INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — Jim Ross has had a long and fruitful career as a Democratic campaign strategist. Among his victories was electing Gavin Newsom as San Francisco mayor.
Tom Ross has enjoyed similar success on the Republican side. He counts Kevin McCarthy’s election to the Legislature and, later, Congress, among his wins.
The two are brothers who, despite their differences, harbor an abiding love and respect for one another, along with an ironclad resolve that nothing — no campaign, no candidate, no political issue — can or ever will be allowed to drive a wedge between them.
“Tom’s the best person I know. The best person I know,” Jim, 57, said as his brother, 55, sat across from him at a local burrito joint, tearing up. “There’s issues we could go round and round on, which we’re not going to do.”
“Especially,” said Tom, “with someone you care about and love.”
That sort of fraternal bond, transcending partisanship and one of the most heated political fights of this charged moment, shouldn’t be unusual or particularly noteworthy — even for a pair who make their living working for parties locked in furious combat. But in these vexing and highly contentious times it surely is.
Maybe there’s something others can take away.
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The Ross brothers grew up in Incline Village, not far from where Nevada meets California. That was decades ago, before the forested hamlet on Tahoe’s east shore became a playground for the rich and ultra-rich.
The family — Mom, Dad, four boys and a girl — settled there after John Ross retired from a career in the Air Force, which included three combat tours in Vietnam.
John and his wife, Joan, weren’t especially political, though they were active and civic-minded. Joan was involved in the Catholic church. John, who took up a career in real estate, worked on ways to improve the community.
The lessons they taught their children were grounded in duty, discipline and detail. Early on, the kids learned there’s no such thing as a free ride. Jim got his first job at the 76 station, before he could drive. Tom mowed lawns, washed cars and ran a lemonade stand. The least fortunate among the siblings wore a bear suit and waved a sign, trying to shag customers for their dad’s real estate business.
To this day, the brothers disdain anything that smacks of entitlement. “That’s our family,” Jim said. “We’re all workers.”
Like their parents, the two weren’t politically active growing up. They ended up majoring in government and political science — Jim at Saint Mary’s College in the Bay Area, Tom at Gonzaga University in Washington state — as a kind of default. Both had instructors who brought the subject to life.
Jim’s start in the profession came in his junior year when Clint Reilly, then one of California premier campaign strategists, came to speak to his college class. It was the first time Jim realized it was possible to make a living in politics — and Reilly’s snazzy suit suggested it could be a lucrative one.
Jim interned for Reilly and after graduating and knocking about for a time — teaching skiing in Tahoe, working as a sales rep for Banana Boat sunscreen — he tapped an acquaintance from Reilly’s firm to land a job with Frank Jordan’s 1991 campaign for San Francisco mayor.
From there, Jim moved on to a state Assembly race in Wine Country, just as Tom was graduating and looking for work. Using his connections, Jim helped Tom find a job as the driver for a congressional candidate in the area.
At the time, both were Republicans, like their father. Their non-ideological approach to politics also reflected the thinking of Col. Ross. Public service wasn’t about party pieties, Jim said, but rather “finding a solution to a problem.”
Jim, left, and Tom Ross have only directly competed in a campaign once, on a statewide rent control measure. They talk shop but avoid discussing politics.
(William Hale Irwin / For The Times)
Jim’s drift away from the GOP began when he worked for another Republican Assembly candidate whom he remembers, distastefully, as reflexively partisan, homophobic and anti-worker. His changed outlook solidified after several months working on a 1992 Louisiana congressional race. The grinding poverty he saw in the South was shocking, Jim said, and its remedy seemed well beyond the up-by-your-bootstraps nostrums he’d absorbed.
Jim came to see government as a necessary agent for change and improvement, and that made the Democratic Party a more natural home. “There’s not one thing that has bettered human existence that hasn’t had, at its core, our ability to work collectively,” Jim said. “And our ability to work collectively comes down to government.”
Tom looked on placidly, a Latin rhythm capering overhead.
He believes that success, and personal fulfillment, lies in individual achievement. The Republicans he admires include Jack Kemp, the rare member of his party who focused on urban poverty, and the George W. Bush of 2000, who ran for president as a “compassionate conservative” with a strong record of bipartisan accomplishment as Texas governor.
(Tom is no fan of Donald Trump, finding the president’s casual cruelty toward people particularly off-putting.)
He distinctly remembers the moment, at age 22, when he realized he was standing on his own two feet, financially supporting himself and making his way in the world through the power of his own perseverance.
“For me, that’s what Republicans should be,” Tom said. “How do you give people that experience in life? That’s what we should be trying to do.”
It took a physical toll on Jim Ross, Newsom’s campaign manager, who suffered chest pains and, at one point, wound up in the hospital. Was the strain worth it, he wondered. Should he quit?
“The only person I could really call and talk to was Tom,” Jim said. “He understands what it is to work that hard on a campaign. And he wasn’t going to go and leak it to the press, or tell someone who would use it in some way to hurt me.”
That kind of empathy and implicit trust, which runs both ways, far outweighs any political considerations, the two said. Why would they surrender such a deep and meaningful relationship for some short-term tactical gain, or allow a disagreement over personalities or policy to set things asunder?
Jim lives and works out of the East Bay. Tom runs his business from Sacramento. The two faced each other on the campaign battlefield just once, squaring off over a 2018 ballot measure that sought to expand rent control in California. The initiative was rejected.
Though they’ve staked opposing positions on Newsom’s redistricting measure, Proposition 50, Jim has no formal role in the Democratic campaign. Tom is working to defeat it.
The brief airing of their differences was unusual, coming solely at the behest of your friendly columnist. As a rule, the brothers talk business but avoid politics; there’s hardly a need — they already know where each other is coming from. After all, they shared a bedroom growing up.
Jim had a story to tell.
Last spring, as their mother lay dying, the two left the hospital in Reno to shower and get a bit of rest at their father’s place in Incline Village. The phone rang. It was the overnight nurse, calling to let them know their mom had passed away.
“Tom takes the call,” Jim said. “The first thing he says to the nurse is, ‘Are you OK? Is it hard for you to deal with this?’ And that’s how Tom is. Major thing, but he thinks about the other person first.”
