reveals

Ryan Thomas reveals emotional reason he returned to Coronation Street nine years after quitting as Jason Grimshaw

RYAN Thomas has revealed the emotional reason for returning to Coronation Street – nine years after quitting his role as Jason Grimshaw.

The star, 40, played builder Jason in the ITV soap from 2000 until leaving in 2016.

Ryan Thomas at the BRIT Awards 2024.

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Ryan Thomas has revealed the emotional reason for his Corrie returnCredit: Getty
Photo of Coronation Street actors Ryan Thomas and Sue Cleaver at a funeral.

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He has reprised his role as Jason Grimshaw after nearly a decade awayCredit: Rex
A woman accuses a man of murder in a pub.

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The character most recently appeared in 2016Credit: ITV

Earlier this year, The Sun revealed Ryan would be making a comeback to the cobbles after almost a decade away.

He has now opened up about the emotional reason behind his return.

Speaking to Metro, Ryan said: “It was a mix of nostalgia and gratitude for what the show has done for me.

“When they told me Eileen was leaving, it felt right to be a part of that storyline for her and revisit where it all started.”

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Elsewhere, the star admitted how he “couldn’t sleep the night before” – despite his long tenure on the soap.

Ryan shared: “Even though I’d been there half my life, I felt like the new kid at school.

“It took me half a day to get rid of the nerves. It was a bit of a shock to the system at first.

“I even went on YouTube to rewatch old scenes and got nervous.

“But it became the norm again very quickly. Everything about the script made it easy for me.”

A source previously told us: “It was a no brainer for Ryan to return when he was asked – it’s all for Sue.

This Morning and I’m A Celebrity star reveal they were BOTH snubbed for 99 To Beat presenting role that went to Ryan and Adam Thomas

“She’s like a second mum to him and he was willing to do anything to make her send off as special as she deserves it to be.

“He’s not acted for a while so it’s a bit daunting but he played Jason for so long that he’s looking forward to going back to the cobbles.”

Since leaving Coronation Street in 2016, Ryan later quit acting after saying he “lost the bug for it”.

At the time, he revealed on Mancs on the Mic: “It’s hard for me. I started off acting, I started off in that game and I really lost the bug for it.

Corrie cash crisis: shock exits for 2025

ITV bosses are locked in a battle to save the cash-strapped soap.

This means that a number of stars have either been axed from or have abandoned the long-running serial drama.

Colson Smith – Craig Tinker

The character of Craig Tinker has been axed by bosses after 14 years. After he was told of the news in Autumn 2024, Colson Smith confirmed that would be written out of the show with scenes to air later this year. Craig’s on-screen mum, Beth Tinker, also left the show in the summer when actress Lisa George was written out from the role.

Sue Cleaver – Eileen Grimshaw

After 25 years playing Eileen Grimshaw, former I’m A Celebrity campmate Sue Cleaver will quit the show. The Sun on Sunday reported in January that she’s already begun to film her exit scenes. However the character will not be killed off in case Sue opts to make a return in the future.

Luca Toolan – Mason Radcliffe

Bosses decided to axe the teenage character after just 16 months after he first joined the show. Recent scenes saw Mason stabbed by his criminal brothers after his pal Dylan brought a knife in an attempt to defend him.

Sue Devaney – Debbie Webster

In November 2024, we revealed that Debbie Webster is set to be killed off after 40 years on the cobbles. The character will die as part of a heartbreaking long-running dementia storyline.

Charlotte Jordan – Daisy Midgeley

The actress became the fifth star to leave Coronation Street in just one month. We revealed that she will bow out of the ITV soap later this year after four years on-screen. Charlotte told sources that she’s hungry to see what other opportunities await.

Shelley King – Yasmeen Metcalfe

The actress has played Yasmeen Metcalfe on the cobbles for the past 11 years and we revealed in January that she finished filming her final scenes. This follows the departure of her on-screen partner Stu Carpenter.

“I feel the reason for losing the bug is rejection and going to auditions and not getting them.”

