Gary O’Neil has been appointed Strasbourg manager after Liam Rosenior left the French Ligue 1 side to join Chelsea earlier this week.
The 42-year-old, who has previously managed Premier League sides Bournemouth and Wolves, said he is “proud” to join a club with a “high-quality squad and clear, ambitious goals for the season”.
The former Portsmouth, Middlesbrough and QPR midfielder added: “Racing has a unique history, extraordinary passion, great resilience, and of course, loyal fans who want to see this team play attractive football and succeed.
“My priority is to work hard with the team and give everything for the club’s success.”
Strasbourg, who sit seventh in Ligue 1, moved swiftly to appoint O’Neil after Rosenior joined Chelsea on a six-and-a-half-year deal on Tuesday.
The French side are part of the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital-owned BlueCo multi-club ownership group which also controls Chelsea.
Leroy Rosenior, Liam’s father, played for the likes of Fulham, West Ham and Queens Park Rangers, and his managerial career peaked with a five-month stint at then-League One side Brentford in 2006.
In 2019 he was awarded an MBE in the 2019 New Year Honours for his services to tackling discrimination in football and wider society.
When Rosenior Jr retired from playing he followed his father’s footsteps. He began writing a column for The Guardian, where in 2017 he acknowledged the under-representation of black coaches. He highlighted that race does not influence ability and said opportunities should be given on merit.
He also made a point he would repeat: that vast under-representation leads to misunderstandings of players from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
In a podcast with The Athletic FC, Rosenior highlighted how his star striker, Emmanuel Emegha, was labelled “difficult” and “emotional”, but said he understood the Netherlands international with Nigerian parentage. Emegha is set to join him in moving from Strasbourg to Chelsea in July.
In further Guardian columns, Rosenior also admitted he was “ashamed” to hear an unnamed coach make a homophobic slur when he was a player. He pledged his support for the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign and wrote an open letter to Donald Trump during his first US presidency, accusing him of “blatant” racism.
Rosenior has since made his name as a manager – first at Hull City, then Strasbourg – and Wayne Rooney said this week he was “as good a coach as I’ve ever worked with” following their time together at Derby County.
Rosenior said his farewells at Strasbourg on Tuesday morning before signing a six‑and‑a‑half‑year contract at Chelsea.
The Blues had the Premier League’s first black manager in Gullit and the first black captain in Paul Elliott.
Elliott has since worked in multiple senior positions, including the FA’s diversity and inclusion board, and is now the vice-chairman at Charlton Athletic – who Chelsea play in the FA Cup third round on Sunday.
“Liam, in my opinion, represents everything that was right about the 21st century,” Elliott said.
“He has been an outstanding player, very articulate, hugely intelligent, and you can see that whatever he did – whether as a manager or technical director – he was really cognizant of the game.
“Whatever he did, I knew he would be a success. His passion was to forge a career in football management. He speaks in a way I hadn’t heard from many people – you felt you were learning.
“It sends out a strong, positive message to current and future generations – that people of colour who look like Liam can go to the very top and be at the cutting edge of football management.
“But let’s not forget – he’s there on merit. He’s there on talent.”
Love Island star Millie Court is returning to the ITV2 show for its upcoming All Stars series – and has revealed her new dating standards after splitting from Liam Reardon
20:00, 06 Jan 2026Updated 20:14, 06 Jan 2026
Millie Court has opened up about heading into All Stars(Image: ITV)
Love Island’s Millie Court is hoping to find love once again on the show’s All Stars spin-off – and has revealed the lessons she’s learnt from her romance with ex Liam Reardon. The 29-year-old appeared on Love Island’s 2021 series, which she won with Welsh bricklayer Liam.
The pair dated on-and-off until breaking up in September last year, with insiders claiming that the long-distance relationship was too “difficult” for them to navigate. Speaking to The Mirror and other press ahead of All Stars, Millie seemed to hint that this was the case
When asked whether she would date an international contestant after doing long distance with Liam, Millie said: “Only if they agree to move to London – I’m not moving!”
As for what she had learnt from her first stint on Love Island, which saw Liam cheat on her during Casa Amor, Millie said: “I mean I’m 29 now, so I’d say I’ve definitely matured, grown up a bit.
“I won’t take as sh** this time, oops sorry for my language. But who knows? You know when you really like someone, sometimes they make a mistake and I don’t know, I can’t speak for future Millie, hopefully I won’t take any s**t.”
