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Acting U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Kevin Kim has left his post in Seoul and returned to the United States, the foreign ministry said Wednesday, amid speculation he may be assigned a new role in the Trump administration related to Korea issues.

Kim’s departure came just about two months after he took up the post as charge d’affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul in October last year.

Kim succeeded then acting U.S. Ambassador Joseph Yun after the position had remained vacant since former U.S. Ambassador to Seoul Philip Goldberg left the post early last year following the launch of the second Trump administration.

Kim recently informed Seoul officials he returned to the U.S., according to the foreign ministry.

Jim Heller, deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, is expected to serve as charge d’affaires until a new ambassador is appointed.

Sources say that Kim could be tapped for a new role handling Korea-related issues, possibly a position tasked with implementing the summit agreements reached between the allies on security and other matters, or dealing with North Korea issues.

Kim has likely been named a senior adviser to Allison Hooker, U.S. under secretary of state for political affairs, a diplomatic source said. Both Hooker and Kim were deeply involved in nuclear negotiations with North Korea during Trump’s first term, when denuclearization talks were in full swing.

Prior to his posting in Seoul, Kim served as U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state for China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia and Taiwan at the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs.

Kim’s departure leaves the ambassadorial post in Seoul vacant once again. Goldberg assumed the position more than a year after the Biden administration took office. It took about 18 months for Ambassador Harry Harris to take up the post under Trump’s first term.

Jan. 4 (UPI) — Former New York City cop, U.S. Secret Service agent and conservative media personality Dan Bongino has exited his post as deputy director after less than a year in the office.

“It was a busy last day on the job. This will be my last post on this account. Tomorrow I return to civilian life,” Bongino, 51, posted on X Saturday.

“It’s been an incredible year thanks to the leadership and decisiveness of President [Donald] Trump. It was the honor of a lifetime to work with Director [Kash] Patel, and to serve you, the American people. See you on the other side.”

On Bongino’s last shift Saturday, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia were captured by U.S. special forces and FBI agents, and flown to New York where they are to be arraigned on weapons and drug charges on Monday.

“Dan heads back to the private sector after helping orchestrate a record year for the @fbi,” Patel wrote on X Sunday.

“-Historic 20% drop in nationwide murder rate-100% increase in arrests year to year -1,800 gangs and criminal enterprises disrupted (210% increase)-2,000+ kilos of Fentanyl seized (up 31%) enough to kill 130 million Americans-Nihilistic Violent Extremism arrests up 490%-Over 6,000 child victims located (up 22%),” Patel continued.

“-Espionage arrests up 35%-Multiple successful surges including Summer Heat which had almost 9,000 arrests in just three months This FBI is saving lives, protecting innocent kids, and taking deadly drugs off our streets at levels not seen in decades. None of it would’ve been possible without Dan’s leadership and support. And he paved the way for even better things to come. Thank you @dbongino.”

Bongino replied to Patel, stating: “Thank you my friend, it was an honor to serve with you. You’re doing an incredible job and I KNOW you’re focused, resolute, and over the target. We got a lot done in a year and there’s a lot more coming.”

Bongino announced last month that he was planning to leave.

At the time, Trump told reporters Bongino had done a “great job,” but wants to “get back to his show.”

CNN said Bongino exited because he frequently clashed with Attorney General Pam Bondi and because the job was taking a toll on his personal life.

Fox News said Andrew Bailey is now the only deputy director at the FBI.

A REALITY star just clapped back against trolls in the sassiest way, uplifting women of all shapes and sizes.

The former Love Triangle contestant, 29, has grown tired of trolls making unnecessary remarks about her weight.

So she snipped out one of the nasty comments and posted a simple yet effective response – immediately shutting the troll down.

Sadie Bass got dolled up in a gorgeous forest green bodycon dress with a plunging neckline.

The darts at the waists cinched in her fabulous figure, while she confidently smiled her red lips towards the camera.

She finished the look off by curling her hair into a vintage-esque wave that flowed freely down her shoulders.

AMOR TO SHOW

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the one

Reality stars reveal they’re moving in together a year after meeting

“is this body CHUBBY or curvey… am confused,” said the rude comment Sadie pasted next to the clip of her in the stunning down.

But Sadie clapped back: “This body is *HOT I hope that clears up any confusion x” while mouthing along to Michael Jackson‘s Dirty Diana, flaunting her beauty.