He laughed, a loud gale. “I’m not that way.”
Tom had a story to tell.
In 2017, he bought a mountain bike, to celebrate the end of his treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He’d been worn out by six months of chemotherapy and wasn’t anywhere near full strength. Still, he was determined to tackle one of Tahoe’s most scenic rides, which involves a lung-searing, roughly five-mile climb.
Tom walked partway, then got back on his bike and powered uphill through the last 500 or so yards.
Waiting for him up top was Jim, seated alongside two strangers. “That’s my brother,” he proudly pointed out. “He beat cancer.”
Tom’s eyes welled. His chin quavered and his voice cracked. He paused to collect himself.
“Do I want to sacrifice that relationship for some stupid tweet, or some in-the-moment anger?” he asked. “That connection with someone, you want to cut it over that? That’s just stupid. That’s just silly.”
A former Coronation Street star is set to make his debut in Casualty tonight less than a year after leaving the Manchester based soap three years after joining
18:02, 30 Aug 2025Updated 18:02, 30 Aug 2025
Bill Fellows is set to make his debut in Casualty tonight(Image: ITV)
A former Coronation Street star is set to star in rival BBC soap Casualty less than a year after leaving the Manchester based soap.
Bill Fellows, who played Stu Carpenter in Corrie, is set to star in tonight’s episode of Casualty, starring as pharmacy delivery driver, Terry. It comes a few months after it was announced that Fellows would be making a guest stint in the soap.
The star is set for a dramatic storyline, with his character set to be brutally attacked by a gang during the delivery, spoilers reveal. It comes after last week’s dramatic events, in which it was revealed that pharmacist Sunny was stealing missing morphine.
Bill Fellows will be starring as delivery driver Terry – as he’s brutally attacked (Image: BBC)
Things are set to take a darker turn, as spoilers reveal that Rash finds out all – as Sunny explains she’s been doing it to protect her son Jake, who has been groomed by the gang.
It later unravels that Terry’s injuries are due to Sunny telling the gang about the drop-off, but how will things unfold?
The star teased his dramatic role back in February, where he posted a selfie of himself wearing an NHS pass around his neck with the caption: “Another day , Another Casualty.” Days later, he posted an image of himself with special effect make up that showed him with arm and head injuries.
The character of Terry is a far cry from his role as Stu in Coronation Street. ITV fans will remember the character joining the soap in 2021, later growing close to Yasmeen, and becoming a chef at Speed Daal.
However, in 2024, the character decided to leave the street and head to Germany for a fresh start with his granddaughter.
During his three years on the soap, Billy’s character Stu had been involved in a number of hard hitting storylines, including homelessness and wrongful imprisonment.
Stu grew close to Yasmeen during his time on the cobbles
The character was previously imprisoned for 27 years for the death of Charlie Walter. It was later confirmed that it was actually his daughter Bridget that was responsible for the death. Stu took in his granddaughter Eliza, and later left for Germany with her.
Speaking about his departure at the time, Bill said: “I’m proud of what we’ve achieved with Stu’s character.
“He started as a man struggling to survive, and now he’s a man who has rebuilt his life, found love, and made a difference. It’s been a complete story arc, and I’m pleased with how it’s all come together.”
He later said it had been ‘surreal’ to work alongside legends such as William Roache, who plays Ken Barlow. “Growing up, I watched it with my family, so being part of it has been surreal,” he said. “I’ve worked alongside legends like William Roache, and it’s been an incredible experience.”
A DARTS match ended in bizarre fashion when a player accidentally injured himself on live TV.
The Modus Super Series International Pairs matchup between Wales and South Africa had fans in disbelief when one player pretended to punch another, only for it to inadvertently end in injury.
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Devon Peterson playfully pretended to punch Richie Burnett after Wales got the better of South Africa in the Modus Super Series International PairsCredit: X @MSSdarts
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Burnett pretended to go flying from the punchCredit: X @MSSdarts
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The Welshman accidentally banged his head on a nearby TV in the processCredit: X @MSSdarts
The tie, which was being played between Richie Burnett and Kurt Parry of Wales and Carl Gabriel and Devon Peterson of South Africa, ended in a 4-1 victory for the Welshmen.
And after a sensational 112 checkout from Parry to earn the victory, Peterson playfully pretended to punch Burnett for getting the better of him and his teammate.
Burnett, 58, tried to play along with the friendly playfighting by pretending to go flying as a result of the punch.
But his overenthusiastic reaction ended up leaving him with a real-life bump on the head, after he crashed into a TV in the corner of the room.
Fortunately Burnett seemed absolutely fine, giving his head a rub and laughing off the gaffe.
Fans loved the unusually hilarious moment and reacted on social media.
One labelled it as the “funniest end to a darts match ever.”
While another wrote: “We need Richie on the TV box more often”.
Itauma has shown maturity beyond his years since winning in just 23 seconds on his professional debut in 2023 – and has continued to excel with every step up.
Heavyweight rivals Joseph Parker, Derek Chisora and Lawrence Okolie were among those watching at ringside as the rising star put on another statement performance.
The Slovakia-born fighter walked first to the ring, despite being the A-side, but was made to wait for more than three minutes – longer than the fight lasted – by Whyte, who delayed his entrance.
After throwing a few early feints to get a read on his opponent, Itauma started to unload and quickly found the range for his heavy hands.
Whyte was clearly feeling the power and back on the ropes as Itauma picked his shots carefully.
A right hook to the temple proved the telling blow and, despite bravely getting back to his feet, Whyte was deemed not fit to continue.
“How he did it, his temperament, control and composure – he fights better than guys at their peak and he is 20 years of age,” Queensberry’s Frank Warren, who promotes Itauma, told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“He did a job on somebody who has been at the best levels.”
Despite getting into the shape of his career – weighing the lightest for 10 years – Whyte could not cut it with Itauma and questions linger over his future.
Itauma’s dreams of becoming the youngest heavyweight champion in history ended in May, but this victory puts him firmly on track for a title shot in boxing’s glamour division in the next 12 months.
With Tyson Fury in retirement, Anthony Joshua in the twilight of his career and Daniel Dubois losing his IBF title to Usyk last month, Itauma once again demonstrated he is the great British heavyweight hope in waiting.
