rollercoaster

Everything we know about Alex Cora during his rudely interrupted tenure as manager of the Boston Red Sox lines up almost perfectly with everything we knew about him as a Dodgers player more than 20 years ago.

He communicates exceptionally well. He quietly makes a positive contribution. He handles failure admirably. Win or lose, he exhibits class.

Nothing has tested those traits more than what Cora, 50, endured over the last week. The man known throughout baseball as AC was fired by Boston on April 26, turned down an offer to manage the Philadelphia Phillies a day later, then while home in Puerto Rico saw that an ultimatum he made last season to general manager Craig Breslow was reported by the Boston Globe.

Cora somehow found time to pen an expression of gratitude to the Red Sox organization and fans.

“Thank you for treating me with respect and most importantly accept me as AC,” he wrote. “I’m grateful for this experience, it made me better….

“Thank you for the hard work, sleepless nights, professionalism and effort to help me lead this great organization.”

Communication and class until the end, no doubt. Yet the single blemish on his resume is eternally painful to Dodgers fans.

Alex Cora was fired as manager of the Boston Red Sox on April 26.

(Nick Wass/AP)

Cora was the Houston Astros bench coach in 2017 when the Dodgers were victimized by a sign-stealing scheme during the World Series, which the Astros won in seven games.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred released a report in January 2020 that detailed how in 2017 and 2018 the Astros illegally used electronic equipment to steal signs. Cora was central to the scheme, the report saying he “arranged for a video-room technician to install a monitor displaying the center-field camera feed immediately outside of the Astros dugout.”

By 2020, though, Cora was beloved in Boston for piloting the Red Sox to the 2018 World Series championship over the Dodgers in his first season as manager. Nevertheless he was fired a day after the report was released and suspended by MLB for the 2020 season.

Cora was rehired as Boston’s manager after serving his suspension, stating he would apologize for the rest of his life. And on the first day of spring training in 2023, he addressed his role in the scandal, apologizing to three new Red Sox players who were Dodgers in 2017: Kenley Jansen, Justin Turner and Kiké Hernandez.

Dodgers second baseman Alex Cora during a game against the Milwaukee Brewers in May 2004.

(Morry Gash / Associated Press)

The mea culpa was well-received by the trio and underscored Cora’s ability to smooth over even the most awkward situations.

“I’m going to be 100% honest with you — I just felt like I wanted to cry at that moment when he said that,” Jansen told a Boston radio station. “I felt like a weight came off.”

It’s now known that Cora backed his coaches when Breslow wanted to fire several of them last season. The Globe reported that Cora told the general manager that the Red Sox would have to fire him as well.

Breslow backed down then but not last week, firing five coaches along with Cora.

Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombroski responded swiftly, making Cora an offer even before firing manager Rob Thomson on Tuesday. The well-traveled Dombroski has led four franchises to a World Series — an MLB record — including one alongside Cora with the Red Sox in 2018, and the offer to jump to the Phillies was tempting.

But Cora put family first, telling Dombroski he wanted to take time with his fiancée, Angelica, and twin 8-year-old sons, Xander and Isander. After all, he is still under contract with the Red Sox through 2027, and is owed $14 million.

That’s about what he earned in 14 seasons as an infielder properly labeled as a good-field, no-hit, great clubhouse presence. Cora was the Dodgers’ primary shortstop in 2000 and 2001, then moved to second base through 2004.

The Dodgers’ center fielder from 2002 to the 2004 midseason was Dave Roberts, the current Dodgers manager who remains a close friend of Cora. The 2018 World Series was the first to feature two minority managers — a point of pride for the Puerto Rican-born Cora and Roberts, who is half-black and half-Japanese.

Cora won a World Series as a Red Sox reserve in 2007 and finished with a career batting average of .243 with a paltry 35 home runs in 3,825 plate appearances — the most memorable of which came May 12, 2004.

Cora capped an 18-pitch at-bat that included 14 foul balls with a home run against Chicago Cubs right-hander Matt Clement.

“What a moment! 9:23 on the scoreboard, if you want to write it down for history. What an at-bat!” Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully exclaimed. “That’s one of the finest at-bats I’ve ever seen, and to top it off with a home run, that is really shocking.”

Cora took a curtain call from the Dodger Stadium crowd and Scully said, “Yeah take a bow, Alex! You deserve it and then some!”

What Cora almost undoubtedly has earned now is another shot at managing. His 620-541 record is well above average. His reputation — sign-stealing scandal notwithstanding — is glowing.

The Phillies hired former Dodgers manager Don Mattingly on an interim basis and likely will circle back to Cora after the season. If not, other teams are expected to come calling.

Finally landing the Masters last year provided 36-year-old McIlroy with a sense of liberation.

During his first two rounds, he played with the greater mental freedom which he predicted reaching his golfing Everest – finally conquering Augusta National to complete the career Grand Slam – would provide.

The five-time major champion showed patience to take control of the leaderboard, even though he was not playing as well as the scoreboard suggested.

The ability to recover from wayward driving was the key to McIlroy’s success, staying calm in the pressure moments to play sensibly when required before attacking when the chances arose.

An uncluttered mind – aided by his superb short game – was missing on Saturday and could not ride to the rescue.