As Sadie flipped her hair and modelled the dress to perfection during the clip, her fans couldn’t get enough.

“Damn straight,” said one user in the post’s comments on Instagram.

A second added: “Always sexy and beautiful xxx.”

A third empathised with Sadie’s feelings about women being labelled: “Beautiful!

“I had an ex who called me chunky and I was upset at the fact he even had to put a label on it.”

Captioned, “People’s obsession with categorising women’s body types is BORING. can we leave it in 2025 pls???”, fans adored Sadie’s striking between sass and profound messaging.

Sadie appeared on season two of the Channel 4 reality show Love Triangle.

It’s where she met her partner Danny, who she moved in with in the middle of last year.

Love Triangle sees six singletons (the pickers) who text two potential lovers and then have to pick one for a blind date.

Viewers watch contestants meet for the first time after exchanging flirty texts, before moving in together and learning more about one another.

Some of the couples on the show were introduced to a third person (Sadie, in Danny’s case).

At the end of the series the picker has to choose who they want to be with out of the love triangle.

SAM Thompson has dropped a huge hint he’s split with his new girlfriend in a cryptic Instagram message.

The Made in Chelsea alum, 33, was recently seen on a night out with partner Talitha Balinska and his former E4 show co-stars after they made their relationship official.

Sam began dating model and DJ Talitha back in October but the pair only went official last month.

Yet he hinted there could be trouble in paradise as he posted a solo shot to Instagram Stories showing him cuddling his cat.

He was seen snug with the feline – who he shared with ex Zara McDermott, 29 – yet posted the mystery caption: “Starting 2026 as I mean to go on.”

Sam followed up with a red Emoji love heart.

BOYS’ NIGHT OUT

Sam Thompson & Pete Wicks’ mystery women revealed after night partying

party on

Sam Thompson and Pete Wicks spotted cosying up to mystery women at celeb party

The wording, alongside the snap of solely him and his pet, led some to think he was single – and putting his efforts into his home life.

Yet his fans will no doubt be hoping the romance with glam Talitha remains on track.

His upload came after ex Zara posted a loved-up snap with her man, Louis Tomlinson, after the pair too the huge next step in their relationship.

SAM’S ROMANCE

After months of dating, Sam announced at the beginning of December that he and Talitha had made things “official”.

Speaking to his best pal Pete Wicks on their Staying Relevant podcast, Sam confirmed they had taken their romance to the next level.

He said excitedly: “I’ve got a girlfriend. I’ve got a girlfriend!”

Sam then revealed the moment he asked Talitha out on a dinner date, explaining: “Yeah, I just, I just said, ‘Look, I really like you. I mean, I really, really like you and you make me feel really… comfortable.’”

Continuing, the star said: “You know, I wouldn’t be dating someone this amount of time if I didn’t think it had legs to last.

“So will you be my girlfriend?’ And she said ‘yes’. And so I said, ‘great’”.

In December, the former King of the I’m A Celeb jungle returned from Australia, where he was filming for I’m A Celeb’s spin-off show Unpacked.

And while he was Down Under, new girlfriend Talitha was making herself at home in his £3M Chelsea abode.

Sam also previously introduced Talitha to his sister Louise, her fiancé Ryan, and their son Leo and they shared a picture of the moment.

THE SPLIT

Meanwhile, Sam and his last girlfriend Zara, who appeared on Made In Chelsea together, called time on their romance last December.

The couple spent last Christmas apart, confirming shortly after that they had ended their relationship after “a tough year”.

 A source close to the couple told MailOnline at the time: “Sam and Zara have ended their relationship. It’s been an incredibly difficult decision for them to part ways, they still care and have a lot of love for each other.”

DAVID Beckham sent out a major olive branch to estranged son Brooklyn tonight in a series of emotional family posts.

The proud dad, 50, shared pictures of his brood, including son Brooklyn, 26, who has been absent from all family occasions this year, on Instagram and wrote: “You are my life [heart emojis]. I love you all, love daddy. On to 2026 x”

One black and white image saw wife Victoria on a sofa cradling baby daughter Harper and snuggling up to her three sons Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz.

Even more tellingly, David posted a picture of him and Brooklyn cheek to cheek and wrote: “I love you all so much.”

Brooklyn, who lives in LA with wife Nicola Peltz and is eight hours behind his Cotswolds based dad, has yet to post ahead of the New Year.