Nurmagomedov believes McGregor turning his life around would be a story which could inspire people across the globe.
The former undefeated and long-reigning lightweight champion said: “He has to change how he is living.
Conor McGregor shows off shadow boxing after hinting at UFC return
“Why am I talking about this? If he’s gonna change, he can change with him so many other lives too.
“That’s why I wish him to change himself. If he’s not gonna change, it will be punishment all his life.”
McGregor has only fought three times since losing the biggest fight in UFC history.
The Irishman got back in the win column against Donald Cerrone in January 2020 before suffering back-to-back stoppage losses to Dustin Poirier the following year.
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Conor McGregor hasn’t set foot inside the octagon since breaking his left leg four years agoCredit: REUTERS
The rivalry between the old-school Galaxy and its upstart neighbor LAFC was once the best in MLS. The Galaxy traces its roots to the inception of the league while LAFC helped define its modern era, setting up a turf war so good, so competitive and so emotional, it had its own nickname.
Much of that drama had faded from El Tráfico in recent matches. But that changed Saturday when Maya Yoshida scored on the last touch of the game to give the Galaxy a 3-3 draw before a packed house of 22,301 at BMO Stadium.
And the teams didn’t limit their fight to the scoreboard. A tense shoving match broke out seconds into stoppage time, leading referee Guido Gonzalez Jr. to send off LAFC’s Eddie Segura with a red card while handing two yellow cards to the Galaxy and one to LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
Galaxy and LAFC players get into a on-field scuffle during Saturday’s 3-3 draw at BMO Stadium.
(Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times)
The most devastating punch, however, came from Yoshida, who was in the center of the shoving match. Minutes later his header off a cross from Mauricio Cuevas — his first goal and just his second shot on target of the season — capped a Galaxy comeback from a late 3-1 deficit.
The draw gave the Galaxy (3-14-7) points in five of their last seven games, the team’s best stretch of the season. LAFC (10-5-6) is unbeaten in four straight and has lost just once in 14 league games since April 5. But the two points it lost on Yoshida’s goal dropped it to fifth in the Western Conference standings.
Bouanga’s fifth goal in six games gave LAFC the early lead in the 26th minute and, significantly, it was the first goal in that span that didn’t come from the penalty spot. It also gave him a goal in his last six games against the Galaxy.
LAFC star Denis Bouanga celebrates after scoring in the first half against the Galaxy on Saturday.
(Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times)
Dilrosun doubled the lead with his second MLS goal on a counterattack five minutes later.
Pec halved the deficit for the Galaxy on a penalty kick less than 10 minutes before the intermission. That goal, set up by a Ryan Hollingshead hand ball in the box, snapped a 375-minute scoreless streak for LAFC.
Bouanga extended the LAFC lead on another counterattack set up by a Galaxy mistake in the 67th minute. Afterward, as the teams walked back to the center circle, Pec and Galaxy defender Emiro Garces, who was out of position on the breakaway, engaged in a heated argument.
Pec calmed down enough to get his fifth goal of the season, on a cross from Marco Reus, to pull his team closer in the 79th minute. The Galaxy then appeared to tie the score just before stoppage time, but Lloris made a spectacular kick save on Christian Ramirez while lying on his back on the goal line.
That set the stage for Yoshida, however, with the Galaxy captain slipping in front of Nkosi Tafari to redirect a glancing header inside the far post, earning the Galaxy a league result at BMO Stadium for the first time since August 2021, a game that also ended in a 3-3 draw.
Lorraine Kelly was away filming last month and it’s now been reported that she was working on a ‘big budget’ travel show for Channel 4 ahead of changes to her ITV talk show
Lorraine’s show has been affected by the ITV cuts(Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
TV presenter Lorraine Kelly is said to have filmed a “big budget” project for Channel 4 recently. Ahead of changes to her long-running ITV talk show next year, it’s been teased that she’s considering other options that she could explore.
Lorraine, now 65, has fronted her eponymous show for more than a decade, with it having launched in 2010. It was however announced by ITV earlier this year that, from January next year, episodes will be reduced to 30 minutes. It was also revealed that the show will then only run for 30 weeks each year.
Following the news, last month, Lorraine shared that she was away and teased that she was having “big filming adventures” in Norway. She said in a video message on Instagram: “I’m in the land of the midnight sun. It’s absolutely glorious. It’s a project that I’ve wanted to do for years and years, and finally it’s actually happening. I’m heading really, really far north.”
Lorraine Kelly has filmed a new show with an ITV rival(Image: Hoda Davaine/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Women of the Year)
It’s now been reported by the Sun that Lorraine flew to the country last month to work on a travel show for Channel 4, rather than ITV. A source told the outlet that the broadcaster was “delighted” to have signed up Lorraine for the project.
The source said it was “exciting” for her to do “something different” and to be back on location somewhere. They teased that amid the shake-up at ITV daytime shows, her “loyal” fans will support Lorraine “wherever she goes”.
They said: “Despite the apparent slight in the ITV daytime shake-up, Lorraine’s loyal fanbase isn’t to be underestimated and they will follow her wherever she goes. She’s survived in this business a long time, and she’s a master at rolling with the punches.”
It’s also been reported by the outlet that the production role Head of Lorraine is being axed at ITV. It’s claimed that her two producers are set to instead report to bosses on This Morning.
The source said that it casts doubt on the future of the talk show and claimed that her current contract finishes next year. The source teased: “She’s opening her eyes up to the many options available to her.”
ITV said in a statement: “We have always said that from January 2026, Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women will be three editorially distinct shows which will be produced by one team. These changes are not about the performance of the shows or the staff. We can assure our viewers that their favourite daytime shows will remain familiar to them on screen.”
Although best known for her work on ITV, Lorraine has appeared on other channels over the years too. It includes her having been on Channel 4’s the Last Leg on several occasions and she mentioned the show on a podcast recently.
She teased last month that she’s able to be “a bit naughty” on shows away from ITV’s Lorraine. As reported at the time, she said to Tom Kerridge on the Proper Tasty podcast: “40 years in TV last year was incredible. I got a BAFTA. ‘Here’s a BAFTA for being alive.’ I thought, ‘Hang on a minute, I’m not done yet’.
