Allen was selected by the Chargers – then based in San Diego – in the third round of the 2013 draft, but he has outlasted many of the wide receivers that were drafted after him.
“This record basically speaks to his consistency and his availability,” said McGeoghan, who was the Chargers’ wide receivers coach from 2018-2020.
“But his intelligence and his sophistication are what has allowed him to catch that number of passes over time. He’s great on third down, he’s one of the best chain movers in the history of the game.”
Allen currently has 11,563 receiving yards – fifth among current players, behind DeAndre Hopkins, Mike Evans, Travis Kelce and Davante Adams.
Along with Tyreek Hill and Stefon Diggs, they are the six current players to have claimed more receiving touchdowns than Allen (69).
Schecter said that for him to reach 1,000 receptions before them “shows how reliable a target he is for his quarterbacks”, yet he has a smaller profile than his peers listed above and is not lauded by fans for being a “big-time, flashy receiver”.
But McGeoghan said that Allen is “the most heralded guy that I’ve ever coached when it comes to the industry professionals”.
He added: “I would say that within the industry, when I go to speak at clinics and there’s nothing but coaches in there, all the people want to talk about is Keenan and his route craft, his ability to separate [from defenders], his understanding of zones, his release at the line of scrimmage. He’s just so refined and such a craftsman of the receiver position.”
The love story between Noah and Nick in the Culpables Trilogy has flown all the way to London for a version of its own, and the second part has just wrapped up its filming – here’s what you need to know.
Find out all the details about today’s most-followed romance storyline
The countdown for the third and final instalment of Mercedes Ron’s Culpables Trilogy, Culpa Nuestra, has begun – but the UK fans are wondering when the London version will release its second and final film, Your Fault and Our Fault.
Just like the Spanish version, it follows the story of Nick and Noah, who fall in love with each other despite being step-siblings. And of course, all the drama. The British version starred Matthew Broome and Asha Banks as the lead characters, and both will reprise their roles.
As we await the second and third chapters of the story, we’ve listed some information to keep all Culpables on top of the news.
Continuing the dramatic yet romantic ending in My Fault: London, the second sequel shows Nick and Noah embarking on a life-changing adventure that threatens their relationship. Nick begins to work with his father, and Noah starts a new chapter as a university student at Oxford.
Nick and Noah are now separated and meeting new people, which will test their love for each other as they find themselves entangled with temptation, rivalries and betrayals. Fight for love, or risk losing everything.
For more stories like this subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Weekly Gulp, for a curated roundup of trending stories, poignant interviews, and viral lifestyle picks from The Mirror’s Audience U35 team delivered straight to your inbox.
When are is the My Fault sequel coming out?
The sequel to Prime Video’s breakout hit My Fault: London is on its way. Good news for fans – Your Fault: London finished filming in the summer of 2025, and is expected to be out worldwide sometime in 2026.
As per the last part of the story, Our Fault: London has just started filming, and given the production timeline, it’s reasonable to expect that it will also be released next year. But news have yet to be confirmed.
If you haven’t been keeping up with the Spanish version of the film, both movies are available to watch on Prime Video. Its final part, Culpa Nuestra, will be released on October 16, exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. My Fault: London is also available to stream.
As reported by Amazon, Your Fault: London will have familiar faces and some newcomers. Meet Louisa Binder, Joel Nankervis, Scarlett Rayner, and Orlando Norman.
Louisa Binder will interpret the role of Sophia, a beautiful and ambitious young woman who will stir some drama in the relationship between Noah and Nick, as she starts working at Leiste Enterprises. On the other side, Noah will be busy with Michael (Joel Nankervis), an Oxford student who becomes friends with her, but secretly wants more.
Scarlett Rayner will play Briar, a seemingly kind and manipulative strategist who becomes friends with Noah at Oxford, but is hiding something. Then, Orlando Norman as Cruz, Ronnie’s right-hand man in the underground racing world.
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It’s set to be a heavy week in EastEnders next week, with one resident in hospital and another held captive as a number of storylines are set to take a dark turn
00:00, 07 Oct 2025Updated 00:04, 07 Oct 2025
Vicki is put in hospital after Joel’s attack(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)
At the end of this week, the BBC soap will take an extremely dark turn, when he Joel his stepmother following an argument.
The week starts off with Ross apologising to Joel for their earlier argument unaware of his actions, as Vicki heads to The Vic for help. Of course, he’s left absolutely horrified to learn of Vicki’s attack, and he shuts down rumours that Joel is the one responsible.
Elsewhere, Joel enlists the help of best mate Tommy while playing down the extent of his attack on Vicki. Helping his friend, Tommy agrees to hide Joel in the Slaters garage – although Zoe senses something is up…
Things get so bad, that Vicki is taken to hospital, but Ross is relieved to find out that she will recover. But tensions continue to rise between the pair as they discuss Joel.
Later in the week, we’re set to see Vicki stunned as things develop, but what has happened and what will the consequences be?
Unfortunately, Vicki isn’t the only one in danger next week. There’s fears for Harry Mitchell as his father Teddy struggles to locate him.
Unbeknownst to Teddy and Gina, he’s held captive by Okie and refuse to release him until he reveals where the hidden camera is linked too. However, no one suspects any trouble, as Okie and Ravi force Harry to make a call to Teddy.
Despite Harry later giving them the information on the cameras, the pair refuse to let him go. Things get worse for Harry when Gina leaves him a scathing voicemail, and later gives Okie her number when he bumps into her on the way to retrieve Harry’s laptop.
He’s later instructed to let Harry go but he continues to keep him locked up, taunting him by going on dates with Gina. Later, a broken Harry takes drugs to escape his current reality as Okie continues to toy with his emotions…
There’s happy news for two other couples however, as Jasmine finally accepts a date with Oscar, and Julie is delighted when Nigel reveals that he’s taking her to India.
And in more lighter news, Elaine tells Yolande she wants to turn No.5 into a boutique hotel…
Elsewhere, Johnny panics when he realises, he drunkenly sent a business proposal to all of his clients, including his boss, and later tells Callum he’s been fired…
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
A LOVE Island star opened up about his secret 18-month health battle, saying ‘I felt like my brain was falling out’.
Chris Williamson, 37, featured on the ITV2dating show’s first series in 2015.
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Chris Williamson opened up about his secret 18-month health battleCredit: Youtube/Chris Williamson
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He posted a YouTube v video updating his subscribersCredit: Youtube/Chris Williamson
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Chris appeared on Love Island back in 2015Credit: ITV2
He entered the villa on Day 1, however, he was ultimately “dumped” on Day 19.
Speaking in a video posted on his YouTube channel, Chris discussed his health with subscribers.
In particular, his experience facing toxic mould exposure, Lyme disease and EBV.
In a clip recorded in September 2024, Chris said: “Struggling, yeah, in the last week.
“Five episodes in three days in New York. Two episodes in two days in Florida, plus travelling. Plus a bunch of meetings.
“It’s felt like my brain is trying to fall out of my ears the entire time.
“Memory is really rough, thoughts are very muddy. Getting confused in the middle of sentences.
“So it’s probably the worst that my mind’s been – just disheartening as I’ve been working on trying to get out of all this.
“Mould, EBV, Lyme, whatever it is, stuff for six months, more.
“It’s disheartening. I’ve no idea how far along I am, it feels like I’m going backward.”
I was on the first series of Love Island but quit reality TV and am now worth millions thanks to new job
Chris also appeared on dating showTake Me Out and has completely reinvented himself following his reality star days and is now a millionaire.
He earned the bulk of his fortune through his podcast, Modern Wisdom.
Chris does not look back fondly on his time on Love Island, stating in a chat with Sadia Khan he was “pretty bored” and having an ‘”existential crisis” while in the villa.