Ryan has had success on reality TV – winning Celebrity Big Brother in 2018 and Dancing on Ice in 2024.

More recently, he and younger brother Adam Thomas have hosted the game show 99 to Beat.

Coronation Street airs on ITV1 and ITVX.

Ryan Thomas, Dancing on Ice contestant.

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Ryan’s post-Corrie success includes winning Dancing on Ice last yearCredit: PA

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Jake Paul’s send offer to fight KSI on CHRISTMAS EVE and reveals terms including PPV and drug testing

JAKE PAUL has a fight with KSI on his Christmas list after sending his bitter rival an offer to fight on December 24.

The bitter YouTube enemies are yet to settle their score in the ring – despite recent attempts to strike a deal behind the scenes.

Jake Paul and KSI arguing after a boxing match.

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KSI facing off with Jake Paul in 2020Credit: Getty Images – Getty

Nakisa Bidarian – co-founder of Most Valuable Promoters alongside Paul – revealed an offer to fight on Christmas Eve was sent to KSI.

Bidarian said KSI and Wasserman – who promote Misfits Boxing bouts – have had the contract for 15 days.

A bout over ten rounds, at 192.5lb, in an 18x18ft ring with VADA testing to be promoted by MVP and Wasserman was tabled.

He added that the offer included a 50/50 deal PPV share other but the UK which is 60/40 in KSI’s favour and 60/40 to Paul in the US.

A fan probed Bidarian on why the fight would be staged on Christmas Eve.

He responded: “What are you watching Christmas Eve? Nothing. Jake and KSI will have the entire world’s attention.”

Mams Taylor – KSI’s manager and co-founder of Misfits which homes to celebrity-style crossover bouts – hit back.

Taylor said: “Hey man, we sent you an offer too and you insisted we redline yours.

Illustration comparing KSI and Jake Paul's boxing statistics.

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“Yours is one sided. Ours is fair and clearly a real attempt to make the fight actually happen.”

Taylor said they countered with a fight in the US, with a coin toss to decide who walks out second.

Jake Paul reveals stunning behind-the-scenes talks to fight Oleksandr Usyk after teasing shock world title shot

It would include full drug testing, at 190lb over eight rounds in a 20x 20ft ring, co-promoted down the middle with both to mutually approve all costs.

Taylor added: “Your contract had MVP as lead promoter in charge of everything and you put Wasserman boxing USA as side promoter.

“(FYI Wasserman boxing USA does not exist). You purposely omitted Misfits as an ego based mind game tactic.

“C’mon man. Let’s give the people what they want and not let ego’s get in the way.

We have a duty to our clients and respect due to the fans that made them!!”

KSI, 31, is yet to fought since losing a controversial decision to Tommy Fury, 26, in October 2023.

Jake Paul vs KSI: The terms

Jake Paul’s terms

  • 10 rounds
  • 192.5lb
  • 18x18ft ring
  • Full VADA testing
  • December 24th
  • MVP in association with Wasserman

KSI’s terms

  • Fight in USA
  • Full VADA testing
  • 190lb
  • 8 rounds
  • 20x20ft ring
  • Co-promoted down the middle
  • Both promotions to mutually approve all costs and undercard fights etc

He was due to return last August but pulled out with a hand injury before illness saw him withdraw from facing MMA star Dillon Danis, 31, in March.

KSI is now due to have surgery on his busted hand with his boxing career in the air.

Meanwhile Paul, 28, returns against ex-middleweight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, 39, on June 28 in a cruiserweight clash.

It comes after he fought at heavyweight in November to beat Mike Tyson, who controversially came out of retirement aged 58.

Paul now drops back down to the 200lb limit of 14st 4lb while KSI lost to Fury a stone lighter at 183lb.

Their weight disagreement has been the biggest factor standing in the way of the grudge bout.

And Bidarian said: “Not engaging in a back and forth.

“We proposed our terms to Wasserman on April 4th and the offer that followed was those exact terms. Jake Paul wants to fight KSI.