“I think now I can be a lot cheekier. Because I’ve always been a bit naughty. Not so much in the morning, but if I do a wee show on Channel 4, or The Last Leg, or something like that.”
She teased: “You can be unleashed. And I quite like that. You do have to have a self-edit button and I’m finding mine is not operating as much as it should.”
Former MasterChef star Gregg Wallace isn’t expected to return to the BBC show following his departure but it’s now been teased that he could sign up for a project on ITV
18:59, 10 Jul 2025Updated 19:04, 10 Jul 2025
It’s been teased that Gregg Wallace could sign up for a reality TV show with a rival channel to the BBC(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Former MasterChef host Gregg Wallace has “quietly” parted ways with his former agent, Dylan Hearn. He’s now represented by John Miles, who is known for taking on clients who find themselves in tricky situations.
Sources said that Bristol-based Miles, who also represents Graziano di Prima, Martin Bashir, Noel Edmonds and Nick Knowles – among others – is said to have looked after the MasterChef star’s interests “for some months”. One source said: “Gregg was quietly dumped by his former agent and has since been signed up by John, who knows what he’s doing when it comes to fallouts with the BBC, in particular.”
It’s been suggested that Gregg Wallace could take part in I’m A Celebrity(Image: Mike Marsland/WireImage)
They added: “He’s looked after many people who’ve found themselves battling in pretty intense situations. Don’t be surprised if Gregg suddenly turns up on I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here. He’s got a lot of beans to spill.”
A potential stint on I’m A Celebrity would see Gregg, 60, follow in the footsteps of restaurant critic Grace Dent, who competed on the show in 2023. Grace withdrew from the ITV reality TV show after just over a week in camp.
More recently, Grace was last year named as Gregg’s replacement on Celebrity MasterChef following his exit. She will appear alongside returning host John Torode, who had fronted the culinary show with Gregg since 2006.
It was announced last year that Gregg would step away from the BBC‘s MasterChef whilst its production company Banijay UK reviewed historical misconduct complaints, said to be from across a range of shows. As reported at the time, he said through a lawyer: “It is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.”
Earlier this week, it was reported that Gregg had been fired from MasterChef after a year-long investigation into the allegations. He issued a lengthy statement on Tuesday in which he claimed that he has been exonerated of “all the serious allegations which made headlines last year” but apologised after saying that he was found “primarily guilty of inappropriate language”.
Gregg said that he has been cleared by the Silkin report of the “most serious and sensational accusations” made against him and accused the BBC of “peddling sensationalised gossip masquerading as properly corroborated stories”. He apologised for the inappropriate language which the report found him “primarily guilty” of between 2005 and 2018 though.
A stint in the jungle would see him follow in the footsteps of Grace Dent, who was a campmate a year before being named Gregg’s replacement on Celebrity MasterChef(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Fortnum & Mason)
He also said in the statement: “I was hired by the BBC and MasterChef as the cheeky greengrocer. A real person with warmth, character, rough edges and all. For over two decades, that authenticity was part of the brand. Now, in a sanitised world, that same personality is seen as a problem.
“My neurodiversity, now formally diagnosed as autism, was suspected and discussed by colleagues across countless seasons of Master Chef. Yet nothing was done to investigate my disability or protect me from what I now realise was a dangerous environment for over twenty years. That failure is now being quietly buried.”
A BBC spokesperson told the Mirror at the time: “Banijay UK instructed the law firm Lewis Silkin to run an investigation into allegations against Gregg Wallace. We are not going to comment until the investigation is complete and the findings are published.”
It’s understood that Banijay will be releasing the report and that the BBC did not fire Gregg as the corporation does not employ him. He was instead reportedly employed by Banijay.
Amid the news of his departure from MasterChef, it was reported that Gregg is facing fresh misconduct claims from 50 people. The presenter is said to have denied all allegations.
SONAY KARTAL bowed out of Wimbledon – amid more Centre Court line-calling controversy.
Kartal, the last British player in the women’s singles and making her Centre Court bow under a roof closed for daylight play for the first time this Championships gave her all in a topsy-turvy roller-coaster of a match against Russia’s Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
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Sonay Kartal is out of Wimbledon following defeat on Centre CourtCredit: Reuters
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Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova argues with the chair umpireCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Despite earning a set point in the opener, the 23-year-old Kartal was eventually out-hit as she lost 7-6 6-3 in a two hours and two minutes.
But the BIG talking point was the latest malfunction of the new automatic line-judging system in operation in SW19 for the first time this year.
Just two days after Emma Raducanu publicly called out the AI judging on the All England Club’s showpiece venue, the last British woman left standing was involved in another bizarre incident.
Kartal’s forehand at game point to Pavluchenkova in the ninth game of the opener was clearly out but there was no call from the electronic officials.
With both players perplexed, German umpire Nico Helwerth halted play for three minutes as TV replays showed the non-call was totally wrong.
Eventually, Helwerth announced: “The electronic system was unable to track the last point”, ordering a replay, which saw Pavlyluchenkova volley wildly and eventually lose serve again.
It was a bizarre moment in a strange match, which saw neither player able to dominate on their serve.
Getting her third break – in those circumstances – could have been the springboard to a victory which would have seen her tournament earnings reach £400,000 – compared to her previous CAREER prize money of £333,000.
But despite a set point, Kartal was unable to serve out before being swept aside in the tie break.
And while the Brighton star bounced back from losing her opening service game in the second set she was crucially broken once more at 2-2, a missed forehand starting to put the writing on the wall.
‘You took the game away from me’ – Major Wimbledon controversy as new technology FAILS and Kartal rival fumes at umpire
Kartal refused to give up, asking the ultimate question of her opponent as she made the Russian serve out for the victory.
But Pavlyuchenkova, who matched her 2016 feat of reaching the last eight here in SW19, did not fold.
Kartal, though, can be proud of her run and she deserved the standing ovation that accompanied her exit.
Pavlyuchenkova, 34, apologised to the home fans after her victory ended Kartal’s dream run.
She said: “Sorry guys. I’d like to thank you for the great energy.