He told the BBC: “I was living this persona of the professional party boy – the big name on campus, the guy with the hair out front [of the club], that wanted people to need him, that thought he had found the culture and industry he belonged in.
“Then I got on to Love Island and had nowhere to hide from people who were the person I was pretending to be.
“I was there with people who were genuinely extroverted, outgoing, party people. And I was just playing a role…
“I’d convinced myself [Love Island] was something that made me finally belong. And I didn’t belong.”
Luc Robitaille knew his hockey playing career was over when it took him longer to get his battered body ready for a game than it did to play it.
“It became harder and harder physically,” said Robitaille, whose next stop was the hall of fame. “I think I knew at that point.”
And once his mind was made up, there was no turning back.
For Anze Kopitar, who is in the peak of good health, the decision was a little different. The Kings’ longtime center announced last month that, at 38, he will retire after this season and spend more time with his family. But, like Robitaille, there will be no turning back.
“I’m not going to change my mind,” he said.
In fact, he’s not going to change anything. Kopitar said he’s approaching this season, his 20th with the Kings, the same way he approached the first 19.
“The last few years, I told myself that I have to enjoy it because you don’t know when the ending is com[ing],” he said. “So I’ve been enjoying it. I’m obviously having a lot of fun, still playing the game. This year won’t be any different.
“The focus is still on this season.”
A season that kicks off Tuesday when the Kings host the Colorado Avalanche. But while Kopitar is starting the season the same way as always, he’s hoping for a different ending since the Kings’ last four years have ended with first-round playoff losses to the Edmonton Oilers.
Another Stanley Cup title would be a nice parting gift, especially since Kopitar, entering a team-record 10th season as captain, would be the first man to hoist the trophy, an honor that went to Dustin Brown when the Kings won in 2012 and 2014.
“I’d like to win every year. I’d like to win this year,” he said.
“My kids weren’t born when we won, so I’d like to win so they can experience that feeling too.”
Kings captain Anze Kopitar skates during a game against the Chicago Blackhawks in March.
(Michael Reaves / Getty Images)
However Kopitar’s season finishes, his career will end with him joining Robitaille, now the Kings president, in the Hockey Hall of Fame. He is the Kings’ all-time leader in games (1,454), assists (838) and winning goals (78) and ranks in the top three in goals, points, plus-minus and power-play scores.
And just nine players in NHL history have played more games with one team than Kopitar, who has spent his entire career with the Kings.
Unlike Robitaille, he’s hardly hobbling off into retirement. He led the Kings with 46 assists and was second with 67 points last season, playing in 81 of 82 games. He also won his third Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, which goes to the player exhibiting the best sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct in the NHL.
But his two children — daughter Neza, 10, is a talented figure skater and son Jakob, 9, plays hockey — deserve more of his time and attention, he said.
“I still love to be in hockey and I’m still productive,” Kopitar said. “But on the flip side, the kids need their dad to be more present and be a dad, not a hockey player. I can walk away on my own terms and not be forced to retire because of injuries and because the body’s not holding up.”
Anze Kopitar and his wife, Ines, attend a Lakers game at Crypto.com Arena in January 2024.
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
That wasn’t Robitaille’s experience. A fractured ankle late in career and lower back pain so severe he could hardly get out of bed, led to his retirement in 2006, less than six months before Kopitar’s NHL debut.
“It kind of felt to me that I had squeezed everything out of the lemon. There was nothing left,” Robitaille said. “I was really at peace.”
As for what advice he’d give his captain, Robitaille said he’ll tell Kopitar to make time to stop and smell the roses on his last trip around the league.
“If you listen to 99% of the guys that retire in any sport, the one thing they miss is the [locker] room,” he said. “So when you know you’re near the end, you’ve got to make sure you pay attention to every one of those little moments that you’re going to miss for the next 50 years of your life.
“You’re playing a game. You’re 30 years old or 40 years old — 38 for Kopi — and he’s playing a game. It’s amazing. Most people don’t get to do that in their life, you know?”
Kopitar’s decision comes with the Kings at a crossroads. They tied team records for points (105) and wins (48) last season while going a franchise-best 31-6-4 at home in Jim Hiller’s first full season as coach. That earned the team second place in the Pacific Division, its best finish in a decade.
Kings captain Anze Kopitar, left, speaks to defenseman Drew Doughty during a game against the Winnipeg Jets in December 2023.
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
The postseason was déjà vu all over again, however, with the Oilers eliminating the Kings.
General manager Rob Blake resigned four days later and was replaced by Ken Holland, who won four Stanley Cups as GM of the Detroit Red Wings. The Kings’ core is also in transition because when Kopitar steps aside, only defenseman Drew Doughty will remain from their Stanley Cup-winning teams.
“Passing the torch, [we]’ve been trying to for the past few years, been trying to mentor some of the kids in this locker room,” Kopitar said. “Maybe that’s what it is.”
Holland had mixed results in his first summer with the Kings, adding forwards Corey Perry (who will miss the first month of the season because of a knee injury) and Joel Armia, defensemen Brian Dumoulin and Cody Ceci and goalkeeper Anton Forsberg, and re-signing winger Andrei Kuzmenko to a club-friendly contract.
Also back are leading scorers Kevin Fiala and Adrian Kempe, who had 35 goals each, wingers Warren Foegele and Quinton Byfield and goaltender Darcy Kuemper, who had a career-best 2.02 goals-against average and finished third in Vezina Trophy voting.
But Holland lost veteran defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov to the New York Rangers and failed to land Mitch Marner, the summer’s most-sought player, who wound up in Las Vegas.
And now he’s the team’s first general manager in two decades who has been forced to ponder a future without Anze Kopitar.
Anze Kopitar takes the ice before a game against the Winnipeg Jets in December 2023.
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
“We’re really going to enjoy having Kopi in the lineup this year. But next summer it’s going to be a big void,” Holland said on the Canucks Central podcast. “He’s big and strong. And it’s hard to find big, strong, talented centermen.
“He’s very intelligent. And I think the team follows his lead.”
As for Kopitar, he’s not thinking past the next nine months. He has the rest of his life to figure out what comes next.
“I haven’t really given too much thought of what’s going to happen [next], except for being home for my kids,” he said. “I’ll take my time and then see what, see what life throws at me.
“I’m going to miss the game of hockey. What I’m not gonna miss is working out, getting ready for the season, all the hours you’ve got to put in. But the game itself, of course, I’m going to miss it. It’s been here for the better part of 35 years. But listen, the summers are going to be more enjoyable.”
SWEET-TOOTHED fans can now get their hands on a new Penguin selection box.
McVitie’s has revealed its first ever Penguin Selection Box as part of its festive lineup of products.
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McVitie’s has launched a Penguin Selection Box ahead of the festive seasonCredit: McVitie’s
The box (RRP £3) includes six Penguin treats across a variety of flavours.
There are two original Penguin milk chocolate biscuit bars, one Penguin Mint, one Penguin Orange, in addition to two bags of mini biscuits.
The biscuit bags are in the Cocoa and Cocoa & Orange flavours.
McVitie’s says that the box “comes in bright seasonal packaging featuring the iconic Penguin jokes, along with a maze and word search on the back.”
While savvy shoppers have spotted the box on Asda shelves, it has yet to be listed online.
The new product does feature on the Tesco website, where it is currently marked as “out of stock”.
Other festive finds
McVitie’s festive range also includes the Chocolate Digestives Anniversary Tin, celebrating 100 years since the inception of these beloved biscuits.
The 340g tin contains milk, dark chocolate and white digestives.
You can find this exclusively in Sainsbury’s for £7.50.
This winter you can also try the Flipz Gingerbread Flavour Coated Pretzels Share Bag (RRP £2).
Forget advent calendars, here’s the new chocolate treat trend parents are doing for Christmas and kids will love them
And McVitie’s are adding a seasonal spin to a much-loved favourite, giving their White Digestives a festive makeover with playful snowflakes and snowmen packaging.