“He does not need to fight KSI. Jake has campaigned at 200+ since December of 2023 and plans to continue at that weight with the intention to contest for a world championship by the end of 2026.”

Jake Paul and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. at a press conference.

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Jake Paul returns on June 28 against Julio Cesar Chavez JrCredit: The Mega Agency

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Eurovision legend reveals they’ve undergone secret facelift aged 36 with clever trick to hide scars

EUROVISION legend Conchita Wurst has revealed she secretly underwent a facelift at the age of 36 – and cleverly hides the scars with her signature beard.

The surprise admission came during a special edition of Scott Mills’ Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2, broadcast live from Basel, Switzerland, ahead of tonight’s Eurovision Grand Final.

Portrait of Conchita Wurst.

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Eurovision legend Conchita Wurst has revealed she secretly underwent a facelift at the age of 36Credit: Instagram

Host Scott asked guests Graham Norton and Conchita for a never-before-heard exclusive – and both delivered.

Graham teased: “I’ve a good one. This is my left shoulder’s first appearance on radio. Brand new shoulder… It’s less than two weeks old.”

Showing off the fresh scar, he added: “It feels a bit new, it’s a little oweee, but forgive me I’m on many, many pain medications right now so if I say anything bad, it’s not my fault.”

Conchita responded: “Oh lucky you!” before casually dropping her own bombshell.

read more on Conchita Wurst

She announced: “My facelift. First time on radio!”

A surprised Scott asked, “Is that real?” to which Conchita confirmed: “Yeah.”

Graham joked, “That beard covers a lot of scars,” prompting Conchita to quip: “Yeah. I got the Lindsay Lohan treatment.”

Scott praised the results: “It is good,” to which Conchita replied: “Thank you.”

Scott added: “What we do is celebrate – Graham’s got a new left shoulder and Conchita’s got a new face!”

Conchita Wurst is the stage name and persona of Austrian singer Thomas Neuwirth.

Scott Mills chats to 2014 Eurovision winner Conchita Wurst

When performing as Conchita, she uses she/her pronouns. As Thomas, he uses he/him pronouns.

Thomas was born November 1988 in Gmunden, Austria, making him 29 years old.

He is a recording artist and drag queen and was part of a short-lived boy band called Jetzt Anders! before creating the Conchita persona in 2011.

Is Conchita Wurst married?

Thomas has created a fictional backstory for Conchita, which includes her marriage to a French burlesque dancer called Jacques Patriaque.

Jacques is a real person and is a friend of Thomas.

Conchita’s backstory helps the singer to keep his real-life relationships private.

When did Conchita win Eurovision?

Conchita was selected to represent Austria in September 2013 at the 2014 Contest.

In May 2014, Conchita travelled to Copenhagen in Denmark for the competition and her song Rise Like a Phoenix was one of 1o favourites to win among bookmakers.

On May 10, Conchita won the Eurovision Contest with 290 points.

It was the first time Austria had won the Contest since 1966.

What is the HIV positive blackmail plot about?

On 16 April 2018, Conchita revealed in a post on Instagram that she has been forced to reveal she is HIV positive after being blackmailed by a former boyfriend.

The bearded performer wrote that she had received medical treatment and that she was feeling healthy and strong.

She wrote that “coming out is better than being outed by a third party”.

She added that her reason for going public was “to encourage (others) and make a step against the stigmatisation of people who through their own behaviour or through no fault of their own were infected with HIV.”

What has Conchita said about her beard?

Conchita’s participation in the 2014 Contest led some to nickname her the ‘bearded lady’.

But speaking on The Graham Norton Show at the time, she said of her beard: “It’s my own truth. It makes me comfortable on stage.

“I love myself and the bearded lady is fun and expresses everything I feel.

“Being a teenager in a small Austrian village was not fabulous.”

  • Rylan and Scott are providing Eurovision commentary tonight on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds from 8pm, with Graham on BBC One and iPlayer.
Conchita Wurst, representing Austria, holding the Eurovision Song Contest trophy.

