World champion Luke Littler was denied entry to Wednesday’s Players Championship 33 event after he arrived late because of traffic congestion caused by a serious incident.
The 18-year-old was set to play in the penultimate Players Championship event of 2025 at Wigan’s Robin Park Leisure Centre.
But he had to withdraw after missing the 11:00 GMT registration deadline for players.
It later emerged someone had died in an incident on the M6.
Littler posted on Instagram: “Missed registration today for the pro tour, but someone sadly lost their life. Thinking of everyone.”
Littler was replaced by fellow Englishman Charlie Manby, who is ranked 174th in the PDC’s order of merit. He upset 2018 world champion Rob Cross 6-5, before being knocked out in the second round.
The event was won by England’s Chris Dobey, who beat Ireland’s William O’Connor 8-6 in the final to leapfrog Cross to eighth in the order of merit.
Hull KR’s Grand Final-winning trio Mikey Lewis, Jez Litten and Joe Burgess have all been named in England’s final 24-man squad for the autumn Ashes Test series against Australia but there is no place for Super League’s Man of Steel winner Jake Connor.
Litten’s only previous cap arrived against France in 2023, while Burgess, who scored two tries in Hull KR’s triumph over Wigan on Saturday, returns to the England set-up after a 10-year absence.
But Connor, who was also omitted from the squad get-together in June, has been unable to convince head coach Shaun Wane he deserves a spot amid fierce competition in the halves.
Wane’s stellar options in those berths include captain George Williams, Wigan’s Harry Smith and Lewis, who won the Rob Burrow Award for man of the match with a sparkling performance at Old Trafford.
Australia face England at Wembley on 25 October, at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium on 1 November and at AMT Headingley on 8 November. All three matches are 14:30 kick-offs and will be live on BBC One.
“I’m really excited by the 24 players we have selected ahead of this upcoming Ashes Series,” said Wane.
“There were some tough decisions to be made given the quality we have across both Super League and the NRL and that’s never easy, but I am confident that the 24 selected will give us the best chance of winning this series.”
England squad: John Bateman (North Queensland Cowboys), AJ Brimson (Gold Coast Titans), Joe Burgess (Hull KR), Daryl Clark (St Helens), Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins), Ethan Havard (Wigan Warriors), Morgan Knowles (St Helens), Matty Lees (St Helens), Mikey Lewis (Hull KR), Jez Litten (Hull KR), Mike McMeeken (Wakefield Trinity), Harry Newman (Leeds Rhinos), Mikolaj Oledzki (Leeds Rhinos), Tom Johnstone (Wakefield Trinity), Kai Pearce-Paul (Newcastle Knights), Harry Smith (Wigan Warriors), Morgan Smithies (Canberra Raiders), Owen Trout (Leigh Leopards), Alex Walmsley (St Helens), Jake Wardle (Wigan Warriors), Kallum Watkins (Leeds Rhinos), Jack Welsby (St Helens), George Williams (Warrington Wolves), Dom Young (Newcastle Knights)
The atmosphere had completely gone in what was an uninspiring 46 minutes.
But they win the ball back high up and Timber feeds a ball down the outside for Saka, inside the box on his right foot.
He has Gyokeres waiting for a cut back but Saka makes the right choice in ignoring that and firing a right-footed shot over the shoulder of Perri who probably should do better and into the top corner!
That’ll likely be game over now here and a much-needed second for Arsenal.
GOAL!! ARSENAL 2-0 Leeds
BUKAYO SAKA makes it two in first half injury time!
Showboating Kyren Wilson spurned the chance to make history when he attempted a no-look shot on the black in his 6-5 victory over Si Jiahui at the Shanghai Masters.
The last-16 tie included six century breaks to tie the record for the most ever in a best-of-11 match – equalling Judd Trump and Neil Robertson’s meeting in the 2016 Masters and Robertson’s encounter with Mark Selby in 2020.