“I understand that she was local and that’s it. But it’s nice to play in a full stadium.”
The Russian added: “I was so impressed with her – but also myself, too.
“I was getting out of breath at one stage but to keep up with these young guys at this age and for me to play at this level is incredible.”
The Repair Shop star Dominic Chinea, who specialists in metal work and other renovations on the BBC show, has announced a new TV project amid his relocation to his latest home
The Repair Shop star Dominic Chinea has announced a new TV project(Image: BBC / Ricochet Ltd)
One of the experts from the Repair Shop has announced a new project away from the BBC show. Dominic Chinea has shared his excitement over his latest TV role, with him said to be filming for it already amid a move with his family.
Dominic, 39, who has been on the Repair Shop since 2017, previously announced that he would be relocating from Kent to Cornwall. The mechanic is making the move with his wife Maria Chinea and their dog Wendy.
This week, it’s been announced that he will appear in the new factual series Dom Chinea’s Cornish Workshop for the channel U&YESTERDAY and its streaming platform U. Filming is underway on the five-part series, which is scheduled to air in the UK next year.
It’s been teased that the show follows Dom as he “carves out a new life” in Cornwall after having bought a “rundown” farmhouse, with a two-acre field. The property includes a large agricultural barn that will become his Cornish Workshop.
Dominic Chinea has announced that he will front the upcoming U&YESTERDAY series Dom Chinea’s Cornish Workshop (Image: BBC/Flabbergast TV Ltd)
Viewers will see Dom carry out automotive, engineering and build work. He will also assist neighbours in his new community with their own projects, including helping his local church with their bells and a creating a bespoke ice cream vehicle for someone.
It’s been announced that every episode “packs big and little stories” alongside Dominic creating his new workshop from an ancient barn. He’s said to enlist the support of Sam Lovegrove throughout the series, as well as a cast of local trades people.
Dom said in a statement: “I’m so excited by the projects we’ve got going on. But on top of the engineering, I’ve also got to get my Cornish workshop built and weatherproof before the autumn storms hit. There’s a lot of pressure!”
It comes after Dominic previously announced his relocation to Cornwall. He revealed just weeks ago that “a lot has changed” in his life and spoke further about the move in a Q&A video uploaded to his YouTube channel last month.
The mechanic, pictured with his the Repair Shop co-star Will Kirk, will be shown setting up a new life in Cornwall and working on various projects(Image: WARNING: Use of this copyright image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures’ Digital Picture Service (BBC Pictures) as set out at www.bbcpictures.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/. In particular, this image may only be published by a registered User of BBC Pictures for editorial use for the purpose of publicising the relevant BBC programme, personnel or activity during the Publicity Period which ends three review weeks following the date of transmission and provided the BBC and the copyright holder in the caption are credited. For any other purpose whatsoever, including advertising and commercial, prior written approval from the copyright holder will be required.)
He was asked about the move and shared his response in the video on his channel recently. Addressing a question about his decision to relocate with his family, he said: “Why not?”
Dominic then spoke about the land that he had at his new home. He said: “Moving to Cornwall has meant I’ve got the house, a lovely field that I can turn into a nice garden, and most importantly a big barn that is now mine, that is my workshop.”
He went on to say in the video that he had rented his previous workshop in Kent. Dominic told viewers that the new space would instead be his own.
Dominic said: “Previously, I rented my old workshop, and every month was giving a lot of money to a landlord to rent the space. Now it’s my space, and whatever I do to it, it’s mine, and that is enough of a reason for me.”
STANFORD — Marco Reus scored in the 70th minute and the Galaxy played the San José Earthquakes to a 1-1 draw on Saturday night in the 104th edition of the California Clásico.
The Galaxy (1-14-5) are unbeaten in their past eight road matches (Stanford Stadium and PayPal Park) across all competitions against San José (7-8-5) dating to June 26, 2021.
San José native Beau Leroux opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a shot into the upper-right corner for his fourth of the season. He settled Mark-Anthony Kaye’s cross with his left foot and curled in a shot with his right from the top of the 18-yard box.
San José goalkeeper Daniel stopped an initial attempt in the 70th, but it bounced right back to Reus for an easy touch home. It was Reus’ first game wearing the captain’s armband.
Daniel made several key saves. He came out of his area to deny Joseph Paintsil on a one-on-one opportunity in the 60th. He also got a hand on Gabriel Pec’s shot on a counterattack in the 88th.
While Julio César Chávez Jr.’s name and lineage evoke history, discipline and glory, Jake Paul’s name is linked to a modern phenomenon that has challenged the traditional codes of boxing.
Paul’s arrival in the boxing spotlight was not by conventional means and although his bout with Chávez may appear to be a marketing spectacle, both fighters could benefit from a win.
At age 39 with 61 professional fights (54-6-1, 34 KOs), Chávez returns to the to the Honda Center in Anaheim Saturday to face Paul, offering pre-fight speeches that mix confidence, maturity and a sense of duty. Away from the show, the Mexican says he focused on serious and deep preparation.
“We are preparing to the fullest, thoroughly, to arrive better than ever physically, well-focused. We have to be 100% for the fight,” Chávez told L.A. Times en Español, making it clear that this is not just another adventure, but a fight that could open up more opportunities.
Jake Paul, left, and Julio César Chávez Jr. will face off at the Honda Center in Anaheim on Saturday.
(Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy/Getty Images)
The son of Mexican boxing legend Julio César Chávez Sr., he knows that many see him as the last stepping stone to catapult Paul into boxing legitimacy, but he doesn’t share that view.
“He’s not going to beat me. I’m a better boxer than him,” Julio César Chávez Jr. said.
The endorsement he received from Mexican boxing star Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez was interpreted as a vote of confidence in his ability.
“It’s important to listen to him,” Chávez said. “I think Canelo knows I’m the better boxer than Jake Paul. … We’re going to hit him hard.”
Paul said if he defeats Chávez, it will close the door on the Mexican fighter’s comeback after a stint in rehab.
“He’s going to retire,” Paul said.
He dismissed Álvarez’s endorsement of his opponent.