The loving family posts from David follow hot on the heels of his 2025 highlights reel, none of which featured Brooklyn.

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Among his greatest hits were huge life milestones like turning 50 and being knighted by King Charles.

Other features included Victoria’s Paris Fashion Week show and snaps of his children Romeo, 22, Cruz, 20 and Harper, 13, on holiday enjoying quality time together.

David wrote: “I feel very lucky to have had the year I’ve had in 2025 full of moments that I will never forget from my 50th to my knighthood (still pinching myself ) and then finishing with winning the MLS as an owner.“

Despite not mentioning Brooklyn by name, David sweetly praised his “kids” and shared his love for them.

He added: “I‘m so grateful to my incredible wife, my amazing children, my friends and team I work with every single day nothing would have been possible without you all… But as Sir Alex Ferguson would say ‘On to the next‘.

“Thank you for the incredible memories I will forever remember 2025. Victoria I love you & our kids.”

Today, former Manchester United ace Becks also wished his old boss Sir Alex a happy birthday.

Meanwhile, Brooklyn and Nicola put on a united front this week as they continued their festive love-in Stateside.

In a photo, the pair were seen relaxing on a sofa in matching clothes.

Writing next to the picture, Nicola said: “We didn’t plan our outfits.”

Replying to her post, her husband wrote: “You’re my sweetie pie!”

WEDDING NO SHOW

The post came days after Brooklyn skipped childhood pal Holly Ramsay’s wedding.

The Ramsays and Beckhams are longtime friends and Brooklyn was once close pals with Holly as they grew up in LA together.

All of his family were in attendance to see Holly marry Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty on Saturday at Bath Abbey.

Victoria even designed the mother-of-the-bride’s dress.

Adam hailed the 200 guests’ support during his own “difficult time” after banning his mum Caroline from the wedding. 

FAMILY FALLOUT

The Beckham family feud has been rumbling on for most of the year, worsening since Brooklyn and Nicola snubbed his dad’s 50th birthday in May.

The couple have also shared subtle digs at his family in recent days after his brother Cruz revealed the Beckhams woke up to being blocked by the couple.

In a TikTok post after Cruz spoke out, Brooklyn played Lady Gaga’s song Telephone and wrote the lyrics: “Sorry I cannot hear you I’m kinda busy.”

Nicola also penned: “I love being home” in a selfie posted to social media, after the couple both shared photos from their Christmas with her parents.

CHRISTMAS APART

Victoria and David revealed a glimpse of their Christmas in Oxfordshire without Brooklyn.

In a touching video shared on social media, the couple – who have been together for 28 years – sang to each other as they slowed danced on Christmas Day.

And in what appeared to be a pointed message to their estranged son, Brooklyn the couple delivered the lyric: “And we’ve got nothing to be sorry for…”

They were dancing to Guilty sung by Barbra Streisand and Barry Gibb.

Sharing the video, Victoria penned: “David and Victoria giving their very best Barry and Barbra on Christmas Day xxx kisses from us both xx @davidbeckham.”

ADAM Peaty’s Strictly co-star Dan Walker came under fire over a “tone deaf” post about being invited to his wedding – after he cut family members from the big day.

The 31-year-old uninvited his mum and blocked texts from his family – as Gordon Ramsay took a swipe at the swimmer’s parents in his father-of-the-bride speech.

A number of well-known guests were seen attending the wedding of the Olympic athlete and TV chef Gordon’s daughter.

Newsreader Dan shared a photo of the order of service from Bath Abbey where Adam married Holly Ramsay on Saturday.

He captioned his post: “We had a lovely time celebrating with @adam_peaty & @hollyramsayy yesterday.

“Great wedding, top people, wonderful service, unforgettable reception, brilliant speeches and we got to sing some bangers in the church too.”

FOR PEATY’S SAKE

Gordon’s fiery speech at Holly’s wedding as Adam blocks texts from family

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Adam Peaty wedding compared to ‘hospital appointment’ as guest complains

Dragon’s Den star Sara shared photos from her friendship with Adam over the years, and said: “Yesterday I had the privilege of being at this amazing man’s wedding – and it also gave me a moment to reflect on how lucky I’ve been to have him in my life over the past four years.

“From the first day we met on Strictly, we’ve been firm friends, and it was a real honour to sit in Bath Abbey and watch him get emotional as the love of his life walked down the aisle.