McVitie’s isn’t the only brand to have revealed new festive products.
The M&S Christmas range for 2025 includes new products such as the Original Peanut Butter & Jelly Munch, as well as a Peanut Butter & Jelly Spread.
The iconic Munch tins first launched in 2021, but this year’s version has been given an American twist, with the treats now available as a peanut butter and jelly flavour.
Last year, the M&S Very Merry Munch tin was advertised as “perfect for movie nights”, with fans calling it “heaven”.
Marmite fans may also like to try the Pecan & Salted Caramel Blondies with a hint of marmite, as well as the new M&S marmite caramel sauce.
If you’re a Tesco shopper, you’ll be able to get hold of the new Galaxy Miniatures Pouch.
Shoppers were quick to spot the new pouches on the supermarket shelves, with some taking to the Snack Reviews Facebook group to comment: “This bag is perfect,” said one user.
“I need some of these,” added another.
The 260g pouches contain a mix of individually wrapped Galaxy chocolates in the original Smooth Milk and Caramel flavours.
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The McVitie’s Chocolate Digestives Anniversary Tin marks a century of sweet celebrationsCredit: McVitie’s
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The 150g Flipz Gingerbread Share Bag features crunchy, sweet-and-salty pretzels coated in a gingerbread flavoured layerCredit: McVitie’s
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The White Digestives are getting a festive makeover in the lead up to ChristmasCredit: McVitie’s
LOVE Island star India Reynolds has shown off her ‘new face’ after having fat pockets removed from her cheeks.
The TV beauty rose to fame as a finalist in the fifth series of the show before returning for the ITV2 show’s All Star edition earlier this year.
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India has shared an initial before and after of her new faceCredit: lovefromreyn/Instagram
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She underwent a skin treatment for a more defined faceCredit: lovefromreyn/Instagram
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The TV beauty was famously dubbed Love Island’s most attractive Islander everCredit: Instagram
India has taken to social media this week to show off her latest facial procedure in order to gain a more defined look.
The star, once labelled as Love Island’s hottest contestant ever, underwent a tightening and uplifting skin treatment which helped to give her a more defined jawline along with a slimmer face.
She opted for a “High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Therapy”, known for being “a minimally invasive procedure to rejuvenate and lift skin”.
India admitted her treatments could take up to 12 weeks to show clear results but she shared an initial before and after snap in which she revealed she was already very happy with the results.
Read More on India Reynolds
Alongside the snap, India said: “Here’s my before and after, results take up to 12 weeks but this was my immediate result which I’m thrilled with!”
She then added alongside an arrow to a part of her cheek: “This little fat pocket has already reduced.”
India will continue to document her facial procedures on her Instagram page.
Earlier this year, she made her return to TV after taking a backseat in the spotlight.
She signed up for All Stars but left after one week amid a failed connection with Scott Thomas.
However, India has since found love with someone new since her return to dating on TV.
India Reynolds mocks her most awkward Love Island moment with throwback clip – do you remember iconic scene-
Appearing on Olivia Attwood‘s So Wrong It’s Right podcast earlier this year, India revealed: “After I came out of this series, the All Stars in January, I was like ‘I need to get my act together’ because I haven’t dated anyone properly in ages, I’m getting older, I want to have kids… get a move on.
“I downloaded Hinge and thought this is going to be great for me and then they deleted my profile for impersonation, they thought it was a fake account.
“I had to redownload it and I had to send my passport and go through this whole palaver just to go on a first date with someone.”
She then shared her excitement of her blossoming new romance, saying: “But I finally got it back, went on a first date and the first guy I went on a date with was really nice.
Olivia then asked if she was still dating the mystery man and a smitten India confirmed they were an item.
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She returned to the spotlight earlier this year after appearing on All StarsCredit: Rex
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India shared snaps from the treatment onlineCredit: lovefromreyn/Instagram
A LOVE Island star has told of the moment she made a desperate 999 call to “catch a paedophile”.
Series ten star Mal Nicol, who entered as a bombshell in 2023, has claimed she got a predatory male arrested – after spotting him lurking by a children’s park.
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Mal Nicol has told fans about her efforts to catch a ‘paedophile’
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Mal was on series ten of Love IslandCredit: ITV
She told fans on TikTok: “We got a paedophile arrested. I literally cannot believe what we witnessed. It was honestly like a movie or something.”
Mal, who was with a friend at the time, was approached by a group of young boys close to a London park who complained about a “creepy man”.
Concerned for their welfare, Mal walked towards the park area in Little Venice, London, to see what was going on for herself.
“Moments later we clearly see that this guy is not okay,” she continued.
“He’s standing by the park swaying, like putting his hand into the park over the fence and trying to high five this little boy who’s about five years old.
“We kind of wanted to distract him and see what he was doing or saying.
“We then saw a mum with her daughter, like a little 3, 4 year old girl who is on a scooter. This guy tries to grab her from behind and the dad jumps in between them both.
“He then goes into the park where there’s a lot of young mums with their like 3 year old girls who are obviously feeling vulnerable and scared.
“So I call 999 and I’m literally so impressed with the police and how fast they came.
“When the officers arrives I was running up to them shouting ‘he’s going to get away, he’s going to get away’.
Maya Jama confirms her future on Love Island amid rumours she is set to quit the villa
“I felt like I was in a movie. I’m like running.”
“The police arrested the suspect and Mal was interviewed alongside other witnesses.
“This is happening in London and I just think you have to do something. You can’t just watch. It was crazy.
“He better be put in for time. Like this is not okay.”
Proud Mal added: “Sorry for the long video, but we put a paedophile in jail.”
REALITY TV stars Jack Fincham and Aaron Chalmers fought each other in a dramatic bare knuckle fight last night.
The pair – who both have a colourful roster of exes – went head to head in a huge reality super fight and it was was Aaron who came out on top, stopping Jack in round two.
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The former Geordie Shore star took on ex-Love Islander Jack FinchamCredit: Instagram / @finchamboxing
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Aaron stopped Jack in round twoCredit: Instagram / @finchamboxing
Jack, 34 – who hasn’t fought since a 2022 exhibition bout against Anthony Taylor – found fame in 2019 on ITV2dating show Love Island.
However, Aaron dismissed the claims, and told The Sun’s Bizarre column: “Apparently I spat food at Lauren. 1. I am not a tramp 2. If I spat food at her she would knock us out and 3. I wouldn’t waste food.”
NICOLE BASS
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Geordie Shore’s Aaron found brief love with Lewis Bloor’s ex Nicole BassCredit: Instagram
The man magnet has allegedly had sex with at least thirteen Premier League footballers thought to include Mario Balotelli.
Frisky pair Jenny and Aaron shot to the bedroom quickly after meeting – mainly to wind up their exes.
He told the camera: “I’ve got the keys to the penthouse. I wanna sh*g Jenny and I couldn’t give a f**k if that hurts Becca. Let’s get some f**king action going.”
Despite Jenny and Aaron’s on-air bonk on EOTB, they are just pals.
CHANTELLE CONNELLY
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Geordie Shore stars Chantelle and Aaron got matching tattoos after one dateCredit: Flynet Pictures
Geordie Shore star Chantelle and Aaron immediately struck up a connection when she joined the cast in 2016.
They first got together in 2019 and moved into their first home together back in May 2024.
The pair have repeatedly split and got back together during the course of their two-year relationship, but this time they were said to be at loggerheads.
The pair were locked in an ongoing feud overChloe’s decision to continue making money from OnlyFans.
The Essex-based beauty caught Aaron’s eye with her sexy Instagram pics and the pair’s relationship blossomed online and they were thought to be Maldives-bound.
However, by May, he was seen getting frisky with old flame Marnie, suggesting their romance was dead in the water/Indian Ocean.