“It’s definitely a sign of respect from Canelo, but he showed me the utmost respect by turning down $100 million not to fight me,” Paul said, alluding to a potential fight against Álvarez that was being negotiated as recently as May before the Mexican star chose another opponent. “He knows it’s not an easy fight.”
With a dozen fights under his belt, Paul (11-1, 7 KOs) has been consistently criticized for facing weaker opponents, with the latest one raising strong suspicions that opponents accept limitations that favor Paul.
In November 2024, Paul faced aging legend Mike Tyson, whom he defeated by unanimous decision. Critics on social media immediately took issue with both fighters. There were moments it appeared Tyson could have finished Paul, but then seemed to back off and avoid throwing crucial punches.
Chávez made it clear that this fight is not part of a setup nor does it have an agreed script.
“I don’t lend myself to that kind of thing,” Chávez said. “The fight is normal and that’s all I can tell you.”
For the Mexican fighter, this bout represents something more than a purse or a chance to gain viral fame.
Jake Paul, left, and Julio César Chávez Jr. taunt each other following a weigh-in ahead of their cruiserweight boxing match Friday in Anaheim.
(Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)
“It’s like an activation,” he said. “There is the opportunity to fight for the world championship, even a rematch with Canelo.”
And while some have suggested that a Chávez loss would mean the end of his career, he dismisses that emphatically,
“It hasn’t crossed my mind, I’m not going to lose,” he said. “I’m thinking about winning and having a few fights after that.”
Paul, for his part, has made controversy a promotional tool, but he has also sought, in his words, to make it clear that his ambition is serious.
In response to rumors potential opponents canceled before the fight with Chávez was finalized, Paul explained that “a cowardly Mexican was afraid to fight me. … Another great boxer did not deliver. We talked to [influencer and boxer] KSI, Tommy Fury… That led us to Chávez and to keep on the path of facing real opponents, former world champions and remain active on my way to becoming world champion.”
Paul, as is his custom, did not miss the opportunity to psychologically attack his rival. This time, he pointed to the symbolic weight of the Chávez surname.
“It’s added pressure for Chávez Jr., he doesn’t handle pressure well,” Paul said. “… His dad wants this for his son, more than his son wants it. That can create a lot of problems and insecurities that I’m going to expose.”
Paul defends his history as a self-taught boxer who came to change the rules of the game.
“I never wanted the respect. It’s about proving myself, creating one of the best sports stories to inspire the next generation,” he said. “Without me, boxing would be dead.”
For Paul, the bout is another step in his attempt to silence the purists and reassert himself as more than a YouTube celebrity with gloves. For Chávez, it represents a chance to reclaim his lost place, to prove that his lineage is not just a family name but legitimate talent.
Boxers Jake Paul and Julio César Chávez Jr. attend a news conference at the Avalon Hollywood Theatre in Los Angeles on May 14.
(Damian Dovarganes / Associated Press)
“I’m not worried, I’m preparing to win … I grabbed the fight because I’m going to win it,” Chávez insisted, downplaying any risks.
In the face of the doubts surrounding the showdowns, both fighters assured fans will see a real fight on Saturday.
“At the end of the day, above the ring, we are all the same,” Chávez said.
Paul is not worried about what people think of him.
“I don’t pay attention to what the boxing world says,” he said. “Naturally, this world loves to shoot themselves in the foot and wants to keep criticizing me, but what we’ve realized is that they obviously have no power, no control, no weight because I’m still involved in the biggest events.”
Mirapolis was created to rival Disneyland Paris when it opened in 1987, but within four years, the ambitious project became one of the country’s most infamous failures as it now lies abandoned
Amy Jones Lifestyle & Features Writer and Kris Boratyn
07:00, 21 Jun 2025
The amusement park in France, Mirapolis, was built to rival Disneyland Paris(Image: Sygma via Getty Images)
Once heralded as France’s answer to Disneyland Paris, designed to bring French literature to life, Mirapolis now stands as a ghostly and desolate landmark.
Initially celebrated as “France’s first large amusement park,” the site is now eerily deserted. Strategically located less than an hour from Disneyland Paris, Mirapolis opened its doors in 1987 with high hopes of immersing visitors in the wonders of French literary classics.
However, the lofty dreams were short-lived, as within a mere four years, this bold venture turned into one of France’s most notorious flops.
Created by architect Anne Fourcade, Mirapolis was intended as a cultural foil to Disneyland, marrying historical literature with thrill-seeking. Backed financially by Saudi businessman Ghaith Pharaon, the whopping construction cost was $600 million – a figure that would translate to around £1.3 billion today considering inflation, the Express reports.
Mirapolis was located less than an hour from Disneyland Paris(Image: Sygma via Getty Images)
Even Jacques Chirac, then Prime Minister of France, graced the park’s opening and kicked off the excitement surrounding its 29 attractions. According to AD magazine, the new amusement park had high hopes of welcoming as many as 600,000 tourists a year.
Yet despite the buzz, problems loomed from day one – relentless rainfall marred its debut season, leading to frequent closures of its open-air rides.
Mirapolis did find a silver lining in its theatre, which hosted a popular children’s musical with grand puppetry, but insufficient foot traffic persisted. Seemingly lacklustre market research and overzealous financial predictions meant that the park was destined for closure, sealing its fate in 1991 without ever turning a profit.
It is said to have been sensationally labelled one of the biggest financial failures in France.
It was only open for four years (Image: Sygma via Getty Images)
By 1993, the demolition process had started, with most of its structures being removed or sold off. The park’s iconic centrepiece, a towering statue of Gargantua from French folklore, stood firm against dismantling until 1995, when its head was finally destroyed with dynamite.
Nowadays, all that’s left of Mirapolis is some entrance fences, pathways leading to former attractions and a park featuring a small lake. Over time, various plans to breathe new life into the site have been proposed and then abandoned.
Many residents of France still remember the amusement park today, with various comments emerging on X, formerly Twitter, over the years. One former visitor wrote: “This is the France we love”, while a second added: “With Gargantua as the figurehead. I went there once with my school. It was pretty awesome. And the ruins remained for years.”
Some visitors noted the characters that are said to have ‘scared children’(Image: Sygma via Getty Images)
A third noted: “I remember this park offering wins on TV shows like The Price Is Right and others. It was a dream come true…” Another penned: “Apparently the characters scared children and that’s understandable.”