Wilson reached 97 in the deciding frame but opted for a no-look shot and missed the black.
The Englishman said he didn’t realise he was on the verge of breaking the record but said it wouldn’t have changed his approach.
“I did the silly no-look thing,” Wilson said.
“Especially in China, I feel the sport is blowing up out here and a lot of it is about doing things a bit differently. You have to have a bit of fun. The crowd appreciate that sort of thing.
“There’s no chance I’d have just rolled that black in, even if I knew about the record. It is still about doing things differently. We are stepping into a modern era in snooker.”
Elsewhere, defending champion Trump advanced with a 6-2 victory against Robertson.
England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt falls just short of her century after she’s caught for 98 by wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh as England fall to 195-4, chasing 319 to win the third and final One Day International at Durham.
Girls Aloud’s Nadine Coyle competed against EastEnders star Jake Wood and presenter Rick Edwards on the new series of Celebrity Catchphrase, hosted by Stephen Mulhern
Celebrity Catchphrase finalist Nadine Coyle walked away with £30,000 for charity on the latest series of the ITV show. The Girls Aloud member had been just one correct answer away from a jackpot of more than £50,000, though.
Nadine, 40, competed on the game show, which is hosted by Stephen Mulhern, 48, in an episode that aired earlier in the new series. She made it through to the final round after banking more money than TV presenter Rick Edwards and EastEnders actor Jake Wood in the previous rounds.
She took part in raising money for the Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal, which is part of the Christie Charity. It’s named in memory of her late bandmate Sarah Harding, who died, aged 39, in 2021, just a year after announcing that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Nadine Coyle won £30,000 for charity on the new series of Celebrity Catchphrase(Image: ITV)
After banking £5,000 earlier in the episode, which debuted in April, Nadine managed to add £30,000 to her winnings for the charity in the final round. She however ran out of time whilst trying to name the final catchphrase, which would have taken her prize fund up to £55,000 had she got it right.
The catchphrase began by showing a pair of legs, which had a road covered in cars, travelling down a running track in an arena. Mr Chips was then shown running past and reaching the finish line first, indicating that he had won instead.
Nadine had 15 seconds left when the catchphrase first played, after four correct answers and one pass earlier in the round. She made a series of guesses as she tried to secure the maximum £50,000 for getting to the top of the pyramind.
She however had been one correct answer away from taking home more than £50,000(Image: ITV)
As the final video played, Nadine guessed: “Runway … um … pass … running past the runway … running free … winning the runway.” After a close-up of the cars was shown, she said during the last few seconds of the round: “Bumper to bumper.”
After the countdown ended, Stephen confirmed that she had won £25,000 in that round alone. He told her: “I am more over the moon than you could ever imagine. That was incredible.” The host went on to reveal the correct answer.
He shared: “It wasn’t a runway. He’s beating the traffic.” Nadine responded by saying: “Oh, beating the traffic.” Stephen however encouraged her to focus on the fact that she had won a significant prize fund for her charity.
Nadine raised money for the Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal, named in memory of her late bandmate Sarah Harding, on the ITV show(Image: Getty Images)
Stephen said: “That moment has now gone. Let’s think of happy thoughts, because, Nadine, you’re talking away the £5,000 that you banked earlier on, now that £25,000 – which takes your total prize money, an incredible amount, to £30,000.”
It was also announced that because she had correctly named the star catchphrase, placed in the middle of the pyramid, that she had doubled the winnings of her former rivals. It meant that Jake and Rick won £3,400 and £9,400 respectively for their charities.
Dick Van Dyke was reportedly under the weather Saturday and couldn’t host his recurring Vandy Camp fan event with his wife at the couple’s namesake theater at Malibu High School.
Introducing herself as “not the Van Dyke you were expecting,” Arlene Silver explained, via People, that “when you’re 99½ years old, you have good days and bad days … and unfortunately, today is not a good day for him.”