Millie added that she’s willing to step away from her usual type to find love this time around. “I feel like I’ve got a very specific type.
“I have to have someone that’s taller than me because I’m quite tall for a girl, especially with heels on.
“I’m very strict with that and I think maybe that’s not working. So maybe I need to switch it up a little bit. Give some other boys a try that aren’t not my usual type.
“See what the connections are like if there’s a vibe there and maybe I shouldn’t always look for brunettes with the beard. Knowing me I probably will fall fancy for someone like that.”
Millie admitted that she’s returned to Love Island with hopes of settling down. “I’m 30 this year, so I am on the hunt to find my husband and someone who I can have kids with because I don’t want another relationship that doesn’t work out.
“I want to find the one,” she said. “So hopefully that happens.”
Love Island: All Stars begins on Monday at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.
There is pressure on Chelsea to get this appointment right, with some supporters chanting the name of former owner Roman Abramovich during Sunday’s draw at Manchester City and a fringe group of fans planning a protest against the owners before the next home Premier League match against Brentford.
It is against that backdrop they have turned to a man who is well known to key figures at Stamford Bridge.
Rosenior first met Chelsea‘s co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart more than 15 years ago while playing for Brighton.
And Sam Jewell – Chelsea‘s director of global recruitment – worked closely with Rosenior when he began coaching Brighton Under-23s after retiring.
Rosenior also knew Stewart during his time as an analyst at Hull, where he played and later managed.
Last summer, during the Club World Cup, he travelled to the United States with Strasbourg president Marc Keller to meet Chelsea‘s leadership, and owners Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly have made regular visits to the French club.
He has always been seen as a potential successor to Maresca, but a mid-season change was not planned. Chelsea hoped Rosenior could continue to build experience at Strasbourg, but Maresca’s comments at the end of last year forced the owners into a change.
They see their new man, who favours a similar possession-based style, as the most seamless option.
Sources close to Rosenior also believe he has a more empathetic tone of communication – drawing on lessons from his mother Karen, who is a social worker.
He will face scrutiny over his perceived rawness, but Chelsea will point to the fact he has more experience than Maresca when the Italian was appointed in 2024.
Maresca had won the Championship, of course, while Rosenior has yet to lift a trophy – but the incoming coach has managed 153 senior games at Hull and Strasbourg compared with his predecessor’s 67. Maresca was also Pep Guardiola’s assistant during Manchester City‘s Treble-winning season of 2022-23.
There is also the issue of Rosenior coming to Chelsea on a bad run of form, having won none of his past five Ligue 1 matches, just two in 10, and having dropped 13 points from winning positions this season.
French football expert Julien Laurens told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I really believe the owners put him in the Strasbourg job to get him ready for the Chelsea job one day.
“I think if he showed he could be capable at Strasbourg, which is taking a team which was almost going down into Europe – to taking it close to Champions League qualification, which is what he did last season.
“I think that showed his potential. It showed his development, showed his ability to improve the team and players individually.”
Talks to appoint Rosenior are at an advanced stage, and the 41-year-old is in the capital to complete formalities before he is named as Maresca’s successor.
BlueCo – the investment vehicle set up to purchase Chelsea in 2022 – has started the process of identifying candidates to replace Rosenior at sister club Strasbourg.
Chelsea caretaker manager Calum McFarlane says “there’s a chance” the new boss will be in place on Monday.
The under-21s coach stepped in after Maresca parted company with Chelsea following disagreements with leadership figures at the club.
Speaking after the match, McFarlane said: “When I first took the job, I was told I would take the Manchester City game. So that was three days with the group.
“There’s a chance the new manager will be in on Monday – that’s what I was told originally.
“Obviously, it’s Sunday now. We’ve been solely focused on the game. I’m sure I’ll get more information once I’m out of this press conference. But as far as I know, the new manager will be in shortly and I’ll lead the team until he’s in.”
Liam Gallagher and John Squire at the funeral service of former Stone Roses bass player Gary ‘Mani’ MounfieldCredit: PALiam has been offered the chance to make a second record with rocker JohnCredit: Getty
“John has told Liam that he has a batch of songs ready to record and that he’d love to have him on board.
“Although Oasis is Liam’s priority, he doesn’t want to take a year off making music.