Former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw has been married to classical crossover singer Camilla Kerslake since 2018, with the couple sharing two children together
Chris Robshaw’s wife had a brutal reaction when he announced he would be on Strictly(Image: Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/Getty Im)
The pair had been engaged for six years when they tied the knot. Classical crossover singer Camilla, 37, made headlines in 2009 when she became the first person to be signed by Gary Barlow’s record label.
She had performed for Queen Elizabeth II as well as performing the national anthem at Wembley and the-then Millennium Stadium. And while Camilla has been one of Chris’s supporters throughout his career, he admits she burst out in a fit of laughter when he told her he would be heading onto the dance floor.
Chris told Heat that Camilla knows “all about my dance moves” but revealed she later reassured the 39-year-old that she backed his decision.
He explained: “She was like, ‘Look, it’s a great opportunity. It’s amazing, so go and do it, we’ll support you’.”
Chris, who shares one-year-old Hunter and four-year-old Wilding with Camilla, says his eldest child has been excited by the news. “We’ve shown him the show, he loves the sparkles and the lights,” Chris explained.
And while Wilding “doesn’t quite understand” that his dad will be taking part in the show, Chris wanted him to see his dad stepping out of his comfort zone. The former flanker says it’s good to “really challenge yourself” at times.
Chris himself is no stranger to a challenge. As well as racking up 66 caps for England, he took part in Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins last year, although he had to withdraw due to injury.
Chris underwent surgery after a boxing match with Love Islander Ovie Soko. He said: “I had to get an operation. Because I’d popped my shoulder out the ligament was loose so it becomes like a catch which keeps opening. So they reattached the ligament to keep it in place.”
The ex-rugby star said he had experienced some shoulder problems towards the end of his playing career. Before taking part in Strictly, Chris joked that he hoped the BBC show would help him take his “dad dancing to a whole new level”.
He said: “This is about as far out of my comfort zone as it gets! I’m hoping to take my dad dancing to a whole new level, and my mum can’t wait to drag me along to her Zumba class. Let’s see if a rugby sidestep works in the Cha Cha Cha.”
Chris will be taking part in Strictly with professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova. Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One from 6.55pm today (September 27)
As a young lad growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area town of Pittsburg, my school uniform consisted of corduroys the color of Ash Wednesday, a white dress shirt and a maroon V-neck sweater. I walked west from my family’s apartment on 10th Street, turned left on Montezuma, and arrived about 15 minutes later at the campus of St. Peter Martyr.
My teachers were nuns, the parish priests were Dominicans, and Sunday mass was a celebration of faith, humility and grace.
I am not without sin. I’m an imperfect man and the church is an imperfect institution.
But I’ve been wondering lately what my favorite St. Peter Martyr teachers — Sisters Roberta, Eileen and Estelle — would make of today’s political discourse, in which claims of piety and Christian faith are not always backed by words and deeds, particularly from a certain world leader.
I think if they were teaching today, the nuns would tell everyone in class to get out their pencils and notebooks and write a letter to the president.
So here goes.
Dear President Trump:
Ever hear of St. Peter Martyr School?
Probably not, but I’m an alum. The school was named after St. Peter of Verona, who campaigned against heresy and paid the price when one of the Cathars sunk an ax into his skull (what a way to go). So I guess politics haven’t really changed much over the centuries.
By the way, nice job recently on your presentation at the National Bible Museum, where you launched the “America Prays” initiative to celebrate spirituality and restore “our identity as one nation under God.” And congratulations on your missionary work. I see that you raked in $1.3 million on your “God Bless the USA Bible.”
Well put, Mr. President, and unsurprising, given that you once called the Bible your favorite book. But I know that in my own life, I need to flip back through the pages on occasion to ground myself in the teachings.
So here’s an idea:
I’ll share a Bible verse, and then I’ll follow it with a recent quote from you. Not that I’m judging, or anything. But we might all benefit spiritually by asking whether, in our own lives, God would approve of how we conduct ourselves.
Are you ready?
Corinthians 12: “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude.”
Trump: “You know, Biden was always a mean guy, but he was never a smart guy. … You go back 30 years ago, 40 years ago, he was a stupid guy, but he was always a mean son of a bitch.”
Essay Topic: An obsessive need to demean and diminish others is explained by some behavioral therapists as a sign of insecurity, weakness, or an unhappy childhood. Write 500 words, in cursive, on how any of this might apply to you.
Genesis 2:15: “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.”
Trump: “This climate change, it’s the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world in my opinion … all of these predictions made by the United Nations and many others, often for bad reasons, were wrong, they were made by stupid people. … If you don’t get away from this green scam, your country’s going to fail.”
Essay Topic: Despite the growing horror of melting icecaps, deadly storms, disappearing coasts and widespread famine, if the Garden of Eden were a national forest, would you lay off Adam or Eve, or both of them, and would anything prevent you from opening the property to drilling?
John 3:17: “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?”
Trump: “It’s time to end the failed experiment of open borders. You have to end it now. It’s — I can tell you. I’m really good at this stuff. Your countries are going to hell.”
Essay Topic: Given that we probably shouldn’t, as mere mortals, assume divine powers, is condemning someone to hell — or entire countries, in this case — an act of blasphemy?
Leviticus 19: “The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt.”
Trump: “They’re eating the dogs, the people that came in, they’re eating the cats. They’re eating the pets of the people that live there, and this is what’s happening in our country, and it’s a shame.”
Essay Topic: You once said immigrants are “poisoning the blood of our country,” and yet your late mother and two of your three wives were immigrants. Were you ever tempted to have any, or all three of them deported, and if so, in which order?
Psalm 103: “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.”
Trump: “Happy Memorial Day to all, including the scum that spent the last four years trying to destroy our country.”
Essay Topic: Given that Jesus would not likely have called half the population of the United States scum, and that he probably would have protested ICE raids at Home Depots, would you say the son of God was a member of the extreme radical left?
Matthew 5: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”
Trump: “I hate my opponent and I don’t want what’s best for them. … I can’t stand my opponent.”
Essay Topic: Which saying do you find the most offensive and probably created by the radical left — turn the other cheek, or treat others as you would have them treat you?
Bonus points: At what age did you begin pulling the wings off of butterflies, and which, if any, of the 10 Commandments have you not broken?
Matthew 23: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Hallellujah and amen to that. And yes, it is possible.
But first you must write and recite, 1,000 times, the Act of Contrition. (It’s the prayer that ends with: “I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen.”)
Sisters Roberta, Eileen and Estelle will be waiting for you at the Pearly Gates. And trust me — they will know if you’ve done your homework.
Eloise Barker, a writer for Responsible Travel, seeks out places to go when your kids have outgrown Lapland that are more affordable than the Finnish winter wonderland has become in recent years
There are ways to enjoy the snow and festive season without breaking the bank(Image: Slovakian Explorer)
Lapland, with its powdery snow, Northern Lights and Sámi culture, is popular for good reason, but its Santa Claus package holidays are pricey and book up fast: more and more people are visiting, some even taking extreme trips to visit for just one day.
Last year, we reported that the average price for a family holiday in Lapland from the UK was between £4,000 and £7,000.
But Europe is packed with winter wonderlands. You won’t find the big man in the red suit in these destinations – but you’ll still have a jolly good holiday…
Have you been on an amazing Christmas trip that you think Mirror readers would enjoy? We’d love to hear about it. Email [email protected]
Slovenia
All of Slovenia’s mountain resorts can be reached within 90 minutes from Ljubljana, its compact and pretty capital. There’s been almost €80 million of investment in infrastructure like ski lifts across multiple resorts, where you can also sled, snowshoe and go winter walking. The Post Office’s annual ski report noted that the cost of skiing in Slovenia’s Kranjska Gora resort had fallen 23.5% in the 2024/2025 season compared to the year before. Plus: the city of Celje transforms into a fairytale land in December, earning it the title ‘European City of Christmas 2025’.