Van Dyke and makeup artist Silver, who married in 2012 when he was 86 and she was 40, usually helm the celebrations together, along with their musical group the Vantastix.
Silver told the audience that she had to wear her “big girl pants and hold the reins without Dick here as the safety net.”
Fans were disappointed but undaunted as the show — described by Silver as a “whimsical, vintage circus” — did go on.
“All of the people at the event were so kind and amazing. Many had flown in from around the world and country. I did fly in from the Bay Area,” one fan, Christy Vaca, wrote on Saturday night on Facebook. “It turned into everyone sending amazing messages to Dick Van [Dyke] who was watching at home. He means so much to us all.
“It was really Heartbreaking.”
Last time we checked in with the “Mary Poppins” star, he was being rescued by neighbors during the Franklin fire, which started in Malibu in early December 2024 and burned for nine days.
“I’m out there laying on the ground trying to undo this fire hose, and the fire’s coming over the hill,” Van Dyke said a few days after the fire started. “What I did was exhaust myself. I forgot how old I am, and I realized I was crawling to get out.”
Neighbors managed to get the beloved entertainer, wife Silver and a number of their pets into a vehicle and out of danger, he said. Cat Bobo was missing, but he turned up when they returned home the next day. Thousands of people had to evacuate.
The neighbors “carried me out,” he said, “and came back and put out a little fire in the guesthouse and saved me.” Van Dyke’s home was spared. Twenty structures were destroyed and 28 were damaged in the fire, according to Cal Fire.
The Van Dykes did not evacuate a month later during the tremendously destructive Palisades fire, Silver said on social media in January.
“Keeping Dick warm and entertained has been the two things that have been my top priority, so, you know, we don’t have power […] or regular electricity, so we don’t have Wi-Fi,” she said, via Page Six. At the time of her Instagram live, they were cooking and charging their devices courtesy of her small camper-trailer.
“I don’t know of any other person of, you know, senior citizen age that would put up with this,” she added, calling her husband a “trouper.”
Rory McIlroy carded a woeful eight-over-par 78 as he missed the cut at the Canadian Open.
It is the first time the Northern Irishman has failed to make the weekend in a tournament since the Open Championship last July.
The Masters champion, who won this event in 2019 and 2022, ended his second round at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley on nine over par overall, 149th in a 153-man field – a remarkable 22 shots behind leader Cameron Champ.
McIlroy, who started the day on one over par, made a quadruple-bogey eight on the par-four fifth and dropped further shots at the eighth, 10th, 11th and 13th holes before recording his first birdie of the day on the 15th.
Another bogey arrived at the 17th, and while he delivered a birdie on the final hole it left McIlroy well short of the projected cut line at three under.
Champ, who only arrived in the early hours of Wednesday morning having been the eighth alternate last weekend, followed up an opening 62 with a four-under 66, as he opened a two-stroke advantage over fellow American Andrew Putnam.
It was also a good day for Ireland’s Shane Lowry, whose two-under-par 68 took him to eight under, four shots adrift of Champ.
Denmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen is just ahead of Lowry at nine under along with home favourites Richard Lee and Nick Taylor, and France’s Victor Perez.
However, there was also disappointment for Justin Rose, who McIlroy defeated in a play-off at the Augusta National in April.
The Englishman will also not be around for the weekend after missing out in unfortunate circumstances at one under par.
After finding the rough off the seventh tee, the 2013 US Open champion unintentionally caused his ball to move while shifting a loose impediment and was given a two-stroke penalty after failing to put the ball back in its original position.
France’s Matthieu Pavon also had a second round to forget, signing for a 10-over-par 80, which included a 12 on his opening hole, the par-four 10th.