“It was such a special day. Simon and I had the best time, the service was beautiful – and I’m sure you’ll not be surprised to hear me say, it was hands down the best wedding food I’ve ever had.

“Wishing my wonderful friend and his gorgeous bride a lifetime of happiness together.”

However both celebrities came under fire from their followers.

One told Dan: “Pity his mum and dad didn’t enjoy it too. Insensitive post,” as another said: “Nice Christian thing to do sticking it to his mother for not getting an invite. Well done Saint Dan…”

Another said: “Couldn’t agree more. Tone deaf.”

Another fan typed beneath his post: “I think this post is upsetting on so many levels.”

While One more remarked: “Sorry Dan poor judgment given the devastating circumstances for the Peaty parents.”

This person asked the TV star: “Sorry Dan, but did you really have to post this?

“For those of Adams family who weren’t there, for whatever reason, it might come across as insensitive.”

Sara was also blasted by some of her followers.

One posted: “There is something very wrong with celebrities sharing their attendance- when the most important person (regardless of who was right/wrong) was not there.”

A second person suggested: “Now Sarah you know this would bring up not good comments. You know what you are doing.

One more said: “That brakes my heart that you get the privilege to put this. As a mother of a son it breaks my heart.”

Among the A-list guests at the nuptials were Ramsay family friends Sir David Beckham and wife Victoria, plus their sons Romeo and Cruz and daughter Harper.

The maids of honour wore dresses designed by Victoria in red, while Tana wore a similar style dress in green.

Security was tight, with guests wearing wristbands embossed with H&A.

But most of Adam’s family, including his mum Caroline, dad Mark and brothers James and Richard, stayed at home 150 miles away after he fell out with them.

Adam’s family feud exploded after his mum Caroline was not invited to Holly’s hen do.

It then escalated when Adam later called cops after his brother James allegedly made threats via text while Adam was on his stag do.

A family source told The Sun on Sunday last night: “Frankly, it’s disgusting that it went ahead without Adam reaching out to his mum and dad beforehand.”

The family were left even more distraught amid claims dad Mark was told by the swimmer’s sister Beth before Christmas he could attend, but had to sit at the back.

Our source said: “It was a difficult day for Caroline and Mark, so the family spent the evening together.

“Caroline got upset as soon as she saw the photographs from the wedding.

“For him to turn around and tell Beth that his dad could come and sit at the back of the church is awful.

“Mark was told he could sit behind plus-ones — who Adam has probably never even seen or spoken to.”

The star’s swimming coach Melanie Marshall stepped in to deliver a reception speech, in place of his brothers.

Dec. 27 (Asia Today) — China’s industrial profits in November posted their sharpest year-on-year decline in 14 months amid weak domestic demand and deflation concerns, according to data released Friday.

Reuters and other outlets reported that China’s National Bureau of Statistics said industrial profits in November fell 13.1% from a year earlier. The decline followed an October drop of 5.5%, marking the second consecutive monthly fall and the weakest reading since September last year, when profits fell 27.1%.

Cumulative industrial profits for January through November rose 0.1% from a year earlier, slowing from 1.9% growth in the January-October period, the bureau said.

By sector, mining profits fell 27.2% in the January-November period, while profits rose in manufacturing (+5.0%) and utilities such as electricity and water (+8.4%).

Coal mining and ore processing profits fell 47.3% over the first 11 months of the year, the data showed. Profits rose in computer, communications and other electronic equipment manufacturing (+15.0%) and automobile manufacturing (+7.5%).

Reuters said industrial profits remain sluggish despite strong exports, reflecting weak domestic demand and fueling calls for additional stimulus measures.

The report said Beijing has not announced new stimulus as the government’s “around 5%” growth target for this year is seen as within reach, though expectations for further support persist as authorities have repeatedly pledged to boost domestic demand and promote employment next year.

China’s industrial profits are calculated based on enterprises with annual main business revenue exceeding 20 million yuan, about 4.1 billion won ($3.1 million).

— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

© Asia Today. Unauthorized reproduction or redistribution prohibited.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery insists it is still too early to say whether his side is in contention for the Premier League title despite being third in the table after their 2-1 victory against Chelsea.

MATCH REPORT: Chelsea 1-2 Aston Villa

Available to UK users only.

Arne Slot says Liverpool are doing enough things right to be winning their matches more comfortably following a nervy 2-1 victory against Premier League bottom club Wolves.