“Since he went solo in 2017, he has released music almost every year. Liam was proud of what he and John created in the studio and is up for a second record if he can find the time to make it work.”
Their self-titled debut album was entirely penned by John, who also played on the Stone Roses’ 1994 record Second Coming.
Despite writing songs in Oasis and as a solo artist, Liam has always maintained he is content to be a singer rather than a songwriter.
He said: “I never tried to write songs to compete with big brother or to get publishing rights.
“Sometimes, you play the guitar at home and something happens.
“You write a little song and that’s it, but I’ve never been into it. I’m not a songwriter.
“I prefer singing songs. I don’t care if I never write another song again, as long as I can sing it that’s all that matters.”
Fans are now eagerly awaiting news of Liam and Noel’s plans for the coming months.
My phone is still blowing up weekly with gossip about what’s coming next, including potential shows at the Etihad in Manchester and massive concerts at Knebworth.
There is also Steven Knight’s amazing film about Noel and Liam’s reunion, which I hope will see the light of day later this year.
Steven and his team filmed the brothers non-stop in rehearsals and on the road.
For us fans, it will be a must-watch for 2026.
BIFFY YOUNG BOOST
AFTER three decades together, Biffy Clyro’s fanbase is bigger than ever among young people.
Frontman Simon Neil said in an exclusive interview: “It’s really encouraging because for a few years – I guess the last ten – guitar music hasn’t seemed as relevant or mainstream.
Simon Neil, James Johnston and Ben Johnston of Biffy ClyroCredit: Getty
“But seeing these 15 and 16-year-olds starting bands, picking up instruments and the amount of talent out there, that’s what blows us away.
“We learnt how to play music together and so many of these younger folk are so natural with it, so we feel really privileged to still be in this world and to see so much inspiring stuff coming through.”
Simon said: “I was speaking to Villanelle the other week and they really love their rock music.
“It was nice to chat to them and realise how much they get it. They are really coming from that American, almost grungy, kind of stuff. So I said I might go and write a tune with them.
“If anyone from a younger generation wants to work, it’s really nice to.
“There’s just so much talent.
“We can learn so much from working with someone younger, and hopefully they learn a little something from working with us.”
Miley hints at Hannah
MILEY CYRUS will mark the 20th anniversary of the role that launched her to stardom – Hannah Montana.
The singer is planning to celebrate the milestone of Disney’s TV show about a teenager who lived a double life as a popstar.
Miley Cyrus will mark the 20th anniversary of the role that launched her to stardom – Hannah MontanaCredit: AlamyKate Hudson attends Palm Springs Film FestivalCredit: GettyPaul Mescal was also at the festivalCredit: Getty
Miley looked chic in a black suit and open shirt as she appeared at the Palm Springs Film Festival over the weekend, along with Paul Mescal and Kate Hudson and said of the plans: “We’re working hard on them.” She added: “Many new things are coming.
“The next few months will be focused on Avatar until the end of March, when we’ll shift our focus to Hannah Montana.”
On the role that made her the youngest person to be recognised as a Disney Legend in 2024, Miley said: “A lot of my time right now is being spent on how I can honour Hannah.
“Without Hannah, there wouldn’t be this, this me. It’s still crazy to think I started as a character I thought was going to be impossible to shed.”
Glen was the original bass player in the punk group and co-wrote ten of the 12 songs on the band’s only official album, Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols.
Sex Pistols rocker Glen Matlock doesn’t want the band to ever become holograms – because he’d be ditched for Sid ViciousCredit: Getty
But he left the band in 1977 to be replaced by Sid. Glen’s bandmate Steve Jones is keen to see the Pistols become holograms, just like the Abba Voyage show, and has told Glen that any AI version would see Sid back in the band.
Glen said: “I’ve had the discussion with Steve and he thinks it’s a good idea.
“And I said, ‘The thing is, Steve, you’ll probably do Sid, won’t you?’. And he said, ‘Well, yeah, that’s true’.”
JENNIFER STANDS UP FOR FANS
JENNIFER LOPEZ is making sure nothing stops fans having a good time at her Las Vegas residency.
J-Lo is in a run of shows at Caesars Palace at The Colosseum, and has put up a sign telling crowds she actively wants them to stand and dance.
Jennifer Lopez is making sure nothing stops fans having a good time at her Las Vegas residencyCredit: Getty
Adele famously paused one of her shows at the same venue after staff repeatedly told one fan to sit down during her concert.