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Conchita is seen performing onstage at the 69th Eurovision Song Contest last weekCredit: AP:Associated Press
Conchita Wurst, representing Austria, holding the Eurovision Song Contest trophy.

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She won the 2014 contest, representing AustriaCredit: AP:Associated Press
Scott Mills posing backstage at Ascot Racecourse.

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The surprise admission came during a special edition of Scott Mills’ Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2Credit: Getty



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Chocolate lover reveals hack to get £6 Hotel Chocolat gift set for only 95p as shoppers say: ‘I’m already on it’

A SAVVY chocolate lover has revealed a hack to get a Hotel Chocolate gift reduced to just 95p, with shoppers claiming they’re “already on it”.

Joseph Stutter took to Facebook to share his bargain trick, which impressed many sweet treat fans.

Hotel Chocolat birthday chocolates.

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Joseph Stutter shared his hack in a Facebook postCredit: Facebook
Hotel Chocolat store sign.

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The savvy shopper’s hack reduces the price to just 95pCredit: PA

In the post, he shared a photo of a box of chocolates from the popular Hotel Chocolat brand, writing: “If you sign up to the Hotel Chocolat VIP scheme online, you get a £5 voucher near your birthday.

“There’s a £5.50 minimum spend, but the Everything Mini Selection is £5.95 — so these only cost me 95p.”

The Facebook post quickly racked up hundreds of likes and comments from shoppers keen to grab the discounted treat.

One user wrote: “Ooh lovely.”

“Thank you so much for this! It was my birthday last Monday, so this was handy,” commented another.

This savvy shopper added: “Sign up to Lindt as well, they send you a voucher for a box of chocolates on your birthday.”

“I’m already on it,” a fourth said.

It comes after chocolate fans scrambled to their major retailer after it dropped the price of Toblerone bags to just 50p – down from £4.

B&M is behind the deal, with the Toblerone Tiny Bags (280g) spotted on sale at a branch in Bordon, Hampshire.

One eagle-eyed shopper posted the bargain to the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Facebook group and said it was in B&M Bordon, Hampshire.

Shopping discounts – How to make savings and find the best bargains

The post quickly caused a stir on social media, with shoppers eager to grab the deal.

One replied: “What a bargain!”

Another, tagging a sibling, wrote: “Dad would be wanting them.”

A third added: “Oh that’s good. My sister lives there lol.”

Remember to compare prices

It is important to always shop around as you might find a cheaper alternative.

Websites like Trolley and Price Spy let you compare thousands of products across different retailers to find the best price.

Price Spy even lets you see how much an item has cost over time, so you can see if the current price is a good deal.

A quick scan on the Google Shopping/Product tab will also bring up how much retailers are selling a certain item for too.

How to save money on chocolate

We all love a bit of chocolate from now and then, but you don’t have to break the bank buying your favourite bar.

Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how to cut costs…

Go own brand – if you’re not too fussed about flavour and just want to supplant your chocolate cravings, you’ll save by going for the supermarket’s own brand bars.

Shop around – if you’ve spotted your favourite variety at the supermarket, make sure you check if it’s cheaper elsewhere.

Websites like Trolley.co.uk let you compare prices on products across all the major chains to see if you’re getting the best deal.

Look out for yellow stickers – supermarket staff put yellow, and sometimes orange and red, stickers on to products to show they’ve been reduced.

They usually do this if the product is coming to the end of its best-before date or the packaging is slightly damaged.

Buy bigger bars – most of the time, but not always, chocolate is cheaper per 100g the larger the bar.

So if you’ve got the appetite, and you were going to buy a hefty amount of chocolate anyway, you might as well go bigger.

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Anthony Joshua to undergo surgery THIS WEEK as Eddie Hearn reveals ‘encouraging’ update with ‘big tease’ Tyson Fury

ANTHONY JOSHUA is to have surgery on his elbow THIS WEEK – as talks to finally fight “big tease” Tyson Fury move a step closer.