MATCH REPORT: Liverpool 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

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CHRISTINE McGuinness has taken a subtle swipe at ex Paddy in a post after taking off her wedding ring following their split.

Model Christine, 37, has unveiled a new gorgeous ring three years after her split from Radio 2 presenter Paddy.

The couple announced their split in 2022 after 11 years of marriage and three children.

Christine has now revealed she commissioned a bespoke ring featuring three huge diamonds to represent each of her kids, twins Leo and Penelope, 12, and 9-year-old Felicity.

The three diamonds are unique in shape and are connected via one silver band, with Christine sharing photos of the extraordinary jewellery on Instagram.

She wrote alongside the snaps: “Three diamonds, three babies, three reasons my heart shines.

ROUND OUR PAD

Christine & me will spend Xmas together for the kids, says Paddy McGuinness

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“Different shapes, same sparkle, all beautifully unique just like my children.

“A new chapter, a new ring, one for each of them  a love that never ends.

“It took three years to find the perfect piece but they were worth every moment.”

In a subtle reference to her divorce, Christine added: “Not a wedding ring.

She added: “But a forever ring for the little loves who fill my heart everyday.

“Thank you for creating this beautiful, unique, very special ring @luxury_watches_and_jewellery”

Paddy and Christine were together for 15 years, and she continues to live in the home they shared with the kids.

During their divorce proceedings, it was ruled that Paddy, 52, will be able to keep the £2.5million mansion they both call home.

But in an unexpected twist, it was ruled that Christine and their kids could continue living in the seven-bedroom Cheshire home, which has a gym and swimming pool.

Christine and their kids have autism, and she reportedly didn’t want to uproot their kids from the house they grew up in.

Paddy told The Sun he and Christine still spend Christmas together for the sake of their three children.

Asked if he and Christine spend Christmas Day together, Paddy, 52, replied: “Of course, because both of our families are our children’s relatives. Our children are always happy to see all of our family.

“Luckily for us it’s a nice vibe in our household so there’s never anything where the children feel anything negative whatsoever.

“I think most parents who have separated want what’s best for the children.”

BROOKLYN Beckham’s wife Nicola Peltz has taken to social media to celebrate her family in a new post – just days after her husband’s decision to block his entire family online.

Brooklyn, 26, allegedly made the decision after Victoria Beckham “liked” one of his Instagram posts about cooking a roast chicken, which caused a frenzy in the comments section.

But it appears Nicola has now broken her silence on the matter, sharing a post of her own about family.

The actress, 30, posted a snap of herself and her father beaming, celebrating Hanukah.

Her billionaire dad, Nelson Peltz, is standing behind the candles placed in their menorah.

Captioning the post: “Happy Hanukah from our family to yours,” Nicola appeared to gloss over ongoing tension with her parents-in-law, who she has also blocked online.

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Real reason Brooklyn Beckham’s wife Nicola blocked his entire family on Instagram

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Nicola has reportedly blocked the rest of the Beckham clan as well, including Brooklyn’s 14-year-old sister, Harper.

Sources confirmed to The Sun that Nicola stands by Brooklyn’s decision wholeheartedly and as such followed his lead in blocking all of the family too.

One insider said to The Sun: “Brooklyn and Nicola have been and will always be a united front.”

Another source close to the couple says: “She will always back him so that’s why she’s done the same and blocked his family.”

After Victoria “liked” her son’s most recent cooking post, it led to a sea of comments from fans who noticed the potential olive branch, urging Brooklyn to make amends with his family.

It’s understood that this annoyed Brooklyn and created pressure, so he responded by cutting contact with all of the Beckham’s online.

Friends of the influencer have deemed Brooklyn’s family’s behaviour as “unacceptable”.

Meanwhile, a source told the Daily Mail: “David and Victoria will never stop loving Brooklyn.

“They will always be here for him and they always want him to know that, they are devastated at this fall out.

“So far from this being them, it appears that Brooklyn has blocked them to show them that’s it, this is final.

“It is very clear that this is a sign of his complete estrangement from his family.

“For David and Victoria it was their last connection to Brooklyn as he has made it very clear he doesn’t want to talk to them anymore, they haven’t spoken for months and months now.

“By following him it was a message to him that they still love him and still want to follow his life. Now they can’t do that, but it’s not their doing.”