In response, someone added: “It was awesome, I went mainly for the ‘gravitron.’ I don’t remember being scared of the characters, but they probably terrified others.”
Sue Cleaver has played Eileen Grimshaw in Coronation Street for 25 years but quit the role earlier this year. She has now revealed if she will ever appear on a rival soap
18:47, 20 Jun 2025Updated 18:47, 20 Jun 2025
Sue Cleaver spent 25 years playing Eileen Grimshaw on Coronation Street, but is she ready for a new soap challenge (Image: ITV)
Former Coronation Street star Sue Cleaver has revealed if she will ever appear on a rival soap following her final appearance as Eileen Grimshaw airing earlier this month. The 61-year-old actress announced her decision to bid farewell to Weatherfield at the start of this year, after an impressive 25 years on the ITV soap.
At the time, she issued a heartfelt statement: “I’ve had 25 privileged years of working on Coronation Street,” adding further, “The door is still firmly open but as I reached my 60th year, I decided it was time to embrace change, look for new adventures and live fearlessly.”
Eileen Grimshaw got her happy ending early this month(Image: ITV)
She also enjoyed a stint on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! Back in 2022. But now she has the time to commit to other projects, will Sue be popping up on a rival soap like Coronation Street or EastEnders?
It’s not unheard of for actors to pop up in multiple soap universes, with the likes of Denise Welch and Michelle Collins appearing on both EastEnders and Coronation Street.
Speaking in a new interview, Sue says she is “chuffed” with her Corrie legacy, and believes she was given “a wonderful send off” but admits she is ready to “live fearlessly.”
“I think people forget that you either have courage or you don’t, courage is a muscle, start really small and put yourself out of your comfort zone for a couple of minutes a day, enquire about a book club or evening class, because that muscle really does,” the actress muses.
Sue continues to recall to The Sun how filming her final scenes “was really weird feeling, but it felt right” and it was “the right time” to go. She is now ready to take advantage of her new found “freedom” after spending over two decades at ITV.
Sue has said goodbye to Eileen but will she say hello to a new soap character?(Image: ITV)
“I love doing Loose Women, there are other things I want to do and there is a lot more of the world I want to see,” Sue admits. But when it comes to going over to the dark side and popping into The Queen Vic or the Woolpack, Sue is adamant that she is still loyal to Corrie.
She rules out appearing on another soap “at this stage” as she is still “very committed to Corrie”, adding: “I’ve been incredibly fortunate and it gave me the opportunity that not many actresses have, to be at home, to be there for my son in the morning and put him to bed at night and to have a proper home life, whereas normally you have to go where the work is. I’ve been extremely fortunate, it’s not lost on me how lucky I’ve been, it has a big place in my heart.”
Speaking to the Mirror in May, Sue opened up on her decision to have co-star Ryan Thomas return for her final episodes, as his character Eileen’s son Jason Grimshaw makes a huge offer. Sue shared: “Ryan was there from the start, and he was inconveniently living in Thailand, and it wouldn’t be too far of a jump to expect that if Eileen was going to make a leap, that she would involve her son.
“And so when I decided to leave, like over a year ago, I rang Ryan, and I said, ‘Ryan, I’m going to tell them that I’m going, and if they ask me about exits, I’d really like to say that you’d come back and take me out, but I don’t know whether they’d go for it or not’.
“And he just went, ‘Oh my gosh, of course, I would’, which was so lovely for me. And it was just so nice to have him back and filming those final scenes with him. It just felt like I’d come full circle really.”
Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and ITV X.
Rita Simons has joined the cast of Hollyoaks in an explosive new role. But upon her arrival, Alex Fletcher admits she was awestruck by her co-star – and even a little jealous.
Alex Fletcher has made a huge confession about one of her Hollyoaks co-stars
Alex Fletcher admits that Rita Simons’ arrival in Hollyoaks left her feeling envious – but she can’t wait to film more scenes with the former EastEnders star.
Diane Hutchinson has had the sort of 12 months you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy. She’s faced divorce, relapsed into alcoholism, learned that her teenager Ro wishes to transition and dated a bent copper who turned out to be running a child exploitation ring on the side.
So it’s no wonder Hollyoaks actress Alex Fletcher has blocked it all out. “She’s had a traumatic year,” laughs Alex, who is celebrating her 15th year on the soap.
“I genuinely put it to bed as soon as I walk out of the studio because it would send me under. I just try and bury it. But there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
This week sees Diane and Tony (Nick Pickard) grow closer after the stress of Ro’s court case dissipates. However, Marie (Rita Simons) is not giving up on her future with Tony without putting up a fight.
“Diane and Tony and the family have kind of pulled together as a unit again, which is a bit of a feather in Diane’s cap because she still loves him to bits,” explains Alex. “Her loyalties and her heart lie with Tony and it would be nice to work with Nick again because I’ve hardly seen him.”
After shooting to fame as Brookside’s feisty Jacqui Dixon, Alex Fletcher is making waves as Diane Hutchinson in Hollyoaks – a role she’s embodied since 2010
Fans will enjoy scenes where both Marie and Diane turn up in the same dress to celebrate after Ro avoids being sent to a juvenile detention centre. “That brings the family closer together again, so they celebrate and Marie and Diane turn up in the same dress,” laughs Alex.
“And Diane is like, ‘Well, I ain’t going home and getting changed love, you can go home!’ All the dynamics and blended families have been so good to explore. I think there’s going to be a lot more of that.”
Not only is Alex looking forward to being reunited with work husband Nick, she also wants more scenes with EastEnders icon Rita. “She’s brilliant,” says Alex, 48.
“Not going to lie, I was a bit jealous of her when she started. She’s so good, it’s nice to just be working in and around women of our age. Strong women. It’s fabulous.”
However, there is fresh trouble brewing for Diane: Clare Devine, played by Gemma Bissix, is coming for her. Unknown to Diane, Clare was married to DI Alistair Banks, the corrupt copper Diane had a fling with. Now he’s dead, Clare believes Diane is sitting on cash that belongs to her.