Joshua, 35, is yet to return since his September knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois, 27, with a secret injury delaying his comeback.

Anthony Joshua and Eddie Hearn ringside at a boxing match.

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Anthony Joshua with promoter Eddie HearnCredit: Getty
Three boxers in a boxing ring.

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Tyson Fury back in training with his dad John and cousin Ricky GormanCredit: @tysonfury

AJ has since revealed the setback was caused by a problem with his elbow – which promoter Eddie Hearn reveals is due to be fixed this week.

Hearn told SunSport: “He just goes back into camp and just can’t fire on all cylinders consistently.

“So he can go back, have a couple of sessions, bit of soreness in the elbow.

“They tried to let it rest and recover and they’ve told him that I think it’s this week, he has a small keyhole surgery in the arm.

“Clear out, and it’s four-six weeks, he’s good to go. So I think we’re looking post-September.”

Following Joshua’s loss and Fury’s double defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, 38, last year, it set up the beaten Brits to finally settle their overdue score.

That was until Fury announced a shock retirement – the fourth of his career – in January only one month after Usyk won their rematch.

But the unpredictable Gypsy King has since ended his social media silence to begin hinting at a comeback – leaving Hearn hopeful.

Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua boxing stats comparison.

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The promoter said: “Tyson Fury is a big tease, every day I open up Instagram like today and he’s got his wraps on saying he’s done 12 rounds.

“He looks super fit, Tyson Fury, he looks like he’s ready to go now! Which is encouraging, but obviously probably the delay that AJ’s got is a blessing, to be honest with you.

“One, you’ve got Usyk against Dubois coming up so that gives you a little bit of time.

“And number two, you’ve got Tyson Fury who could potentially come back to the ring so it’s gonna be interesting to see what plays out.”

Turki Alalshikh’s introduction to boxing and his deep Saudi pockets have helped bridge the gap between Hearn and long-time rival Frank Warren.

The previously warring promoters even share the sports streaming platform DAZN now – paving the way for talks between AJ and Fury.

Hearn admitted: “I’d be lying if I said we haven’t discussed it socially, because obviously everyone’s desperate to make it happen.

“But, no one said, ‘Oh, I think it’s coming, I think he’s coming back.’ But at the same time, he’s training.

Tyson Fury is a big tease, every day I open up Instagram like today and he’s got his wraps on saying he’s done 12 rounds. He looks super fit, Tyson Fury, he looks like he’s ready to go now! Which is encouraging

Eddie Hearn

“And I feel like with Tyson Fury over the years, you’ve seen him not training and balloon out of shape and then it takes him a long time to come back.

“Now it looks like he’s either ready to fight or he’s ready to begin camp, which is hugely encouraging. But I just don’t think he’ll be able to leave it alone, if I’m honest with you.

“Because, the money’s one thing, but just the occasion and the challenge, and he’s a competitor, he’s a winner. And I just can’t believe he’s gonna let it slide.”

While Fury is Joshua & Co’s main target, Hearn warned they will await the result of Dubois’ July 19 rematch with Usyk at Wembley.

Hearn is adamant AJ will fight before the year ends – with or without Fury.

He warned: “Next couple of months, if there’s no movement, we fight.

“I mean there’s no way AJ’s not fighting this year. So who that will be? I can’t tell you.

“I mean, that’s the million dollar question at all times, but I think more importantly is, do we get any news from Fury in the next four, six, eight weeks?

“If we do, we’ll fight him this year. If not, we’ll fight and then maybe he comes back next year, who knows?

“But I’d be lying if I said we weren’t desperate to see him return. But, at the same time we can’t just wait around and see what happens.”

Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren at a press conference.

