro Tour and I’m really looking forward to it one last time.”
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Over the weekend,, photos emerged of Luba heading to role taking dance classes in central London. Despite the sudden nature of her departure from the series, Luba looked to be in great spirits as she walked to work. This was the first time she had been spotted out in public since news of her axing emerged.
The TV star was suitably dressed for her role at the dance class, opting for comfortable rehearsal wear and let her dark locks flow down her back. She clutched her phone in her hand and threw a series of excitable poses.
Praising Luba – while announcing her exit – the BBC said: “We are incredibly grateful for her dedication to the programme and for always going above and beyond—whether through the care and commitment she showed her celebrity partners or her warmth and kindness behind the scenes. Luba has been, and always will be, a much-loved member of the Strictly family, and we wish her every success in the future.”
Fellow dancers were quick to share supportive messages in the comments section. Among them was Amy Dowden, who simply wrote: “Love you xxx.” Johannes Radebe echoed the sentiment, typing: “Love you darling,” alongside a red love heart emoji. And Nadiya, who met the same fate as Luba in recent days, shared three white love heart emojis.
While she will no longer be part of the dancing on screen team, Nadiya has reportedly been offered a chance to stay on the show in a different role. Speaking to The Sun, a source said: “Nadiya is so recognisable with viewers and bosses felt it would be a real loss to lose her from the Strictly family altogether. After a few conversations, they reportedly offered her a choreography role which she is very open to.
“Obviously, she is sad to no longer be dancing but recognises she will have great scope for more lucrative commercial opportunities now, and can explore exciting new projects.”
The Strictly team has already said goodbye to a number of long-time members of the show in recent weeks. Gorka and Michelle Tsiakkas are also said to have been axed in a bid for bosses to get “fresh faces” in the professional line-up.
And the decision of who will present the show following the exit of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman is yet to be made public, too. Recently, Louie Spence told the Mirror: “With Strictly, people say I should go on there and be a judge just because I’m known as a dancer – but it’s a very different dance genre. Ballroom and Latin is very particular. It’s like the difference between hip-hop and classical ballet…”
Suggesting Rylan and Zoe Ball would make good hosts, he concluded: “Rylan would be great fun [as host]. I love Rylan, he’s got a great personality. He’s young enough to keep going if it’s going to keep going for years.
“Zoe Ball, she’s great. Who knows how many more years a show like that will last? Things are moving so quickly now, with the way things are changing. Whoever gets it, I’m sure they’d be fabulous.”
The documentary series has been branded a must watch for fans of true crime
Forensics: The Real CSI gives viewers unprecedented access into a local police force(Image: BBC/Blast Films)
A harrowing BBC Two documentary will return to screens with another chilling episode that true crime fans are being urged not to miss.
Forensics: The Real CSI has returned for a brand new series plunging viewers into real life drama as it follows West Midlands Police Force, investigating serious crimes in real time.
In a race against the clock, viewers witness plenty of chaos as officers uncover horrific truths and a sense of urgency in their search for justice. The series also gives a deeper insight into the forensics work that puts together vital evidence during an investigation, with specialised officers often working with little to no evidence.
Branded the perfect watch for fans of 24 Hours in Police Custody, the BBC documentary series returned with a harrowing episode earlier this month, which viewers said left them “shocked”.
Another brutal episode is set to air tonight (March 22) at 9pm on BBC Two. A BBC synopsis reads: “In Cumbria, a 999 call comes in at 1.00: a supermarket cash machine is being broken into by a gang of thieves. They’re working at speed, using high-powered cutting equipment.
“They make their getaway before the police arrive, taking thousands of pounds. It’s the second cash machine in the county targeted in 24 hours.”
It continues: “Seventy miles away, reports of the Cumbrian raids are shared with a specialist West Midlands Police task force who have been chasing a prolific gang of organised criminals suspected of attacking cash machines around the country.
“Their method of breaking into the machines using specialist machinery known as the ‘jaws of life’ has led to them being named the JOL Gang.
“While the task force gathers intelligence in the West Midlands, Cumbria Police takes the lead on forensics. The investigation becomes more urgent when there’s a third attack in Cumbria.”
Taking to social media, one viewer described it as a “brilliant series”. Commenting on last week’s instalment, one viewer said: “Have you watched the latest The Real CSI episode 2 it’s brutal.”
A third added: “Forensics is absolutely fascinating.” One person said the new instalments had their “blood boiling”.
Previously, West Midlands Police promoted the harrowing series as one viewer commented: “I watched it last night. It was very eye opening. The forensics and camera and phone tracking and hacking were brilliant.”
Another said: “Just watched, truly disturbing.” A third added: “Best programme on the t.v, it’s scary the number of teenagers carry knives need to get them off the streets”
A fourth penned: “Easily the best programme on the tv at the moment. The work that the forensic experts do to bring a criminal to justice is unreal.”
Forensics: The Real CSI returns tonight at 9pm on BBC Two.
In the New Year episode, Max Branning was revealed to be marrying a mystery woman in 2027, and EastEnders fans think the soap has subtly ‘confirmed’ who that bride will be – along with her unorthodox reason for marriage
EastEnders fans think they know who the mystery bride marrying Max Branning is(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)
EastEnders aired the start of a love story in their most recent episode, and fans think this confirms one woman as his bride for 2027, but she won’t be marrying him for love. Instead, she’s out for revenge.
Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) has been one of the potential brides since Max Branning‘s (Jake Wood) fifth marriage was first teased. The two had already hooked up whilst unaware of each other’s identities, leading to an explosive punch up at their shared grandson Jimmy’s christening as Cindy realised she’d slept with her son’s killer. But after scenes airing on 19 March, fans are sure this enemies to lovers arc will end with a trip down the aisle.
During Thursday’s episode, Cindy and Max were having a chat in the Prince Albert as she closed up shop. The two quickly started eyeing each other up and Max leaned in for a kiss. When Cindy initially rejected him – on the grounds that he had killed her beloved Steven (Aaron Sidwell) – he apologised for Steven’s death. This was enough for Cindy to give in and start kissing Max, as a jealous Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), who was also a teased bride, looked on.
Fans are now more certain than ever that this means Cindy will marry Max, but they’re not convinced that she loves him. Rather, could Cindy be marrying Max as part of a revenge plan?
“If Cindy marries Max, it’s 100% for revenge,” said one fan. “She HATED Max for what happened to Steven and she’s way too smart to fall for Max’s greasy little lines.”
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They added that the bride mystery might not be the only part of the New Year flashforward that Cindy is part of. The fan predicted that Cindy would be the gunman who will hold Lauren and Oscar Branning (Jacqueline Jossa and Pierre Counihan-Moullier) hostage, forcing their father to pick one to save.
“I reckon, Max is marrying Cindy in 2027, but Linda is getting ready to crash the wedding because she knows Cindy is planning something horrible for Max,” the fan said. “What is that horrible thing? She’s the gunman. An eye for an eye, a child for a child you know?”
Another fan agreed that scenes from tonight’s episode pointed more towards a vengeful Cindy than a loved-up one. “OMG yeah you could be right! That look she gave him when he said he was sorry for Steven’s death wasn’t giving attraction for me, it was giving revenge!”
A third said they hoped this was the case: “Cindy has hated Max with a passion for years and I know they say there’s a thin line between love and hate, but her just falling for his chat yet again just doesn’t add up. I actually hope she’s playing him for some sort of revenge for Steven further down the line.”
Cindy’s hatred of Max dates back to 2017. Then, he manipulated her son into a sweeping revenge plot against the Square, particularly Jane Beale (Laurie Brett), who had let Max go to prison for the murder of Lucy Beale (Hetti Bywater) even though she knew it was really her young son Bobby (Eliot Carrington).
After setting fire to a restaurant, Steven tried to save Jane, but Max, desperate to stop him, pushed Steven into a countertop. This caused fatal internal injuries, eventually leading to a cardiac arrest and his death.
JANE FONDA has taken a brutal swipe at Barbra Streisand as she claims the latter ‘didn’t deserve’ to do the Oscars tribute to Robert Redford.
The US actress, 88, attended the Oscar Awards ceremony Sunday night and revealed that she herself would have liked to have paid tribute to the late actor and friend.
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Jane Fonda has taken a brutal swipe against Barbra Streisand as she claims the latter ‘didn’t deserve’ to do Oscars tribute to Robert RedfordCredit: GettyBarbra Streisand paid tribute to Robert Redford during the 98th annual awards In Memoriam segmentCredit: GettyUS actor Robert Redford was an Oscar-winning director who sadly passed away in September last yearCredit: AFP
Popular for her roles in Barbarella, Grace and Frankie, and Monster-in-Law the actress hit out at Barbra over the 98th annual awards In Memoriam segment.
The ceremony honoured Robert Redford, an esteemed actor and Oscar-winning director who sadly passed away in September last year.
Up to the stage to pay tribute to the late star was none other than singer Barbra Streisand, who he famously shared the screen with in 1973 film The Way We Were.
But Fonda seemed put-out by Barbra being chosen to deliver the speech, making her feelings known in a chat with Entertainment Tonight at Vanity Fair’s Oscar after-party.
She said: “I want to know how come Streisand was up there doing that for Redford?”
“She only made one movie with him, I made four! I have more to say.”
The pair were known for their on-screen chemistry which spanned over decades.
They co-starred in the films The Chase (1966), The Electric Horseman (1979), Barefoot in the Park (1967), and their latest collaboration, the Netflix romantic drama Our Souls at Night (2017).
Speaking about Redford, Jane added: “ I was always in love with him. The most gorgeous human being and such great values. And he did a lot for movies, he really changed movies, lifted up independent movies.”
Fonda questioned why Barbra was the one to deliver the speech when she had starred in four movies with RedfordCredit: Kobal Collection – ShutterstockFonda and Redford were known for their on-screen chemistry which spanned over decadesCredit: Kobal Collection – Shutterstock
Streisand had some touching words when she took to the stage to talk about her former co-star during the awards ceremony tribute.
She said: “He was a brilliant, subtle actor.
“And we had a wonderful time playing off each other because we never quite knew what the other one was going to do in the scene.”
Barbra played Katie to Redford’s Hubbell in the movie, which saw two total opposite personalities fall in love with each other.
The Funny Girl actress also sang a rendition of The Way We Were, the hit song from the movie as part of the In Memoriam segment.
Jane Fonda was left devastated by Redford’s death last year.
“It hit me hard this morning when I read that Bob was gone,” she shared at the time.
“I can’t stop crying. He meant a lot to me and was a beautiful person in every way. He stood for an America we have to keep fighting for.”
Streisand had starred with Redford in the romance flick The Way We Were in 1973Credit: Alamy
