brutal

LOVE Island fans have backed the brutal dumping of Meg Moore and Dejon Noel-Williams ahead of tonight’s final.

Five couples remain in the show, including bookies favourites Toni Laites and Cach Mercer, and Shakira Khan and Harry Cooksley.

The exit of Meg and Dejon comes after weeks of Ofcom complaints and concerns about Dejon’s behaviour and Meg being hit with bullying claims. 

In the most tense dumping of the series, on Sunday night host Maya Jama questioned Dejon’s actions.

One fan posted on X: “Glad they did the right thing and sent Meg and Dejon packing!”

Another wrote: “Meg & dejon got THE worst karma for disrespecting so much islanders this season.”

The other finalists in season 12 are Angel Swift and Ty Isherwood, Megan Forte Clarke and Conor Phillips, and Yasmin Pettet and Jamie Rhodes.

Love Island: The Live Final is on ITV2 and ITVX at 9pm tonight, Monday August 4.

You can follow all the latest news and reaction in our live blog, below …

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is doubling down on its trade war against much of the world despite increasingly harrowing economic numbers emerging at home, with stock markets and Treasury yields tumbling Friday on news of the most significant slowdown in job growth since the pandemic.

Government data showed the U.S. economy added 73,000 jobs in July — far fewer than expected — and issued revised numbers for the prior two months that showed only 19,000 jobs were created in May, and 14,000 in June, amid widespread uncertainty over President Trump’s tariff policies and deep cuts to government employment.

The unemployment numbers came a day after Trump signed an executive order increasing tariffs on 66 countries, further roiling a decades-old system of global trade.

The chair of the White House council of economic advisors reacted to the unemployment report by saying the numbers are “not what we want to see.” But Trump responded by directing his team to fire the commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an ostensibly nonpartisan position responsible for overseeing the statistical analysis of jobs data, suggesting the numbers were politically “manipulated.” She was fired hours later.

“I was just informed that our Country’s ‘Jobs Numbers’ are being produced by a Biden Appointee, Dr. Erika McEntarfer, the Commissioner of Labor Statistics, who faked the Jobs Numbers before the Election to try and boost Kamala’s chances of Victory,” Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social.

McEntarfer was confirmed by a Senate vote of 86-8 in January 2024. He did not offer evidence to support his accusations of manipulated data, either for this year or before the 2024 election.

“We need accurate Jobs Numbers. I have directed my Team to fire this Biden Political Appointee, IMMEDIATELY. She will be replaced with someone much more competent and qualified. Important numbers like this must be fair and accurate, they can’t be manipulated for political purposes.”

Paradoxically, Trump and his team also seemed to acknowledge the authenticity of the numbers by blaming the chair of the Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell, for the unflattering results.

For months, Powell has resisted pressure from Trump to lower interest rates amid concerns over stubbornly high inflation — and the prospect that prices will increase further if the president’s trade war persists. The Federal Reserve chairmanship is another position meant to operate with independence.

“Inflation has cooled, wages have increased, unemployment is stable, and the private sector is growing,” Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, said in a statement to The Times. “President Trump’s America First agenda has ensured new jobs go to American citizens, instead of illegals or foreign-born workers. The tariffs are raking in billions of dollars to make our country wealthy again. Jerome ‘Too Late’ Powell needs to cut rates so our economy can continue to boom.”

At the closing bell, the Dow Jones industrial average had fallen over 500 points, while the NASDAQ was down over 2.25%. The U.S. dollar fell against other currencies. But the most telling moves may have occurred in the bond market, which saw the most drastic slumps in 10-year and two-year Treasury yields in a year.

The increased unemployment rate, to 4.2%, came off government data reported earlier in the week that showed a dramatic decrease in imports and consumer demand to the United States, figures that have temporarily inflated economic growth numbers. Overall, economists are warning that U.S. gross domestic product could grow less than 2% this year, its worst performance since the height of the pandemic.

Trump has had issues with unemployment data for many years, often using one of his favorite terms, “fake,” to describe them. During his 2016 campaign, he argued that unemployment was worse than the government figures showed; once in the White House, he suggested the official data understated the strength of the economy.

The timing of the latest jobs report comes at a politically inopportune moment for Trump, who had set Friday as a deadline for countries around the world to negotiate trade deals with the United States on his terms, or else face steep tariff rates.

Only a handful of framework agreements were struck — with the European Union, South Korea, Japan, the United Kingdom and Vietnam, among others — while dozens of other nations were hit with rate hikes. Major trading partners faced brutal increases, including Brazil, which now faces a 50% rate on most goods, and India, hit with 25% import duties.

Switzerland was slammed with a 39% rate, but most countries on the list released by the White House were given 15% tariff rates. The new import taxes are to take effect Aug. 7.

Economists have warned since April 2, when Trump declared “Liberation Day” from a global system of free trade, that his new policies would devastate the U.S. economy, raising prices and slowing growth in the short term while depressing living standards for years to come.

“The good news,” Trump wrote on Friday, “is that Tariffs are bringing Billions of Dollars into the USA!”