Brooklyn’s younger brother Cruz, 20, refuted reports that his parents had unfollowed Brooklyn in an Instagram story post on Saturday, claiming David and Victoria had been ‘blocked’ by Brooklyn instead.

The feud between Brooklyn and Nicola and the Beckham’s first began in 2022 when there were reports that Nicola had refused to wear a wedding gown designed by Victoria.

Rumblings escalated as rumours began to swirl that Brooklyn had dated Romeo Beckham’s ex Kim Turnbull, despite denying ever getting together.

Increasingly distancing himself from his family, Brooklyn has attended less family gatherings including David’s 50th birthday, mum Victoria’s Netflix docuseries premiere and his dad’s knighthood ceremony.

Driving Home For Christmas singer Chris Rea was making festive posts on social media hours before he died ‘peacefully in hospital’ at the age of 74 following a short illness

Chris Rea made reference to his famous Christmas song in his final social media post which he shared just hours before his sudden death. A spokesperson for the music legend announced on Monday that he had died following a short illness, at the age of 74.

The musician, who was from Middlesbrough, is arguably best known for his 1988 song, Driving Home For Christmas. And amid the 2025 festive season, he had been sharing social media posts about the countdown to Christmas.

On Sunday, the star uploaded a photo of a car driving through snow along a busy motorway. A Variable Message Sign was also in shot which had the message: “Driving home for Christmas with a thousand memories. Adding a caption of his own, Chris wrote: “Top to toe in tailbacks … If it’s a white Christmas, let’s hope the journey’s a smooth one.”

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The singer added the hashtages #DrivingHomeForChristmas, #ChristmasSongs, #ChristmasMusic and #ChrisRea to the post – as well as a snowflake and a car emoji. Just hours later, family members of the singer were around the star as he died.

A spokesperson confirmed on Monday: “It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Chris. He passed away peacefully in hospital earlier today following a short illness, surrounded by his family.”

Chris had suffered from a number of health conditions in recent years, including peritonitis, pancreatic cancer and diabetes – while it has been reported that he would inject insulin up to seven times per day as he battled his conditions. Following the news of his death, fans have flooded social media with tributes and memories of the star.

One wrote on X: “Genuinely gutted to hear this. A proper Teesside legend. Safe drive home Chris… Damn… he lived for his cars, wonderful guitarist, and made so many great albums. RIP Chris Rea… Aah no! Bad news…”

Another typed: “Chris Rea has died. Shocked. Talented, he was also a really nice guy. I’m freaked because I mentioned him in a pre-Yule newsletter from my website. Chris had loads of friends in Ireland. He’ll be missed. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam…”

Chris had previously discussed his health issues – revealing: “I’ve had nine major operations in ten years. A lot of it is to do with something called retroperitoneal fibrosis, where the internal tissues attack each other. No one knew it existed 20 years ago, and it’s completely unpredictable.. It’s affected the colon, the pancreas, the gall bladder, the liver – and then I get a stroke.”

The singer went on to explain that his health was something that could not be taken for granted, despite the chart and commercial success he enjoyed over the years. He said: “I made a lot of money, but you can dangerously let it lead you on…

“It depends what company you keep. I once said to Michael Winner, ‘I’m the poorest man on this Barbados beach.’ On days like today, the richest man in the world is the one who hasn’t got a bad shoulder.”

Chris is survived by his wife Joan Lesley, who he was together with since they were teenagers, and their two daughters; Josephine, born 16 September 1983, and Julia Christina, born 18 March 1989. As well as Driving Home For Christmas, he penned tracks including On the Beach, Let’s Dance, and The Road To Hell.

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Puka Nacua’s comments about NFL officiating came with a cost — and not just the distraction the controversy caused the Rams before their overtime defeat by the Seattle Seahawks.

The NFL fined the Rams receiver $25,000 for remarks he made about NFL officiating, according to NFL Media.

Nacua caught 12 passes for a career-best 225 yards and two touchdowns against the Seahawks.

During a livestream on Tuesday, with YouTubers N3on and Adin Ross, Nacua said, “The refs are the worst.”

Nacua did not stop there.

“These guys are lawyers, and like, really, they want to be on TV, too, bro,” Nacua said. “You don’t think he’s texting his friends in the group chat like, ‘Yo, you guys just saw me on “Sunday Night Football.” Like, that wasn’t [pass interference], but I called it.’”