The furious star warned them to leave him alone and let him dance, saying the enthusiastic fan had been “bothered all night”.
It seems J-Lo does not want a repeat, with signs reading: “Please be advised that our guests are permitted and encouraged to stand during the performance.”
Good for her.
EX-FUN Lovin’ Criminals frontman Huey Morgan has joined Virgin Radio UK from BBC 6 Music.
He will host weekend mornings from 10am until 2pm, kicking off this Saturday.
The lovely Emma B is also coming to the station alongside Ana Matronic, who takes over Saturday nights from 6pm to 10pm.
MOLOTOV DUO’S LIFE ON TOUR
THE MOLOTOVS have today released their new single, Get A Life.
The track is taken from their upcoming album, Wasted On Youth.
The Molotovs have today released their new single, Get A LifeCredit: Getty
Siblings Matt and Issey Cartlidge dropped the song as they gear up for a massive month of gigs, kicking off at King Tut’s in Glasgow tomorrow.
The rockers, who count Blondie, The Libertines and Iggy Pop among their fans, will then play shows across the UK, including in Leeds, Nottingham, Birmingham, Southampton, Cardiff and London.
The Molotovs are one of the most exciting bands I’ve seen live in yonks.
So if you get a chance to check them out, it’s well worth the price of a ticket.
COLDPLAY £2BN GIGS
COLDPLAY are officially the biggest British earners on the road since the start of the millennium.
Chris Martin and his band have now taken almost £2billion from their tours across the world.
Chris Martin and Coldplay have now taken almost £2billion from their tours across the worldCredit: Getty
New stats from Pollstar have revealed Coldplay, along with U2, The Rolling Stones, Ed Sheeran and Sir Elton John, have all hit the billion quid mark since 2000 thanks to tours alone.
Taylor Swift is the biggest-ever earner, making £2.33billion from her 575 shows.
Jeff Kelly, from US entertainment firm PRrppd, told me: “Coldplay’s success is astonishing.
“They have barely stopped working over the last 25 years and have grown every year in their appeal to audiences.
“For them to generate almost two billion pounds speaks volumes, especially given that their average ticket price is so reasonable.
“The British Isles is incredibly well represented in that top ten chart, with half the spots.
“The last quarter of a century shows that Brits still serve up incredibly powerful music and connect to fans who want to see them live.”
The week in bizness…
TOMORROW: Ricky Gervais starts the first of four intimate shows at the Leicester Square Theatre in London.
FRIDAY: Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley hit screens in critically acclaimed movie Hamnet. Sly Stallone’s Giant is also released.
SATURDAY: BLUE are signing copies of album Reflections at Rough Trade West in Notting Hill after its release on Friday.
SUNDAY: The 83rd Golden Globes get under way in LA, with Leonardo DiCaprio’s black comedy One Battle After Another expected to win big after getting nine nominations.
OASIS star Liam Gallagher is facing a new court order to reveal how much money he has earned from the band’s hugely successful reunion tour, The Sun on Sunday can reveal.
A court hearing is set to be held in New York this month after the mother of the singer’s love child filed a fresh legal motion to access his latest finances.
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Oasis star Liam Gallagher is facing a new court orderCredit: AP:Associated PressLiza Ghorbani, the mother of the singer’s love child, filed a fresh legal motionCredit: Splash News
Liza Ghorbani is trying to obtain the singer’s bank records, tax returns and credit card statements to show how much he is now worth, say experts.
It will be the first time the band’s tour finances — which are estimated to be more than £350million — face being exposed to public scrutiny.
Ms Ghorbani wants to use the fresh information to prove he should stump up the £500,000 a year she’s claiming for the care of their daughter Gemma, 12, who was born in 2013 after an affair.
Liam, 53, and his brother Noel, 58, are expected to have raked in millions of pounds for last year’s sell-out Oasis Live ’25 reunion world tour.
The band, whose 1994 debut album Definitely Maybe has sold 15million copies worldwide, is estimated to have made £303million from ticket sales alone — with another £40million from sponsorship deals and merchandise.
And there could be more cash to come as he has been teasing fans about new tour dates in the next couple of years.
It is understood that Ms Ghorbani, 51, is trying to access details on all of their tour-related income.
We can reveal that lawyers for the US music journalist have filed an application for an Order to Show Cause in New York’s Supreme Court.