Tariff discussions remain unresolved for Canada and Mexico, two of the United States’ largest trading partners. Though Trump said this week that Friday was a firm deadline and would not be extended, on Thursday he said new tariffs on some Mexican goods would be delayed 90 days while the two countries continue to negotiate.

Canada, on the other hand, remains at an impasse with the president over his demands.

“We will continue to negotiate with the United States on our trading relationship,” Mark Carney, Canada’s prime minister, said in a statement, but, “the Canadian government is laser focused on what we can control: building Canada strong.”

“We can give ourselves more than any foreign government can ever take away,” he added.

A popular stretch of coast renowned for its sugar-like sand and cobalt waters is cracking down on two common tourist activities – which now risk fines of up to £100 or £1,000 if you’re taken to court

A ‘glorious’ slice of the UK coast has unveiled a major tourist clampdown ahead of the busy summer holidays. Situated in the idyllic Dorset National Landscape, and boasting four miles of pristine beach framed by rugged dunes and lush cliffs, lies the acclaimed Studland Bay.

Often touted as a ‘tropical paradise’ due to its sugar-like sand and crystal-clear waters, the hotspot wouldn’t look out of place if it moved over to the picturesque Caribbean. The bay comprises of four beaches: Shell Bay, Knoll Beach, South Beach, and Middle Beach, all of which have been managed by the National Trust since 1982.

READ MORE: ‘Rundown’ UK seaside town dealt major blow as iconic attraction goes up for sale

But, earlier this year – the Mirror reported on how Dorset Council was mulling over two new Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) to tackle issues such as wildfires and anti-social behaviour.

Now, Dorset Council has confirmed the extension of its current PSPOs, which will be in place for another three years. These orders clamp down on drinking alcohol in public places, feeding gulls, overnight camping on beaches, lighting of fires and BBQs on open land, as well as ‘aggressive begging’.

The council has also extended the overnight camping ban to include Studland Beach, in a move to ‘protect the sensitive coastal environment’. Tourists found breaking this rule could be fined up to £100.

It has also expanded restrictions on lighting fires and BBQs to cover additional areas of heathland and forest across Dorset. Again, flouting this PSPO can result in a hefty penalty.

If you pay the fixed penalty notice, the offence is discharged and no further action is taken. However, if the fixed penalty notice is not paid, you may be liable on summary conviction in a Magistrates Court to a fine not exceeding £1,000.

“Renewing our existing PSPOs means continuing the important safeguards that have been in place for several years—protections our residents have told us they value,” said Councillor Gill Taylor. “In addition to these renewals, we’re introducing two new Orders: one to help preserve the natural beauty and tranquillity of Studland Beach, and another to protect our rare heathland habitats, which are home to some of the UK’s most endangered wildlife.

“Dorset should be an enjoyable place for our residents and visitors alike. By working with our partners, these Orders help us to deal with a small minority of people who can spoil it for others.”

Shaun Milton of Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, also welcomed the move – reminding Brits of the ‘devastating’ Wareham Forest fire in 2020 which destroyed more than 220 hectares of forest and heathland. This is the equivalent of more than 230 football pitches. “Preventing fires before they start is the most effective way to protect lives, property, and the environment,” he added.

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ITV executives are said to be preparing to axe one in 10 cast members from both Coronation Street and Emmerdale as part of fresh cost-cutting measures

ITV chiefs are reportedly planning sweeping cast reductions across their two premier soaps, with proposals to cut one in ten performers as part of new budget-slashing initiatives.

Both Coronation Street and Emmerdale may also witness fewer scenes per episode as ITV seeks to trim an additional £15 million from its overall spending, according to The Sun.

The broadcaster’s earnings have allegedly plummeted by 44 per cent to £99 million during the first six months of the year, sparking a fresh drive to curb production expenses.

Insiders suggest bosses are now pressing soap creators to reduce their escalating costs, with cast sizes being a primary target for scrutiny.

Coronation Street presently features 84 regular cast members, whilst Emmerdale boasts 70, reports the Express.

An insider revealed: “It’s brutal. We’ve known it was on the cards for a while, but they’re really cranking it up now and it’s across the soaps.

“They’re looking to save millions and Corrie and Emmerdale are the obvious places. They’re very expensive shows.

“Many who have been there for a long time are reliant on their income staying as it is.

“The amount of cast has spiralled out of control and focusing on dialogue, not action, could also save money.”

Industry sources have also hinted that the number of scenes per episode – currently averaging around 20 – might be reduced to lower filming expenses.

Fewer personalities could also feature in individual episodes to help maintain tighter budgets.

While some long-standing cast members are on full-time contracts with salaries, most are paid per episode, which means that reducing screen time or overall scenes could significantly cut costs.

These proposed changes come as ITV makes cuts across its daytime schedule. Good Morning Britain, Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women have all reportedly been affected, with hundreds of staff being made redundant in recent months.

In response to reports of soap cast reductions, an ITV spokesperson stated: “This is complete speculation.”