After the loss to the Seahawks, Nacua appeared to double down.

“Can you say I was wrong,” he posted to X. “Appreciate you stripes for your contribution. Lol”

The post was quickly deleted.

“Just a moment of frustration after a tough, intense game like that, just thinking of the opportunities that I could have done better to take it out of their hands,” Nacua told reporters in the locker room. “Just a moment of frustration.”

Coach Sean McVay said during his postgame news conference that he had not seen Nacua’s post to X.

In regard to Nacua’s criticism of officials during the livestream, McVay said, “Yeah, we don’t want to do that.”

It was a tumultuous week for Nacua, who apologized Thursday for making a antisemitic gesture during the same livestream, saying he didn’t know that the gesture was considered offensive.

HELEN Flanagan was issued a warning from her fans after threatening to “destroy” her ex Scott Sinclair.

The former Coronation Street actress split up from her footballer fiance in 2022, but the pair has struggled to co-parent their three children with Helen recently lashing out at him on Instagram.

Helen called Scott “a piece of s**t” for missing their youngest son’s nativity play, but it seems trouble must have been brewing weeks ago.

The actress posted to TikTok wearing a sexy, animal print corset top and brushed her blonde her as an audio recording of boxer Tyson Fury played over the top.

The audio from 2017 was Tyson saying: “I will destroy you, I will dismantle you, I will dissect you like an insect, smash you to pieces without no hesitation.”

It was a warning to fellow Brit boxer, Anthony Joshua and Helen joked that she too was using it as a threat to Scott.

HEL & BACK

How Helen Flanagan’s split from Scott turned nuclear & why Xmas may spark clash

hel no

Helen Flanagan cuts last tie with ex Scott Sinclair after lashing out at footballer

“My voice notes to my baby dad ( I’m 5ft 4, and struggle to open a bottle of water),” Helen captioned the TikTok.

Her fans were divided about the video and shared their thoughts in the comment section.

“Please be careful posting content like this Helen, if he ever took you to Court over child access, his representation would happily use this against you. Also, your eldest is at an age where she may see this and whatever has happened between you as adults seeing stuff like this about her Dad may upset her,” wrote one person.

Another added: “Hope your kids don’t see this. Take the high ground hun. Even if he is a piece of s***. Your future self will thank you.”

And a third commented: “All I’ll say is yes queen.”

Things seemed to go nuclear between Helen and Scott this week when she slated him online for missing son Charlie’s nativity play.

Helen this week lashed out this week at the Bristol Rovers footballer who was living it up in Abu Dhabi, rather than at Charlie’s big day.

The actress labelled her ex a “piece of s**t” after he posted photos of himself at the F1 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi over the weekend.

She shared his post to her Instagram stories and added: “How dare you not turn up to Charlie’s nativity.”

The couple who split in 2022, share children Matilda, 10, and seven-year-old Delilah as well as son Charlie, four.

And now, a source has revealed that Helen was expecting Scott to watch Charlie’s nativity play due to her busy workload.

She is currently starring as The Wicked Queen in a production of Snow White in Liverpool.

Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia finished second in Heisman Trophy voting to Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

That, of course, is quite an accomplishment.

But Pavia apparently felt otherwise. After the results were announced Saturday in New York, the 23-year-old senior posted a photo of himself with his offensive linemen on his Instagram Stories and gave it a profane caption.

“F-ALL THE VOTERS,” Pavia wrote, followed by a thumbs-down emoji, “BUT ….. FAMILY FOR LIFE”

On Sunday night, Pavia posted a lengthy apology on X.

“Being a part of the Heisman ceremony last night as a finalist was such an honor,” he wrote. “As a competitor, just like in everything I do I wanted to win. To be so close to my dream and come up short was painful. I didn’t handle those emotions well at all and did not represent myself the way I wanted to.

“I have much love and respect for the Heisman voters and the selection process, and I apologize for being disrespectful. It was a mistake, and I am sorry.”

Heisman Trophy finalists, from left to right, Notre Dame‘s Jeremiah Love, Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia and Ohio State’s Julian Sayin pose with the trophy before the award ceremony Dec. 13 in New York.

(Eduardo Munoz Alvarez / Associated Press)

Mendoza received 643 first-place votes and 2,362 overall points to Pavia’s 189 first-place votes and 1,435 points. Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love finished third in voting (46 first place, 719 points), and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin was fourth (eight first place, 432 points).