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Hearn teased talks with Frank Warren for AJ to fight FuryCredit: Reuters

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Early maps show the ‘lost lands’ of Disneyland, new book reveals

There’s an oft-repeated Disneyland creation myth: Artist and animation art director Herb Ryman was given 48 hours to draw an early, heavily detailed and romanticized map of the theme park, which would be used to help sell the project to investors. Although that’s all true, Ryman’s work — one of the most famous and important Disneyland drawings — was far from the first map of Disneyland, as it is often colloquially referred to.

Ryman’s work was in fact an iteration of sorts, based upon years of master planning from Walt Disney and early collaborator Marvin Davis, a cinematic art director responsible for much of Disneyland’s early designs. Some never-before-seen work of Davis and other Disneyland designers will be unearthed in the new book “The Happiest Place On Earth,” from animation producer Don Hahn and theme park designer Christopher Merritt. Both Hahn and Merritt have over the years morphed into theme-park historians, and the book is being released July 15 to coincide with Disneyland’s 70th anniversary.

“Marvin Davis claimed that, as he sat there, probably in a room by himself at the studio with Walt standing over him poking him in the shoulder, he did 133 revisions of these maps to get to the Disneyland layout by 1955,” Merritt says. “A few of these maps have been shown before but a lot of these have not been seen before.”

Filing cabinets with multiple maps on display.

The archives at Walt Disney Imagineering, the secretive division of the company responsible for theme-park experiences. Found in the archives were multiple maps from Marvin Davis that explore Disneyland’s roots.

(Walt Disney Co.)

The book will trace the development of Disneyland, starting in the early ’50s when Disney flirted with the idea of placing the park next to the studio in Burbank — concepts drawn by Harper Goff — to many of Davis’ gradual advancements of the theme-park form. Study them, and they reveal how many of Disneyland’s core ideas were in place by the early 1950s, although they morphed. Alice in Wonderland, for instance, was once envisioned as a walk-through attraction, to be placed across the way from an archery in Fantasyland.

Hahn makes the case that many of the early seeds for Disneyland were planted during a 1948 trip that Disney and animator Ward Kimball took to Chicago. There, the two attended the Chicago Railroad Fair, which had, among its attractions, Abraham Lincoln reenactments and a re-creation of a frontier town.

“His first memo he did when he got home from the Chicago Railroad Fair was all about trying to create these certain regions,” Hahn says. “If you look at the early Burbank parks, there was a western village, there was a stagecoach, there was a railroad station, there was a Tom Sawyer-ish island. A lot of those things came from the Railroad Fair.”

And there was a lot of early experimentation and many a discarded idea. One of Merritt’s favorite rejected concepts was a Tomorrowland exhibition dedicated to hunting for uranium. The attraction has been referenced by Disney and others over the years as a “lost” attraction, but “The Happiest Place on Earth” will feature some never-before-seen concept art from Imagineer Claude Coats.

“Uranium Hunt was an attraction strangely enough to be placed in Tomorrowland, although Claude designed it with Southwestern rock work,” Merritt says. “It was kind of outside rock maze, and the idea was they would hand you Geiger counters, and there was going to be real radioactive uranium embedded in the rock work that you would measure. In the end, they would give you a souvenir uranium to take home with you, which is just crazy-pants.”

Not all of the early Disneyland ideas are as outlandish. What follows are a few of the maps — and some early designs — that led to what would become Disneyland as we know it today.

Early sketches reveal an opera house, general store and more

A small, elegant theme park with a Western town and a railroad.

A Harper Goff-drawn concept for a Disney theme park in Burbank. This is believed to have been drawn in 1951.

(Walt Disney Co.)

An early 1950s sketch layout of Disneyland, focusing on merchandising outlets.

An early 1950s sketch layout of Disneyland, focusing on merchandising outlets.

(Walt Disney Co.)

Disney first considered a theme park across from its studios in Burbank, land that is today occupied by Walt Disney Animation Studios and the West Coast headquarters of ABC. The idea, in its early conceptions, included much of what would later make its way to Disneyland — a train, a steamboat and less detailed versions of Main Street and a Frontierland.