“Diane’s seemingly in a good place, though I don’t think she’s realised the backlash from DI Banks,” explains Alex. “Diane should be fearing for her life. And then, obviously, she’s also being accused of having all this cash that’s gone missing…”
Alex has now teased more troubled times ahead for her character, particularly with former EastEnders actress Rita Simons’ arrival(Image: WireImage)
Clare has been away from Hollyoaks for 12 years, but Alex is thrilled to have her back. “She’s just a great girl,” she says. “She’s a good energy – she really cares about the show and she 110% gets it.”
Before playing Diane on Hollyoaks , Alex made her name as Brookside ’s mouthy Jacqui Dixon, who married to become Jacqui Farnham. Alex loves acting but she’d also relish a stint on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! after cheering on Nick back in 2023.
She even wants to try a witchetty grub or two. “ It’s one of my favourite shows,” says Alex. “I am at an age where I don’t really care what people think about me anymore.
I’d have a good go. I’d be scared of the water – the water things would freak me out. But I could eat the stuff and I’d be good in a team.”
However, Strictly Come Dancing is where Alex’s heart lies. The star was in the audience of the show last year to support her pal Shayne Ward and loved watching the dancers close up.
“If I had to choose, it would be Strictly all day,” she says. “I danced as a kid and I had the privilege to go and see it last year and I buzzed off seeing the dancers. I just think it’s a skill. Not that I’ve danced in 35 to 40 years.”
Alex even knows who she’d like to dance with – Aljaž Škorjanec. “I love my fitness, I would just love it, 100%. I love Aljaž Škorjanec and I met him after the show and he was just dead friendly and brilliant,” she says. “He’d be brilliant.”
The star best known for his role as Robert Sugden and the character recently made a return to the long-running soap just as his ex Aaron Dingle was due to tie the knot with half-brother John
19:51, 14 Jun 2025Updated 19:51, 14 Jun 2025
Emmerdale Robert Sugden star details real-life friendship with soap rival
Emmerdale’s Ryan Hawley shared his appreciation for his soap rival Oliver Farnworth amid a tense storyline. Ryan is best known for his role as Robert Sugden and the character recently made a return to the long-running soap just as Robert’s ex Aaron Dingle was due to tie the knot with half-brother John.
Robert admitted he wanted Aaron back and the duo ended up sharing a secret smooch. However, it wasn’t enough for them to get back together as Aaron chose to marry John. Robert is now back in jail as he broke the terms of his bail and, next weeks, fans will witness John visiting him in prison to taunt him.
In an act of petty revenge, Robert reveals the secret kiss he had with John’s partner, angering him. While there’s a lot of drama to unfold, in real life, Ryan is a big fan of working with Oliver (who plays John).
“I’ve never worked with Oli [before], but I’ve been having a lot of fun working with him. Me and him have quite a lot in common,” Ryan revealed to Digital Spy.
“He’s a lovely guy. I really like him. I’ve had a lot of fun working with him. He’s great at playing this character. And I’m really happy he’s part of the cast.”
Emmerdale’s Aaron Dingle married John(Image: ITV)
Ryan went on to compliment Oliver’s skills as an actor before adding how he’s “well liked around here.”
Meanwhile, an episode next week featuring just a few cast members could see truths come to light, with fans set to see moments they’ve been waiting for for six long years .
Some scenes our Mirror soap insider have revealed would be “exactly what Robron fans have wanted for so long”. Not only that but there’s moving scenes with Aaron at the prison as well as drama with John, before Robert heads back to the village.
Just months after his exit Robert had called for a divorce and cut Aaron and even his sister Victoria Sugden out of his life. So fans have absolutely no idea what life has been like for Robert in prison, and what’s gone on in that time. It’s been teased he could be harbouring secrets and a story about those six years he was offscreen for.
Some of these things could well come out next week, as Ryan has promised viewers will learn a thing or two. With Ryan hinting at tense and dark scenes with John and then tear-jerking scenes with Robert and Aaron, he promised “big” moments ahead.
LIVERPOOL could be set to lose a second top star to a Madrid rival after Atletico Madrid reportedly made Andy Robertson their top target.
The Reds are already reeling from the loss of right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid and could now be forced to deal with the loss of left-back Robertson in the same window.
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Andy Robertson has been made a top target by Atletico MadridCredit: Getty
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The two men were both due to take part in Soccer Aid tomorrow, but it was revealed exclusively by The Sun yesterday that the I’m A Celeb champ had pull out due to injury.
However, before Sam was forced to quit, he was he was pictured training with Louis this week at Soccer Aid HQ in Tring, Herts, where the England and Rest of the World teams have been preparing for the match.
read more on Sam Thompson
After looking at the pictures in detail, a body language expert believes that Louis displayed a “playground mentality” towards Sam on the pitch.
Expert Judi James said that while Sam was smiling and happy, and get along with the other players, One Direction star Louis seemed “glum” and “separate”.
She told The Mail: ‘There seems to be more of a playground dynamic growing from the body language here.
“Sam seems to be very much part of the core group, sitting central and being the center of their attention while Louis walks by looking glum at times and rather peripheral to the social interaction.
“As the guys club around Sam, who looks deep in the discussion, Louis seems to glance over with a rather hard-looking stare.
“His eye direction might not be exclusively aimed at Sam, but he does seem to be checking the group out with an unsmiling facial expression.”
Louis Tomlinson admits feeling nervous ahead of Soccer Aid as Zara’s ex Sam Thompson awkwardly hovers behind him
Continuing she said: “When the two men meet on the pitch there is an unsmiling, reflective-looking gaze from Louis.
“This shouldn’t be over-dramatized into any form of specifically directed ‘hard stare’ as his eye direction does not seem to be aimed directly at Sam, but there could be seen to be a hint of some kind of ‘atmosphere’ brewing here.
“With his hands on his hips, Louis does look really down and perhaps rather uncomfortable.”
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The expert said that Louis appeared to ‘distance’ himself from his other team matesCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
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Sam pulled out of Soccer Aid yesterdayCredit: PA
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Sam completed his Match Ball Mission for Soccer Aid Unicef, running and cycling from Stamford Bridge in London to Old Trafford in ManchesterCredit: Splash