Indiana (13-0) is the top team in the College Football Playoff rankings and will play the Oklahoma-Alabama winner in the Rose Bowl. Mendoza has played a large role in the Hoosiers’ success. He completed 71.5% of his passes for 2,980 yards with a national-best 33 touchdown passes and six interceptions. In addition, Mendoza rushed for 240 yards and six touchdowns.

“Fernando Mendoza is an elite competitor and a deserving winner of the award,” Pavia wrote. “I have nothing but respect for his accomplishments as well as the success that Jeremiyah and Julian had this season.”

Pavia also put up huge numbers for Vanderbilt (10-2), which was No. 14 in the final CFP ranking and will play Iowa in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Jan. 1. He completed 71.2% of his passes for 3,192 yards with 27 touchdowns and eight interceptions and rushed for 826 yards and nine touchdowns.

A former walk-on at New Mexico Military Institute, Pavia played two years at New Mexico State before transferring to Vanderbilt in 2024. Leading up to the Heisman ceremony, Pavia declared himself the best college football player of all time. He recently told Sports Illustrated, however, that his self-confidence should not be mistaken for arrogance.

“As an underdog paying to walk on to JUCO, you kind of have to be your own cheerleader,” Pavia said. “And it just never left my head, to be like ‘Oh I arrived, I don’t need to do that anymore.’”

Pavia reflected on his past in his apology post.

“I’ve been doubted my whole life. Every step of my journey I’ve had to break down doors and fight for myself, because Ive learned that nothing would be handed to me,” he wrote. “My family has always been in my corner, and my teammates, coaches and staff have my six. I love them — I am grateful for them. — and I wouldn’t want anything to distract from that. I look forward to competing in front of my family and with my team one more time in the ReliaQuest Bowl.”

HOME And Away star Rachael Carpani shared a tragic post detailing her health struggles before her sudden death.

The Australian actress, 45, died after “a long battle with a chronic illness”, according to her heartbroken parents.

In 2021, she was rushed to hospital in Sydney after suffering from acute abdominal pain.

The issues caused Carpani, also known for her role in hit Aussie TV show McLeod’s Daughters, to even spend a few days in an intensive care unit before she was taken in for surgery.

She wrote at the time: “I was admitted to emergency with acute abdominal pain just over a week ago and spent a few days in the ICU.

“Was then moved to the surgical ward.”

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Carpani said the pain had existed for some time before her issues severely worsened all of a sudden.

She added: “Basically it was a case of me not listening to my body and the pain [I tend to work through pain!] and allowing myself to get quite ill.”

She urged all her followers to always take note of any health woes and to get them checked out as soon as possible.

In a now heartbreaking post from last year, Carpani shared images of herself posing for a photoshoot following a bout of surgery.

Alongside the smiling images, Carpani explained: “My first time back in front of a camera for a photoshoot two days ago.

“No hospital gown, no awesome surgery socks ….[have to admit I miss the comfort].”

It is unclear what surgery the actress was recovering from at the time.

In June 2023, Carpani also underwent surgery on her eyes.

She wrote on Instagram: “After a life with horrific short-sightedness, wearing glasses from the age of 5, I bit the bullet and got ‘eyeball’ surgery.”

She later confirmed it was phakic intraocular lense replacement which is a vision correction surgery where a permanent artificial lens is implanted in the eye.

In an emotional statement, the star’s parents announced her shock passing.

They said: “It is with great sadness that Tony and Gael Carpani announce that their beautiful daughter, beloved Australian actress Rachael Carpani, unexpectedly but peacefully passed away after a long battle with chronic illness.”

She passed away on December 7 in the early hours of the morning.

Her family has said the funeral will be a “private event”.

Carpani was best known for her role as Jodi Fountain in the hit early 2000s series, McLeod’s Daughters.

She appeared on the show between 2001 and 2009 and earned two Logie nominations for her on-screen performance.

The Logies are Australia’s annual awards for television, celebrating Australian TV shows and personalities.

In 2007, Rachael was nominated for a Silver Logie for most popular actress, as well as the biggest award of the night, the Gold Logie.

She had also appeared in a number of films, including The Very Excellent Mr Dundee, Hating Alison Ashley and The Way Back.

More recently, she had a recurring role in hit Aussie soap Home and Away, playing Claudia Salini, an on-screen villain.