Of particular note here is the second photo, unearthed in “The Happiest Place on Earth” for the first time. The focus is on merchandising locations, but those who study the image will spy an opera house and a general store, believed to be the first time such concepts appear. There’s also a spaceport, a haunted house and a re-creation of London’s Tower Bridge. Shops are said to be themed to properties such as “Cinderella” and “Pinocchio.”

“It shows the holistic thinking, too, of not just the attractions but commerce,” Hahn says. “Where the stores would be, where the cafes would be, and kind of a guest-experience mentality. That was a real theme-park innovation, where you’re transported in time to Frontierland but the food and the costumes add up to Frontierland as well. You see the beginnings of that in a map like this.”

The beginnings of Frontierland and the Storybook Land Canal Boats

An early Disneyland map drawn by Marvin Davis. This map was likely drawn around 1953.

An early Disneyland map drawn by Marvin Davis. This map was likely drawn around 1953.

(Walt Disney Co.)

These early Disneyland schematics from Davis begin to capture Disneyland’s “hub” idea, that is, a central area that leads to and from its themed spaces. There’s a large theater space, believed to be designed in the hopes of Disneyland becoming a television production locale, and a significant plot dedicated to a river with surrounding attractions — the map calls for a space for otters, as well as a swamp area.

The Frontierland concept is still present, complete with a pony ranch and a stagecoach, as is a haunted house and a land themed to miniatures, a concept that would ultimately become the Storybook Land Canal Boats. Merritt notes that this design is location-agnostic, as Anaheim had not yet been decided upon for Disneyland.

Of particular note here is an introductory land like a Main Street, U.S.A., leading to a central hub. “These maps are revelatory when you look at them all in sequence,” Merritt says.

Davis’ early maps also highlight a residential street with large Victorian homes. The second image, in particular, mentions a town hall and a church. Hahn and Merritt believe this land was heavily influenced by the look and tone of “Lady and the Tramp.”

Main Street starts to materialize

An early Harper Goff design that influenced the look of Frontierland.

An early Harper Goff design that influenced the look of Frontierland.

(Walt Disney Co.)

A drawing of a haunted house and a small church.

Some early Harper Goff designs for what would become Disneyland.

(Walt Disney Co.)

A drawing of a firehouse and a jail.

Early Disneyland concept art from Harper Goff

(Walt Disney Co.)

These, says Merritt, are a selection 1951 drawings from Harper Goff. The work is exploratory, in that it could have been envisioned for multiple parts of the park. While Goff’s impact on Frontierland is well documented — and Hahn notes, perhaps, an influence from Knott’s Berry Farm’s Ghost Town in these images — it’s also believed some of these designs were kicked around as a potential Main Street, U.S.A., concept.

Main Street, says Hahn, is often noted as being largely influenced by Disney’s time as a child in Marceline, Mo. While that isn’t really doubted these days among Disney’s fan base, Hahn says that theory wasn’t arrived upon immediately. He notes that some of Goff’s early concept work has a slight Victorian bent, which Goff drew from both “Lady and the Tramp” and his own childhood.

“It’s really the childhood of nobody,” Hahn says of Main Street. “It’s an idealized America. Goff grew up in Colorado, and a lot of these are his Victorian memories of his Colorado hometown. These are set designers who were bringing their movie chops to Disneyland.”

Welcome to the park’s destination: Anaheim

A pivotal early Disneyland map drawn by Marvin Davis.

A pivotal early Disneyland map drawn by Marvin Davis.

(Walt Disney Co. )

Merritt and Hahn believe this third early schematic of Disneyland from Davis — the drawing is undated — is perhaps the first to envision Anaheim as the park’s destination. The image needs only to be rotated and one can see many of the pieces that would comprise the park — a Main Street, a central hub and, for the first time since Goff’s drawings of the Burbank park, a train that encircles the grounds.

Zoom in, and one will see there’s a large “emporium” to greet guests — and shoppers — on Main Street, U.S.A., as well as a castle-like moat to mark the entrance to Fantasyland. Still present are TV production spaces at the front of the park, and the map lists a host of attractions, including a horse-drawn carriage, train rides and boat rides.