The judge hearing their case, Mr Jeffrey Pearlman, has been asked to consider a motion to compel both sides to answer further questions and provide more information to help him make a decision.
He has set a date later this month for a fresh court hearing.
Ms Ghorbani has filed various documents into the court, including 15 exhibits setting out her specific requests on what she wants from Liam’s lawyers.
Details of her exact demands have not been disclosed.
But top New York family lawyer Morgan Mazer said Liam will have to hand over the documents relating to tour earnings during a process in the case called discovery.
Ms Mazer said: “Ms Ghorbani can get access to the tour merchandise sales, if it’s a side thing Mr Gallagher is earning money from.
He has been more than generous over the years and is standing firm with his legal team
Source close to Liam
“Ms Ghorbani will want to look at any employment and income, any perks that Mr Gallagher has.
“Credit card statements are relevant because some people don’t always show all their income on their tax returns.
“With the credit card statements you can glean what somebody is making based on their lifestyle. The powers to determine what you should pay in child support are broad.”
Liza Ghorbani with Liam’s daughter Gemma in New YorkCredit: TheImageDirect.comLiam and Noel Gallagher’s Oasis tour finances are estimated to be more than £350millionCredit: Simon Emmett
Yesterday a source close to the singer told The Sun on Sunday: “Liam has been focused on enjoying Christmas with his family and not letting this court case get to him.
“He has been more than generous over the years and is standing firm with his legal team.”
In March we revealed Ms Ghorbani had filed a lawsuit demanding more money despite the case being settled in 2015.
He also posted a link to the 1963 Beatles song Money (That’s What I Want).
His tax returns will be sophisticated so you will likely want a forensic accountant to review them
Dror Bikel, New York family lawyer
Ms Ghorbani claims she needs more money because Gemma is autistic and her needs have changed.
Liam’s lawyer Judith Poller has called it an attempt to cash in on the Oasis tour.
Dror Bikel, another respected New York family lawyer, said the examination of Liam’s finances could be extensive.
He added: “When the accountants sink their teeth into it, people are in for a ride.
“His tax returns will be sophisticated so you will likely want a forensic accountant to review them and you can find out what investments he has, what property he owns.
“You start with the tax returns and go from there.”
And he said Liam could be held in contempt of court if he refuses to hand over more information.
Mr Bikel went on: “He could face financial penalties and the severest punishment is incarceration.
‘Could be consequences’
“If he doesn’t hand over his financial details there could be consequences.”
Mr Bikel also chided Liam for insulting Ms Ghorbani and said that it was “never a good idea” because “courts don’t like those kinds of things”.
In June the New York court heard Liam has paid out more than £750,000 since 2015. His lawyers said he later agreed to pay £180,000 towards Gemma’s school and autism-related expenses.
But Ms Ghorbani is demanding £510,000 a year to cover child support and expenses.
She and her daughter live in a £3,300-a-month Manhattan apartment. Her new demands include £22,500 a month for a home with a pool, £75,000 a year for a live-in nanny and a £5,000 holiday budget.
Liam, who has three other children, is said to have had a fling with Ms Ghorbani in 2011 soon after she interviewed him, while he was married to singer Nicole Appleton.
Additional reporting: Hannah Hope
Liam and Noel are expected to have raked in millions from last year’s sell-out Oasis Live ’25 reunion world tour
Rosenior, a right-back, had a solid but unspectacular career as a player – featuring in the top flight for Fulham, Reading, Hull and Brighton.
Roughly half his career was spent in the EFL and that’s where he started his coaching career.
After a spell as Brighton‘s under-23s coach, he spent three years at Derby.
He was first-team coach under Phillip Cocu and then assistant boss to Wayne Rooney – before taking over as interim boss after Rooney’s departure.
But he was more hands-on than the average assistant.
“There was an argument when Mel Morris sacked Phillip Cocu in November 2020, Rosenior should have been put in charge, not Rooney,” said BBC football news reporter Simon Stone.
“Rooney had the profile of course, but it was Rosenior who put the sessions on at Derby and who guided the team during games.
“Rosenior replaced Rooney for a short time in 2022, after administration had led to relegation into League One.
“It was Rosenior who put Derby back together, helping to bring in 14 new players after the club had been left with only five under contract.
“History suggests the new ownership would have been better leaving Rosenior in charge, given they were seventh when he left and under his replacement, Paul Warne, they didn’t even end with a play-off place.”