The average price of a double room in Slovenia is £121/night (Kayak).
Direct flights from London to Ljubljana start at £29 in December; from Edinburgh, £76 (Skyscanner).
Slovakia
“Slovakia really is a very authentic, family-friendly winter destination and the High Tatras is still a hidden gem of Europe,” says Petr Ivanek, founder of Slovakia Explorer. “In comparison to the Alps or Lapland – British pounds go much further.”
There are thermal spas, water parks like Bešenova Aqua Park, and snowy High Tatras resorts, and the mountains are less crowded than at Zakopane on the Polish side of their slopes. Stop in Bratislava first: last year, the Post Office named Slovakia’s capital as Europe’s cheapest Christmas market destination.
The average price of a double room in Slovakia is £96/night (Kayak).
Direct flights from London to Bratislava in December start at £15; from Edinburgh, £26. Direct flights from London to Poprad start at £15 (Skyscanner).
Czech Republic
For all things Christmassy, consider the Czech Republic. Prices fell in the country last year, and Brno was voted European Capital of Christmas in 2024. Capital Prague remains a staple for Christmas markets and child-friendly activities, plus its public transport is free for children under 15. Fun fact: the Czech Republic has arguably the largest ice skating ‘rink’ in the world – at Lake Lipno, just outside the medieval fairytale town of Cesky Krumlov.
The average price of a double room in the Czech Republic is £111/night (Kayak).
Direct flights from London to Prague start at £26 in December; from Edinburgh, £42 (Skyscanner).
Romania
Swap the beaten track for wolf prints in the snow – in Transylvania, where villagers go Christmas carolling in traditional costume between beautifully decorated wooden houses.
You can ride about by horse-drawn sleigh or husky sled, and see atmospheric Brasov city and Bran Castle with beguiling snowy backdrops. Or switch the very old for the very new: an ice hotel, the only one in southeastern Europe, is built every year, 2,000m up in the Făgăraș Mountains.
The average price of a double room in Romania is £83/night (Kayak).
Direct flights from London to Brasov start at £56 in December (Skyscanner).
Bulgaria
“Two of Bulgaria’s national parks, Rila and Pirin, offer wonderful opportunities for winter holidays and for families interested in winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing,” says Anna Tuliyska at Sofia-based travel company Odysseia-In. The regions’ thermal springs also come into their own in cold weather. Whilst prices have risen in Bulgaria and may rise again when it adopts the euro in January 2026, the Post Office report ranked Bulgarian ski resorts among the cheapest in Europe in 2025.
The average price of a double room in Bulgaria is £101/night (Kayak).
Direct flights from London to Sofia start at £17 in December; from Edinburgh, £36 (Skyscanner).
Expect camel treks instead of husky rides, powdery sand not powdery snow, and sandboarding over snowboarding. Bolt on a stay in Marrakech for souks and stocking fillers – with the snowy peaks of the Atlas
Mountains framing the horizon. Prices drop in the winter months but can rise over Christmas.
The average price of a double room in Morocco is £180/night (Kayak).
Direct flights from London to Marrakech start at £15 in December; from Edinburgh, £31 (Skyscanner).
Ex Married At First Sight star Erica Roberts has taken to TikTok to spill all the behind the scenes tea on the E4 show – and another dating show she was ‘secretly’ a part of…
22:44, 25 Sep 2025Updated 22:44, 25 Sep 2025
Former Married At First Sight bride Erica Roberts has taken to TikTok to spill all the BTS tea on the E4 show – and her stint on Love Island that was never aired.
Erica rose to fame on the 2023 series of the show when she entered as an intruder, tying the knot with Jordan Gayle. Despite hitting it off after saying their vows, the couple called it quits less than a year after entering the experiment.
However, Married At First Sight isn’t the only “dating show” the star has taken part in. In fact, Erica took part in a Love Island dry run before her stint on MAFS.
For those who don’t know, refers to a pre-show rehearsal where a group of people who applied or were scouted, move into the villa to test out all the production elements before the actual cast arrive. Some of them will in fact make it to the main cast, with Casa Amor bombshells Lauren and Ty from this season revealing they had met in there before.
Now, Erica has revealed she was in a dry run a year before MAFS, which is how she got scouted for the E4 show. Taking to TikTok, she said: “I was actually meant to go on Love Island. I got flown out to Majorca. This was the year before,” explaining that “essentially it’s actually an audition for Casa Amor”.
However, Erica said she would never have wanted to go into Casa, and would have turned it down if it was offered to her.
“So the girl that cast me for Love Island then got back to me a couple of months later and was like, ‘Erica, please, please, please, can I put you forward for MAFS?’
“Initially, I was like, absolutely not. Nah, it’s not the show for me. I don’t think I want to do that. I’m good. They contacted me again not long after, maybe two months later, and I was in a bit of Heartbreak Hotel so when she came to me, I was like, yes, yes, let’s do it,” she continued.
“But I’m gonna be honest, I really didn’t think anything of it at first. I was like, you know what? F*** it. Let’s just do it.”
Elsewhere on her TikTok page, Erica revealed that the cast had absolutely no idea where they were going on honeymoon beforehand, but were told by producers what type of clothes to bring.
“People that ended up going to like, Lapland, they would have been told to bring warm clothes. Honestly if they sent me somewhere like that I’d be so fuming. I got to go to Antigua and it was unreal!”
Former MAFS groom Thomas Kriaras joked in the comments: “When they told me I needed to bring a jacket for my honeymoon, I was fuming!”
The traditional seaside town’s weekly street market was shut down earlier this year, but the community rallied together to welcome the new market with open arms
Locals say the return of the market has brought a lively buzz as well as plenty of fresh meat and veg(Image: Getty)
Following its closure earlier this year due to “out of control drinking, drug use, and violence”, the council had issued a call for fresh operators.
The market situated within the Arun District of West Sussex had become dangerous for vendors, but now it’s being completely organised and managed by residents from the classic South Coast resort. The revived market, which reopened in Littlehampton in July, features butchers, bakers, and even the sought-after weekly Community Market Stall for local charities.
Local vendors Andrew Sleeman and Alf Franks, who teamed up to relaunch the market, told the BBC that the market hadn’t simply returned “bigger and better” but provided what residents desired.
Mr Sleeman said: “People wanted butchers, bakers, and fruit and veg stalls, which we have brought in. It’s paying off, and the street is looking busy.”
Generating numerous excited reactions from Littlehampton locals, one popular community page posted on Facebook in August: “Although the market doesn’t start till 9am, I can confirm that for the first time in a very long time, our little town has a green grocer and butchers!”.
One shopper with mobility challenges shared: “It was great to get down to the market today and see it was so busy. I have missed having a stroll around town the past couple of years due to mobility and health issues, and have missed having a wonder, browsing around the market”.
Another reported: “Butchers sold out of sausages, bacon, and chicken by 11am, and the green grocer’s very busy. Amazing to see our town buzzing and alive”. And one more confirmed: “We bought some lovely fruit and veg. The strawberries, though small, are super tasty and sweet.” On the whole, the feedback appears overwhelmingly encouraging.
In a different post from the Littlehampton page, one local resident commented: “More and more shops are coming to the area, the market has created a great vibe and more positivity for Littlehampton.”
Whilst another contributed: “For all the naysayers – think about the glass being half full instead of always half empty. Littlehampton has had a huge upsurge. Rejoice in it and try and support the shops.”
Regarding security concerns, in March, Chief Inspector William Keating Jones, district commander for Arun and Chichester, stated: “Our officers are working hard with partner agencies to address the causes and tackle problems caused by antisocial behaviour and crime.”