Maps begin to show the Disneyland attractions we know today

A fall 1953 map of Disneyland from Marvin Davis.

A fall 1953 map of Disneyland from Marvin Davis.

(Walt Disney Co.)

A September 1953 map of Disneyland from Marvin Davis.

A September 1953 map of Disneyland from Marvin Davis.

(Walt Disney Co.)

A September 1953 map of Disneyland from Marvin Davis.

A September 1953 map of Disneyland from Marvin Davis.

(Walt Disney Co.)

These three Davis maps are from September 1953, made just days apart. The bottom drawing is a bit more simplified, as it was designed to be shown to TV networks and financiers. One can see a ride inspired by Disney’s “True-Life Adventures” on the right side of the park. This would ultimately become the Jungle Cruise and be flipped to the left side of the park.

All three maps, however, were instrumental in the final design of Disneyland, envisioning Anaheim as the ultimate destination. Of note in the middle image is a Recreation Land, home to a ball field, a mini-golf course and a bandstand. At this time, Disneyland was still envisioned as housing a circus, a concept that was explored in the actual park after opening but soon discarded. Yet Fantasyland, a Land of Tomorrow, Frontierland and what would become Adventureland are all present.

Fantasyland is home in these drawings to attractions themed to “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Peter Pan,” “Alice in Wonderland,” Pinocchio” (denoted as Pleasure Island) and “Fantasia.” Also present is what would become Autopia, signifying that Disneyland in late 1953 had many of its early attractions solidified. Still, many, such as a Mother Goose area, would pop-up and then disappear from the maps.

Says Merritt, “You’re going to want to get your magnifying glass to look at some of this stuff.”

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M&S reveals customers’ personal information was STOLEN in major cyber attack update

M&S has issued a major cyber attack update revealing that customers information has been stolen.

The retail chain is still scrambling to keep stores running as the fallout continues.

M&S store exterior with cars in the parking lot.

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In a statement posted on Instagram, M&S said: “As we continue to manage the current cyber incident, we have written to customers today to let them know that unfortunately, some personal customer information has been taken.

“Importantly, there is no evidence that the information has been shared and it does not include useable card or payment details, or account passwords, so there is no need for customers to take any action.

“To give customers extra peace of mind, they will be prompted to reset their password the next time they visit or log on to their M&S account and we have shared information on how to stay safe online.

“Everyone at M&S is working around the clock to get things back to normal for our customers as quickly as possible, and we are very sorry for any inconvenience they have experienced. Our stores remain open as they have throughout.

“Thank you for shopping with us and for your continued support, we are incredibly grateful.”

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England ace Phil Foden reveals surprise new hobby after shunning nights out on the town

ENGLAND’S Phil Foden says he shuns the nightlife to relax with board games and nature.

The Manchester City ace, 24, relishes home life at his country mansion and fishing lake.

Phil Foden fishing by a pond.

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Phil Foden says he shuns the nightlife to relax with board games and natureCredit: MEN Media
Man holding a large carp by a lake.

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The England star is a fishing fanatic

He said: “I love sitting in my garden and looking at all the wildlife.”

Winding down allows him to go fishing with son Ronnie, six.

He said: “I started with my dad, so it’s nice to pass it on.”

And Phil’s private chef cooks for fiancée Rebecca Cooke, mum to their three kids.

Friends join them some evenings.

The midfielder added: “We love to play Ludo and board games.

“I like to chill and relax really.”

He said the family enjoy zoo trips and hiring bouncy castles.

Instead of a footballer off-season trip to Marbella or Ibiza, Phil will be in France “where the fish are a little bigger”.

‘They should be ashamed’ – Pep Guardiola slams Man Utd fans for sick chants aimed at City ace Phil Foden’s mum
Phil Foden of Manchester City playing soccer.

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Foden on the pitch for Man CityCredit: Getty

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