He then spent almost two years as Hull manager – with observers again thinking he was harshly done by at the end.
The Tigers were one point above the relegation zone when he took over in November 2022 and led them to 15th.
The following season they finished three points off the play-off places, and Rosenior was sacked.
In 2024-25 while Rosenior was leading Strasbourg into Europe, Hull City avoided relegation from the Championship on goal difference.
Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior is the leading contender for the Chelsea job vacated by Enzo Maresca.
Former Leicester boss Maresca, 45, left his role as Chelsea head coach on Thursday amid internal tensions with the club’s hierarchy and ownership.
The process to replace the Italian is under way, and it is understood Englishman Rosenior is the frontrunner, though sources have stressed other candidates are also under consideration.
The 41-year-old, who previously managed Hull, has significant backing internally at Chelsea and it is understood candidates to replace him at Strasbourg are being considered because of his possible departure.
Porto’s Francesco Farioli has also been mooted as a potential contender.
Before appointing Maresca in 2024, Chelsea interviewed Marseille manager Roberto de Zerbi, Ipswich counterpart Kieran McKenna, and Thomas Frank, who was then at Brentford but has since moved to Tottenham.
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola and Fulham‘s Marco Silva have also been linked with the role in the past, though it is unclear if they are now contenders.
The club will not change their style of play, so it is highly unlikely they would move for Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner.
It is not yet clear who will lead the side for Sunday’s match against Manchester City, though under-21s head coach Calum McFarlane will take on media duties for a news conference to preview the game on Friday.
A social media post from goalkeeper Robert Sanchez indicated that Maresca’s backroom team have also departed the club.
Former EastEnders star Liam Hatch has addressed the backlash he faced when he was cast as a schoolboy in the legendary BBC soap opera, despite nearing the age of 30
Daniel Bird Assistant Celebrity and Entertainment Editor
22:55, 23 Dec 2025Updated 22:55, 23 Dec 2025
Liam Hatch has opened up about his appearance on EastEnders(Image: BBC)
An EastEnders star has opened up about the backlash they faced over their controversial casting. Liam Hatch, 29, was cast as school bully Logan in the BBCsoap opera last year, and fans were left quite bewildered.
Despite playing a Year 12 schoolboy, who intimidated Amy Mitchel and Denzel Danes, Liam’s character was ten years older than the typical Year 12 students in England, who are between 16 and 17 in the UK. Introduced by Kate Oates and Chris Clenshaw, Liam’s character appeared in just one episode and attracted a fair amount of criticism on social media.
“The grief I had from it, from Twitter – I sell mortgages, I’m 41, the oldest man alive,” he said. Liam joked: “I don’t look that old!” He went on to explain that he wasn’t 16 when he took on the role, saying: “I was 26.”
Speaking about the response he received from friends and family, the athlete and actor added on the Rokman Podcast: “All my friends and family were like ‘Are you okay? People are taking the p**s out of you. Your age, looks.’ I was like ‘Oh God, I’m not that bad. I’m sure I SPF every day. I look good.
“My dad was loving it, he was like ‘He’s on The Sun!’ I think I’m the only man to be on Page 3 of The Sun topless!” He continued: “I always say to everyone, if your name is coming out of other people’s mouths, you’ve done something, and it doesn’t matter how good or bad it is, it’s happening.”
At the time of Liam’s episode airing, fans were quick to share their thoughts on social media. One said: “Why is this 44-year-old man walking around in a school uniform and picking fights with the local kids?” A second penned: “Almost certain that this schoolboy sold me my mortgage.”
Shortly after the criticism, Liam explained that the comment about being 44 had stuck with him. Speaking to The Guardian, Liam said: “I was looking in the mirror, thinking ‘surely I can’t be looking 44 – that’s five years younger than my dad!'”
Liam, who works as a personal trainer when he’s not preparing for his latest HYROX challenge, said that some of his clients believed he was around the age of 23.
He added to the outlet: “A few of my friends asked if I was OK. But I’m in the performance and fitness industries, I know you’re going to get critics. As long as the performance is showing you are that character, that’s what’s important to an actor. You’re not looking at the appearance but the emotion.”
Liam also explained that while he played a younger character, times had completely changed since he was around the same age as a Year 12 student. He explained that he tried to modernise himself, including his posture and body language as the current generation of teens “have more suave” when they walk and talk.