Coronation Street fans spotted one star’s fuming face as the ITV soap lost out in the Best Episode category at the British Soap Awards this evening
20:55, 05 Jun 2025Updated 20:55, 05 Jun 2025
Coronation Street fans spotted Mason star Luca’s fuming face(Image: ITV)
Coronation Street star Luca Toolan appeared ‘fuming’ as the ITV soap lost out in the Best Single Episode award category at the British Soap Awards tonight. Luca played Mason Radcliffe on the soap before his character was killed off.
Mason died in tragic scenes, where he was stabbed by his brother as the soap tried to raise awareness of knife crime. In the harrowing scenes, which aired earlier this year, Mason lost his life in a fight with his siblings.
Speaking at the time of his exit storyline, he said: “Of course when I first heard there was a mixture of emotions because I was sad that Mason was going to die and that means I would be leaving, but equally I was really excited and honoured to be part of this storyline because it’s an incredibly important issue that needs to be tackled. I feel so privileged to have had this opportunity to start my professional career at Coronation Street and what a great time I’ve had.”
He added: “It was exhausting to film but amazing. I was so focused and a storyline like this is what you crave as an actor. I love the long days and working my butt off and even filming outside in the cold.
Luca died in heartbreaking scenes(Image: ITV)
“Every single day I would wake up and be absolutely buzzing to go to work. The full crew were so supportive and created an environment that you could put yourself in that emotional headspace and get on with it. It was an amazing experience.”
The Best Single Episode award went to EastEnders for the episode about Phil’s Psychosis: The Mitchells In 1985. Other episodes nominated in that award included Mason’s Death, April’s Life on the Streets and Hollyoaks‘ Time Jump.
Fans on Twitter noticed Luca’s face, with one writing: “All of the other nominees when they don’t get the award…#britishsoapawards,” as another added: “they always look so p***ed off when they don’t win.” The fan then replied: “Mason from Corrie looked p***** off.”
EastEnders went on to win(Image: ITV)
Mason star Luca also took to social media to comment on the disrupted opening, where he wrote a sarcastic message which read: “Oh no what a shame now nobody can see me and all of Corrie win all the awards.”
Mason’s final storyline was also nominated in the Scene of the Year award alongside EastEnders at 40: Angie Watts’ Shock Return, Amy’s Deathly Plunge Reveals a Grisly Secret in Emmerdale and Mercedes Confronts Her Mortality in Hollyoaks. The award eventually went to EastEnders for the surprise return of Angie Watts.
Speaking about his future, Luca said he has big plans for what lies ahead. I love acting so much and I really hope I’ll continue doing it. I’ve seriously learned so much from Corrie and I’m so grateful to everyone involved there. As for my future, I’m not sure what it holds but the saying I like to say is: ‘I’m aiming for the stars and if I miss, I’ll hit the moon.'”
He shares a passion for horticulture with Charles and sported the King’s rose in his lapel.
Charles asked him: “You got it, didn’t you?”
Becks replied: “It was incredible, thank you. It was very kind.”
David Beckham meets with King Charles at Chelsea Flower Show
Letters inviting recipients to accept honours are sent out weeks in advance – and one may have already landed on David’s mat at the time of their chat.
He was first put forward for a knighthood in 2011 after helping to secure the London 2012 Olympics.
Becks retired from playing in 2013, and his finances were cleared by the taxman at least four years ago – paving the way for him to finally get the coveted honour.
The Beckham household will be glad of the good news amid a rift with their eldest son Brooklyn and his wife Nicola PeltzCredit: Getty
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The Beckhams from left to right: Romeo, Rome’s former girlfriend Kim Turnbull, Harper, Victoria, David, Cruz and Cruz’s girlfriend Jackie ApostelCredit: Tim Stewart
The Sun understands he narrowly missed out on a knighthood in the New Year Honours List published in December last year.
David and his wife — who shot to fame with the Spice Girls before becoming a successful fashion designer — have an estimated combined net worth of £500million.
David also has a long history of charitable work, which will have been considered by officials on the Honours Committee.