The Duke of Sussex cut a lonely figure at a huge family event without his wife Meghan Markle, and now a lip reader has uncovered the tense conversation he had with his royal ally

Prince Harry has made it clear just how desperate he is to heal his fractured bond with King Charles and the rest of The Firm, but a hidden whisper to a royal ally might come back to haunt him.

A secret peace summit between senior aides representing both Charles and his estranged son caused shockwaves last week as the pair seemingly edged closer to reconcilliation.

The meeting came a mere few months after a BBC bombshell interview where the Duke claimed that his father “won’t speak to him” due to his bitter legal battle over the level of security he is entitled to while in the UK.

Addressing the years-long fall-out with his family, Harry said: “There is no point in continuing to fight anymore, life is precious.” In a move that likely shocked the Palace, the Duke said “I don’t know how much longer my father has,” in reference to Charles’ cancer diagnosis.

The prince said that “some members of my family will never forgive me” for writing his explosive memoir Spare, but then added: “It would be nice to have that reconciliation part now. If they don’t want that, that’s entirely up to them.”

While Harry says he is “ready to forgive,” he anger seemed palpabale at his father’s Coronation, according to a lip reader who has uncovered a painful exchange between Harry and his cousin and longtime royal ally, Princess Eugenie.

A new Channel 5 show, Lip-Reading The Royals: The Secret Conversations, which airs tonight, has decoded numerous royal conversations at major events, and the prince wasn’t spared.

Harry cut a lonely figure on the steps of Westminster Abbey at his father’s Coronation ceremony in 2023, as he returned to home soil without his wife Meghan and children. As his relatives all gathered together in the congregation at the end of the event, it was clear tensions remained high.

The Duke then walked over to Eugenie, one of the few royals he’s remained close to, and according to a lip reader, complained: “I’ve spent five hours with my dad in his office and not a friendly text from either”.

It’s not clear who hasn’t texted Harry – whether it’s Charles and Camilla, or William and Kate – but the Duke seemingly hasn’t spoken to his brother in years.

The lip reader claims that he then asks “Why hasn’t anybody contacted me?” and Eugenie responds with a sympathetic but cautious smile.

It comes as another exchange – this time between Harry and Meghan – is uncovered in the new TV show. The conversation occurred between the Sussexes at a Service of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey in 2018, just six months after their star-studded wedding in Windsor Castle.

The couple was joined in the Abbey by the entire royal family, including the late Queen Elizabeth to honour fallen servicemen and women, and to mark the Centenary of the Armistice.

According to the documentary, as Harry and Meghan sat and waited for the ceremony to begin, they started conversing and taking in the situation, with Meghan asking Harry a very serious question.

Lip reading expert Nicola Hickling decoded the conversation for the programme, as she claimed Meghan instructed Harry to “take advantage of the situation”, before she turned to look around at the sea of royals that surrounded them.

She says Harry responded to her comment by asking: “Today?”, as Meghan added: “Do it tonight.” Then, Harry poses a question to Meghan, asking: “You do realise that this is the end?” as Meghan responds: “Yeah, I do know”.

It is then suggested by royal historian Dr Tessa Dunlop that the seemingly private comments between the Sussexes could mean that the couple had been plotting their dramatic exit from the royal family years before they actually decided to call it quits.

Lip-Reading The Royals: The Secret Conversations airs on Saturday at 7pm on Channel 5.

Chef John Torode was reportedly axed from MasterChef yesterday after BBC boss Tim Davie said no star was bigger than the show – and it’s now emerged how John found out

Masterchef’s John Torode was left in shock yesterday after he found out he had been unceremoniously dropped from the popular cooking series, having discovered his fate on the BBC website.

The unexpected ousting followed comments from BBC boss Tim Davie, who stated that no presenter is bigger than the show itself, as reported by The Sun.

The famed cook, aged 59, was reportedly devastated when the BBC and production company Banijay confirmed his sudden exit amid allegations of racist language, coming in the wake of the explosive Gregg Wallace scandal.

An insider disclosed:

“John had no idea. He was blindsided.”

In a remarkable turn of events, it emerged that the Aussie chef’s representative was given a mere 11 minutes’ heads-up before the news was made public, reports the Express.

An source shared:

“John’s agent received a call 11 minutes before the statements went out and hadn’t had a chance to call him.

“He read about it on the BBC News website. Obviously he’s heartbroken.

“He feels he’s been made a scapegoat off the back of the Gregg Wallace report.”

Despite the controversy, Torode took to Instagram with a resolute message: “Although I haven’t heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay – I am seeing and reading that I’ve been ‘sacked’ from MasterChef and I repeat that I have no recollection of what I’m accused of.

“I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it’s time to pass the cutlery to someone else.”

The shocking report into the conduct of MasterChef co-host Gregg Wallace, 60, validated an astonishing 45 out of 83 complaints dating from 2005 to 2024, culminating in his own spectacular downfall.

As we disclosed yesterday, BBC executives had insisted at the weekend that Torode step down, alleging he was grappling with mental health problems. He declined to do so.