He continued: “Our officers are working hard alongside partner agencies to address the causes and to tackle the problems caused by antisocial behaviour and crime.”
“Every Friday, from 9am to 3pm, the High Street comes alive with the bustling market. Just a few days ago, Littlehampton Town Council took to Facebook to encourage locals to “come along, explore the stalls and support all our amazing local businesses!”
Earlier this year, Arun Council put out an online call for new operators, outlining their vision for the revamped market: “The proposed market will offer up to twenty 3m x 3m pitches along the central pedestrianised high street, to assist the revitalisation of the area with a carefully curated selection of stalls that boost the local economy and attract increased footfall.”
Councillor Billy Blanchard-Cooper, Chair of the Licensing Committee at Arun District Council, said: “This is about curating a market offer that enhances what’s already here. We want to create a vibrant, welcoming space that supports local businesses, attracts visitors, and adds real value to the town centre.”
“We’re encouraging quality market operators to come forward and tell us about their offer, and we will only select those who can genuinely contribute to the town’s future and help us build something special for the community.”
Ibiza Final Boss Jack Kay looks completely unrecognisable in an unearthed snap that was taken before his incredible rise to fame on social media over the summer
Ibiza Final Boss Jack Kay shot to fame on TikTok(Image: Jack kay Instagram)
Ibiza Final Boss Jack Kay looks completely unrecognisable in an unearthed snap that was taken before his incredible rise to fame. The 26-year-old construction worker, who hails from Newcastle, has become instantly known thanks to an eight second video posted on TikTok that has landed him a Channel 4 documentary and a multi-figure brand deal.
The viral social media star is known for his famous haircut, but in a newly-resurfaced photograph, the influencer looks totally different with a style that is worlds away from his signature look.
Standing on the right end in a snap taken in a pub, Jack can posing in front of a pint and is sporting with a much-less defined fringe whilst his beard and chain are nowhere to be seen.
Speaking about his incredible rise to fame, he said: “Where I’m from is like a council estate. Not much happens round there for people like me. People like me don’t get the chance to make it to this level, do you know what I mean? To make it to this level is like a dream, honest to god!”
On August 3, Jack was dancing at a party when he caught the attention of clothing label Zero Six West Ibiza. He had black and gold sunglasses on to match his black vest and massive gold chain. His muscled arms were on display and his now iconic bowl haircut had been shaped to perfection. The clothing label posted an eight-second clip of Jack dancing, and asked: “Does anyone know this absolute legend coz we’ve got 2 free guestlist with his name on it!”
On TikTok alone, the video has had almost 30million views and Jack became a meme, dubbed the Ibiza Final Boss. He captured the attention of many and soon signed with a talent agency and embarking on a club appearance tour, which one PR expert estimated could earn him £1k-5k per night. With at least eight appearances under his belt, that is an estimated earning of anywhere between £8k and £40k from club appearances.
The new film follows Jack as he adjusts to life in the spotlight and tries to find longevity in his newfound career as an internet personality. When asked why millions went wild for his unique look, Jack said: “I think why people love that video because it’s just my aura.
“I think no one has seen us before. When I’ve just stepped in the dance, looking the way I’m looking with my shades and my hair. My tattoos, my muscles, my beard and stuff. People think, ‘Who’s he?’ That’s what I think.”
He went onto reveal that he now goes to the hairdresser three times a week to keep up his look – and spends nearly £80 weekly.
“Before the fame, it was twice a week but now it’s three times,” he said. “I’ve got to keep myself on point.
“Three, four years ago, I had long hair, like a slick-back. I got sick of it and changed it to a Scouse trim. It’s basically just a low fade. Brush my hair to the side, put a bit of hairspray on. It’s got to be spot on.”
He added: “It looks fresh doesn’t it? Everyone loves it. Especially the birds. They loved it before the fame and now.”
As one way to keep tabs on President Trump’s state of mind, I’m on his email fundraising lists. Lately his 79-year-old mind has seemed to be on his mortality.
“I want to try and get to heaven” has been the subject line on roughly a half-dozen Trump emails since mid-August. Oddly, one arrived earlier this month on the same day that the commander in chief separately posted on social media a meme of himself as “Apocalypse Now” character Lt. Col. Bill Kilgore, satisfyingly surveying the hellish conflagration that his helicopters had wreaked, not on Vietnam but on Chicago. “Chipocalypse” was Trump’s warning to the next U.S. city that he might militarize.
Mixed messages, to be sure.
The president hasn’t limited his celestial contemplations to online outlets. “I want to try and get to heaven, if possible,” he told the hosts of “Fox & Friends” in August, by way of explaining his (failed) effort to bring peace to Ukraine. “I’m hearing I’m not doing well.”
Well, Mr. President, here’s some advice: I don’t think you’ll get to heaven by wishing that many of your fellow citizens go to hell.
The disconnect between Trump’s dreams of eternal reward and his earthly avenging — against Democrat-run cities, political rivals, late-show hosts and other celebrity critics, universities, law firms, cultural institutions, TV networks and newspapers, liberal groups and donors, government employees, insufficiently loyal allies and even harmless protesters at a Washington restaurant — was rarely so evident as it was at the Christian revival that was Sunday’s memorial for the slain MAGA activist Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
Mere minutes after Erika Kirk, Kirk’s widow and successor as head of the conservative group Turning Point USA, had tearfully forgiven her husband’s accused killer, the president explicitly contradicted her with a message of hate toward his own enemies, and his continued determination to exact revenge.
Erika Kirk spoke of “Charlie’s mission” of engaging his critics and working “to save young men just like the one who took his life.” She recalled the crucified Christ absolving his executioners on Calvary, then emotionally added: “That young man. I forgive him.”
“I forgive him because it was what Christ did and what Charlie would do,” she said to applause. “The answer to hate is not hate. The answer, we know from the Gospel, is love and always love. Love for our enemies and love for those who persecute us.”
Just one minute in, he called the 22-year-old suspect “a radicalized cold-blooded monster.” And throughout, despite investigators’ belief that the man acted alone, Trump reiterated for the umpteenth time since Kirk’s death that “radical left lunatics” — his phrase for Democrats — actually were responsible and that the Justice Department would round up those complicit for retribution.
Trump acknowledged that Charlie Kirk probably wouldn’t agree with his approach: “He did not hate his opponents. He wanted the best for them.” Then Teleprompter Trump went off script, reverting to real Trump and ad-libbing: “That’s where I disagreed with Charlie. I hate my opponent and I don’t want the best for them.” He spat the word “hate” with venom. And he got applause, just as Erika Kirk had for a very different message.
Jesus counseled “turn the other cheek” to rebuke those who harm us. Trump boasts that he always punches back. “If someone screws you, screw them back 10 times harder,” he once said. Love your enemies, as Christ commanded in his Sermon on the Mount? Nah. You heard Trump in Arizona: “I hate my opponent.”
Trump might have some explaining to do when he seeks admittance at the pearly gates.
The Bible’s words aside, a president is supposed to be the comforter in chief after a tragedy and a uniter when divisions rend the American fabric. Think of President Clinton, whose oratory bridged partisan fissures after antigovernment domestic terrorists bombed a federal building in Oklahoma City in 1995, killing 168 people, and of President George W. Bush, who visited a mosque in Washington after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, in a healing gesture intended to blunt rising anti-Muslim reactions. (Later, of course, Bush would cleave the nation by invading Iraq based on a lie about its complicity.)
Trump, by contrast, is the inciter in chief. Just hours after Kirk’s death on Sept. 10, and before a suspect was in custody, he addressed the nation, blaming “radical left political violence.” He has repeated that indictment nearly every day since, though the FBI has reported for years — including during his first term — that domestic right-wing violence is the greaterthreat. “We have to beat the hell out of them,” Trump told reporters. When even one of his friends on “Fox & Friends” noted radicals are on the right as well, Trump replied: “I couldn’t care less. … The radicals on the left are the problem, and they’re vicious and they’re horrible.”