It was inspiring to hear from The King about the work of His Majesty’s Foundation
David Beckham
Last year, he was formally made a charity ambassador by the King, and beekeeper Becks was buzzing with excitement at teaming up with him.
Charles invited Beckham to Highgrove to learn more about the charity, which focuses on “creating better communities where people, places and the planet can coexist in harmony”.
Tours of the grounds help to fund workshops and courses in traditional skills and crafts, and the former footie star met woodworking and embroidery students.
Becks said at the time: “I’m excited to be working with The King’s Foundation and to have the opportunity to help raise awareness of the charity’s work.
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Former footie ace David played 115 times for EnglandCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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David and wife Victoria have an estimated combined net worth of £500millionCredit: Instagram
“I’ve always been keen to help young people to expand their horizons and I’m particularly looking forward to supporting the Foundation’s education programmes and its efforts to ensure young people have greater access to nature.
“Having developed a love for the countryside I’m also on a personal mission to learn more about rural skills which is so central to the Foundation’s work.
“It was inspiring to hear from The King about the work of His Majesty’s Foundation during my recent visit to Highgrove Gardens — and compare beekeeping tips.”
In 2020, he teamed up with the Chelsea Pensioners as he backed The Sun’s campaign to save the Poppy Appeal amid the devastating Covid lockdown.
He said he was “in awe” of the veterans as he delivered poppies to their London HQ.
David added: “With another lockdown coming it is more important than ever that we support our veterans.”
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David teamed up with the Chelsea Pensioners as he backed The Sun’s campaign to save the Poppy AppealCredit: The Sun
Becks, also dad to son Cruz and daughter Harper, has carried out lots of charity work focusing on children, and was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador 20 years ago.
To mark his 50th birthday last month he appealed for donations for the charity.
He was also a founding member of the leadership council of charity Malaria No More in 2009, helping to eradicate the disease, even visiting No 10 to highlight the issue.
In 2023, he delighted the Brentford Penguins – a football team for children with Down’s Syndrome — with a visit to celebrate them winning one of The Sun’s Who Cares Wins awards.
He took footballing son Romeo with him to lead a surprise training session.
The honours will be formally announced later this month.
The government does not comment on them beforehand.
WINNER ON PITCH AND OFF
BECKHAM enjoyed an 18-year career that included winning titles in four countries — England, Spain, the US and France — and made him one of the world’s best-known footballers. Some of his most striking moments are:
APRIL 1995: Becks makes his Premier League debut for Manchester United in a 0-0 draw against Leeds.
AUGUST 1996: Scores famous goal from halfway line against Wimbledon.
MARCH 1997: Meets Spice Girl Victoria at an Old Trafford charity match.
JANUARY 1998: Posh and Becks announce their engagement.
JUNE 1998: Plays in his first World Cup with England but is sent off in defeat against Argentina.
MARCH 1999: Has his first child, son Brooklyn, with fiancée Victoria.
MAY 1999: Wins the treble with United as they beat Bayern Munich in the Champions League final.
JULY 1999: Weds Posh in lavish ceremony in Dublin’s Luttrellstown Castle.
NOVEMBER 2000: Named England captain for first time.
OCTOBER 2001: Celebrates as his free-kick goal against Greece takes England to World Cup, left.
JUNE 2003: Joins Real Madrid after falling out of favour with United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
JANUARY 2005: Becomes a UNICEF goodwill ambassador, having previously supported its work for children.
MARCH 2005: Opens his first football academy.
JULY 2005: Helps London to win its bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games.
JULY 2007: Joins US side LA Galaxy, before two loan moves to Italian giants AC Milan while in LA.
JANUARY 2013: Joins Paris Saint-Germain, donating wages to kids’ charity.
MAY 2013: Retires from professional football.
FEBRUARY 2015: The 7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund is launched to mark his tenth year as goodwill ambassador.
JUNE 2024: Becomes a King’s Foundation ambassador.