All of this vituperation and vengeance suggests a big “what if”: What if Trump were more like Charlie Kirk? To ask is not to gloss over Kirk’s controversial utterances against Black Americans, gay and transgender Americans and others, but he did respectfully deal with those who disagreed with him — as he was doing when he was shot.
What if Trump, since 2016, had sincerely tried to broaden his political reach, as presidential nominees and presidents of each party historically did, to embrace his opponents and to compromise with them? What if he governed for all Americans and not just his MAGA voters? He might well have enacted bipartisan laws of the sort that Trump 1.0 promised on immigration, gun safety, infrastructure and more. In general we’d all be better off, less polarized.
And with a more magnanimous approach like that, Trump just might have a better chance at getting into heaven.
And The Sun can reveal Helena Ford is among those on the wish list and is in early discussions for her second villa stint.
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Helena is in talks to appear in the next series of All StarsCredit: Shutterstock
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Her villa antics mean she can’t return to her day jobCredit: Getty
An insider told us: “Helena was a huge hit on the last series of the show and her on/off relationship with Harry and her deadpan jokes were a hit with viewers. She’s been in super early talks.
“Tyrique from series 10 was also in tentative talks before leaving for Love Island Games in the US.”
Helena recently revealed she won’t be able to return to her old job as a flight attendant after her time on Love Island.
Speaking the Daily Star, she said: “I don’t think they will take me back after that roast I did.
“Plus all the passengers will think, ‘Oh no, I’m going to get roasted now.’ Never say never but I’m not looking to go back at the moment, definitely not.
“I think I need take a break and to do some therapy first – I watched a lot of things back that I didn’t like in myself, so there’s that to work on first.”
Helena paired up with Harry Cooksley on Love Island, but after they split, he started dating another Love Islander Shakira Khan.
Shakira accompanied Harry to the recent NTA Awards, while Helena attended alone.
During her time on the ITV show, Helena became known for her catty comments and not taking any nonsense from fellow contestants, ensuring she became one of the more memorable cast members in recent times.
But despite believing her on-screen antics may have put a return to her old job in jeopardy, Helena is more than happy with how things have turned out.
She said: “It’s been mad since leaving the show.
“I’ve had so many new opportunities and people recognise me everywhere.
“For me, it’s about moving forwards and seeing where this crazy journey takes me.”
Shakira Khan opened up about her experience on Love Island during a chat on Paul C. Brunson’s We Need To Talk podcast. She spoke about feeling like an outcast and the divide in the villa.
The divide has had the world speaking – but where did it stem from?(Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
Love Island star, Shakira Khan, 22 has opened up about what life inside the Love Island villa was really like, claiming the show’s “outcasts” all had one thing in common.
Shakira took to Paul C. Brunson’s We Need To Talk podcast to delve into how she and other women of colour were pushed to the margins in the villa saying a troubling “outcast” pattern quickly emerged.
She revealed that she, along with fellow Islanders Toni Laites and Yasmine Pettet called themselves “the outcasts” after feeling pushed out by the main group but soon noticed it wasn’t just them.
“People couldn’t sit there and say there was no divide, there was a divide and that’s okay,” she explained. “As much as people want to sh*t on that, that was my lived experience and my friends will say the same.”
“Me, Toni and Yas call ourselves the outcasts but you could collectively add Billykiss to that, Malisha, Andrada, Emma and there’s a pattern here which I don’t think anyone wants to talk about,” she said. “Women of colour.”
It was clear during the season there was a divide in the show, many viewers took to social media to share their opinions and what side of the fence they were sitting on. Shakira said viewers weren’t wrong to sense a divide on the show, but insisted it ran far deeper than what made it to air.
The divide started on one of the very first days, when Shakira found herself single in the villa, therefore putting her at risk of being sent home. After she pulled islanders for chat’s with each conversation being reciprocated which led to girls began to talk and the quickly there was a shift – the divide began.
According to Shakira, anyone seen as a “threat” to the main group was quickly isolated. “We banded together, the outcasts,” she said.
She drew a direct link between her villa experience and wider society, saying it reminded her of segregation growing up. “It boils down to childhood, people were banned from the community, even in my hometown,” she said.
“We talk about the segregation of white communities, Asian communities people find community in their own and people they have shared experiences with.”
Shakira revealed that these moments in the villa soon had an impact on her. “If you get told 100 times a day ‘you’re wrong, you’re irrelevant’, that’s what you start to internalise. You believe that’s the opinion on the outside because you’ve got nothing else to go off,” she said.
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Who is Shakira Khan?
Shakira Khan, 23, from Burnley is an former contestant from season 12 of Love Island She was one of the main villa girls, starting from day one. Throughout the season, we watched Shakira face many challenges from a chaotic love triangle to villa rivalries, however she made it all the way to the Love Island final despite feeling her being mixed heritage, Pakistan and White may hinder her experience.
“I went to a predominantly white high school, I was not the beauty standard, so I was thinking, ‘What have I signed up for?’ she told I-D Magazine. “Everyone’s gonna love the blonde hair, blue-eyed girls, we see year in year out on Love Island. I thought, based on initial attraction, it wasn’t going to go well for me, but I was pleasantly surprised.”
Where can I listen to the We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson podcast?
No, Shakira did not win Love Island 2025, however she came second place with her partner Harry Cooksley. Toni Laites and Cash Mercer won the show and the £50K prize.
Are Shakira Khan and Harry Cooksley still together?
Yes the pair are still dating and going strong since the Villa, Shakira explained on the podcast he treats her well. “He’s witty, he’s charming, he’s intelligent – all those things that I said I look for in a partner.”
“We’re dating each other, can’t put a label on it.” she said, “I’m not dating anyone else, he’s not dating anyone else so you can say we’re exclusively dating each other.” she added
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With so much uncertainty in the earliest round, consensus No. 1 picks are rare, but that’s just what Jessie Buckley of “Hamnet” is — one of only two in the entire BuzzMeter poll. She has double the points of runner-up Renate Reinsve, who is just one tally ahead of Emma Stone.
Saying it feels “inevitable” that Buckley will one day win, Robert Daniels calls her work in “Hamnet” “a gut-wrenching performance … Jessie Buckley’s fearless turn echoes with the force of a primal scream.”
Among the other contenders, Glenn Whipp asks of the upcoming “Wicked: For Good,” “Will voters be into it or over it? That’s a coin flip. More certain: Cynthia Erivo will rip out our hearts in the sequel.” Dave Karger wonders if one star has the makeup to land in the top five: “‘Christy’ star Sydney Sweeney will try to ride her strong Toronto buzz to a first nomination.”
Meanwhile, Katie Walsh highlights one of the perils of long-range predictions — occasional category uncertainty: “Should Emily Blunt go lead for ‘The Smashing Machine,’ or supporting?” Blunt’s roller-coaster performance as a champion wrestler’s love — and perhaps his most dangerous opponent — is hard to pin down.
As for Seyfried, at press time “The Testament of Ann Lee” doesn’t yet have a distributor. But perhaps the lead’s strong showing on the BuzzMeter will be an inducement to change that.
1. Jessie Buckley, “Hamnet” 2. Renate Reinsve, “Sentimental Value” 3. Emma Stone, “Bugonia” 4. Amanda Seyfried, “The Testament of Ann Lee” 5. Cynthia Erivo, “Wicked: For Good” 6. Rose Byrne, “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” 7. Tessa Thompson, “Hedda” 8. Jennifer Lawrence, “Die, My Love”
RogerEbert.com
Robert Daniels
1. Jessie Buckley, “Hamnet” 2. Amanda Seyfried, “The Testament of Ann Lee” 3. Emma Stone, “Bugonia” 4. Julia Roberts, “After the Hunt” 5. Renate Reinsve, “Sentimental Value”
“With a gut-wrenching performance as Agnes Shakespeare, Jessie Buckley’s fearless turn echoes with the force of a primal scream. It feels inevitable that the previous nominee will win an Oscar at some point. It’s just a matter of time.”
Turner Classic Movies
Dave Karger
1. Jessie Buckley, “Hamnet” 2. Renate Reinsve, “Sentimental Value” 3. Emma Stone, “Bugonia” 4. Cynthia Erivo, “Wicked: For Good” 5. Sydney Sweeney, “Christy”
“International actresses headline this race, with ‘Hamnet’s’ Jessie Buckley and ‘Sentimental Value’s’ Renate Reinsve earning festival raves for their wonderful performances. Two-time winner Emma Stone and two-time acting nominee Cynthia Erivo are also likely to return, while ‘Christy’ star Sydney Sweeney will try to ride her strong Toronto buzz to a first nomination.”
Los Angeles Times
Amy Nicholson
1. Jessie Buckley, “Hamnet” 2. Tessa Thompson, “Hedda” 3. Amanda Seyfried, “The Testament of Ann Lee” 4. Rose Byrne, “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” 5. Cynthia Erivo, “Wicked: For Good”
“A Jessie Buckley win here as Shakespeare’s wild, witchy wife makes perfect sense. The Irish talent comes to the campaign with a supporting nom for ‘The Lost Daughter’ already under her sash and heaps of critical goodwill dating to 2018’s ‘Wild Rose.’ But I wouldn’t mind a Tessa Thompson upset.”
IndieWire
Anne Thompson
1. Jessie Buckley, “Hamnet” 2. Renate Reinsve, “Sentimental Value” 3. Rose Byrne, “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” 4. Emma Stone, “Bugonia” 5. Cynthia Erivo, “Wicked: For Good”
“The win could go to Jessie Buckley for her heart-wrenching mother in ‘Hamnet.’ Her challengers are another troubled mother, Rose Byrne in ‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,’ warbler Cynthia Erivo in ‘Wicked for Good,’ ‘Bugonia’ star Emma Stone, who has already won twice, and Renate Reinsve as a great actress in Norwegian Oscar submission ‘Sentimental Value.’ ”
Tribune News Service
Katie Walsh
1. Jessie Buckley, “Hamnet” 2. Emma Stone, “Bugonia” 3. Jennifer Lawrence, “Die, My Love” 4. Renate Reinsve, “Sentimental Value” 5. Amanda Seyfried, “The Testament of Ann Lee”
“I haven’t seen ‘Hamnet,’ but I’m hearing best actress is Jessie Buckley’s to lose. The TIFF People’s Choice Award gives it a boost too. Should Emily Blunt go lead for ‘The Smashing Machine,’ or supporting?”
Los Angeles Times
Glenn Whipp
1. Jessie Buckley, “Hamnet” 2. Renate Reinsve, “Sentimental Value” 3. Cynthia Erivo, “Wicked: For Good” 4. Emma Stone, “Bugonia” 5. Rose Byrne, “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You”
“Get ready for the sequel Oscar campaign for Cynthia Erivo and ‘Wicked’ as the second installment of the musical adaptation lands in November. Will voters be into it or over it? That’s a coin flip. More certain: Erivo will rip out our hearts in the sequel.”
Personal trainer Elbi Henshaw, 23, decided to move to Dubai with financial help from her parents after she began to find the United Kingdom “depressing”, but was in for a nasty surprise
Elbi Henshaw moved to Dubai for a lifestyle change
A personal trainer, fed up with the “miserable” UK lifestyle, relocated to Dubai only to find herself working six days a week to afford life in the UAE city.
Elbi Henshaw, 23, made the move in January after holidaying there and realising how “depressing” her life was back in the UK.
Having previously worked in Saudi Arabia, Elbi, from Barnet, North London, she decided to give Dubai a try. With financial assistance from her parents, she secured full-time work at a gym.
Despite being settled and thriving in Dubai – a hotspot for British influencers due to its beautiful weather, stunning views and luxury nightlife – she admits missing UK pubs and pub culture eight months into her move.
Living in Dubai comes with its own challenges, including the high cost of living, with yoghurt costing £12 and coffee starting from £7. Elbi describes it as a “dog eat dog” lifestyle where people work six-day weeks and take on extra work to make ends meet, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Elbi Henshaw was shocked at how expensive Dubai is
While Elbi now loves her location, she admits she “didn’t like it at first” as it can feel “lonely” trying to establish a social circle in such a high-intensity environment.
Reflecting on her decision, Elbi said: “In the UK, I was so depressed and miserable and everyone is so sedentary – I wanted a more active lifestyle. Out here, everyone is happier and active and they all want to be the best versions of themselves.
“I work full time but it’s hard not to just spend all your money – you’d need about £5k a month here to live comfortably. But you can pick up extra work quite quickly – at the moment I work six days but I’ll probably end up working seven. Paying no tax is a perk but the cost of living out here is so expensive that it ends up the same as in the UK. But here, you get the sun and a much better lifestyle – although I miss the pubs.”
Elbi relocated to Dubai in January – initially residing in a studio flat before moving into shared accommodation with two other young women. After joining a local running club, she struck up a conversation with someone who put her in touch with a gym manager and landed her first Dubai role as a personal trainer.
She was instantly bowled over by the sheer amount the city had to offer – from fine dining at upmarket restaurants to browsing the renowned Dubai Mall. Given she was making the move solo, Elbi admitted the initial months proved challenging whilst getting established and sorting out the necessary paperwork and banking arrangements.
She quickly recognised the “fast paced and non-stop lifestyle” – with residents frequently clocking up lengthy working weeks to afford living in the glamorous destination beloved by A-listers.
She works as a personal trainer
Elbi explained: “The rent is more expensive than the UK and you have to pay big deposits on things like apartments and cars. Clothing is more expensive too – and coffee is like £7 minimum, sometimes as much as £10 a cup. I’d say the average salary for a normal person here is like £3,000 a month but you want more like £5,000 to live comfortably if you want to go out for meals, and buy new clothes.
“I try to work, work, work so that I can enjoy Dubai – there’s lots of group chats and apps for companies to advertise weekend work.” However, she revealed it doesn’t amount to significantly more in total than life in the UK – where you pay taxes – apart from Dubai’s incredible views and climate.
Eight months on, she’s absolutely adoring her new life there, grafting as a personal trainer at an upmarket gym frequented by “high end clients”. Now she’s established friendships and has no immediate intentions to head back.
She explained: “You have to put your ego aside and put yourself out there – I messaged other women out of the blue inviting them for coffee.”
She does enjoy the Dubai sunshine
Elbi revealed she adores Dubai’s pristine condition – as “everywhere is spotless” and “it makes you realise how dirty the UK is.” During her downtime from work, Elbi enjoys strolling around the air-conditioned shopping centre and visiting Dubai’s incredibly luxurious cinemas.
She fills her leisure time at the pool – beach clubs including Summersalt, adored by celebrities like Molly-Mae Hague and Kady McDermott, plus Twiggy club, favoured by Paris Hilton.
Yet she admitted Dubai can be challenging as there’s less of a “sense of community” for young people – making romance difficult without relying on dating apps. She explained: “It’s so hard to meet guys, because there’s no authentic meet-ups.
“People don’t stand in the streets around pubs – you have to schedule it in. And it’s hard to date as everyone is so busy 24/7 that you never find the time. I do miss the sense of community and pubs in the UK.
“I love it but I can’t really imagine meeting someone out here and it becoming serious. People come out here who already have a partner or family, and the ones that are single are never looking for anything serious.
“I could see myself building a life here but if I get to 27 and I’m not in a relationship, I’ll move back to the UK as I want to start a family.”