“I will go to the range and figure it out. I still have a great chance but if I am going to win I will have to play better,” McIlroy said.

McIlroy found eight of the 14 fairways in the third round – the same as he did on Friday when he shot a 65. On Thursday, he only hit five as he posted a 67.

Of those to make the halfway cut, he is bottom of the class in accuracy off the tee, and when you couple that with his poorer short game on Saturday, it’s easy to see how Augusta took chunks out of his lead.

Many players gave the old place a beating on Saturday, with watered greens allowing favourable scoring conditions.

But McIlroy was one of three players inside the top 28 who did not finish under par for their rounds, alongside England’s Tommy Fleetwood and Norway’s Kristoffer Reitan.

“It’s so rare to see a player shut the door on a major in the way Tiger Woods did,” said BBC golf correspondent Iain Carter.

“If he had a sniff he’d be so pragmatic and make sure nobody could get near him.

“McIlroy doesn’t have that in his locker. Woods was a super-human golfer, McIlroy is a human golfer.”

IT’S the no.1 children’s show on CBeebies and has been streamed more than 450million times on the BBC iPlayer – so where else to build a world-first Bluey rollercoaster than the UK’s biggest theme park?

Alton Towers know a sensation when they see one this week unveiled Bluey: Here Come The Grannies ride in the heart of CBeebies Land.

Now, toddlers and parents (lets face it, mums and dads love him too), can pay homage to the adventurous, inexhaustible puppy via a fun-filled rollercoaster.

The rollercoaster whisks you up and down over gentle dips, and around turns amid a fun, interactive setting of Bluey’s back garden.

It’s filled with fun references to the various episodes – including as the name suggests when the characters dress up as their Grannies.

The ride is the perfect mix of gentle and exciting and went down a storm on the day of opening.

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Parents and kids were loving it while wee toddlers were genuinely immersed in Bluey’s world; they truly believed they were in his garden.

Alton Towers still remains the king of the theme parks and with CBeebies land, Gansta Granny and the big scary roller coasters – every age group is catered for.

As with all of Alton Towers rides, it is not just about the rides, but the imaginative settings and creative back stories that add to the fun.

As the terrified child will testify while we waited for the Wicker Man to finish his dramatic speech ahead of boarding the ride – they do not hold back.

But that is all part of the fun (sorry scared child).

I visited with two teens and even with fast track passes and their excited insistence on running everywhere we still struggled to do half the park – it is vast.

The glorious spotless grounds are so special too. I had sneakily hoped that I could grab a rest while my teens rushed about but the weather was rudely not accommodating.

On a beautiful day however, it is so worth taking the time to explore the perfectly managed gardens – ideal to regulate and find some peace from the  thrills and spills.

The park looked fantastic, but as ever queues at the rides remain an issue and food and drinks pricey.

Meticulous planning, regularly checking the app and packing a picnic is advised to make the most of your day.

As the season opens Alton Towers are ensuring they are constantly evolving and investing in the park.

And the new Bluey: Here Come The Grannies rollercoaster will no doubt delight the next generation of thrill seekers.

One Sun writer spent their break in one of the Bluey hotel rooms…

Hannah Ferrett, Assistant Digital Editor, revealed what her stay was like in Bluey-themed hotel room that opened in 2024…

The new accommodation is one of 13 rooms and suites designed especially for kids — which also include telly favourites Postman Pat, Bing and Octonauts.

But this isn’t the place for those looking for a chilled stay with calm kids . . . as Jess, my nine-year-old said, the room is just too exciting.

We knew exactly what we were in for the moment we opened the door of the large room — which can sleep up to seven — as the Bluey theme song blasted out from speakers.

This led to roughly 15 renditions of the Bluey-themed musical statues (yes, mum and dad got involved too). The hotel has done a great job.

The kids slept in Bluey and Bingo’s room, complete with bunk beds, the recognisable watermelon rug and the cartoon dogs’ pretty Himalayan rock salt night light — a nice touch for little ones.

There’s also a sofa bed which sleeps two, and a trundle at the bottom of the bunks. The only thing which excited all four kids more than the triple bunk was realising we were the first family to stay in the room.

Murals of the Heeler family cover the walls, with fairy lights and books dotted about. The bathroom had pictures of Bluey and her sister plastered across the walls.

My partner Dan and I were in Bandit and Chilli’s room, which had a king size bed, TV and lots of pictures of Bluey and Bingo as puppies, much to the delight of our kids.

The suite and other Bluey room (which sleeps five) tie in with the launch of Bluey Live at CBeebies Land. The excitable blue pooch and her whole family are part of the fun, with kids able to meet the characters and even have their photo taken with them.

For more on theme parks, here’s one where you ‘travel through time’ and rides roar past the hotel window.

And here are seven great UK seaside towns with beachfront theme parks – and you can stay with Hols from £9.50.

THE first ever Bluey rollercoaster in the world is coming to the UK this week.

The new ride will be part of CBeebies Land at Alton Towers.

Called “Bluey the Ride: Here Come the Grannies!”, the ride will let both adults and kids hop in a carriage behind Bluey and Bingo.

It’s based on the episode where they dress up a grannies Janet and Rita to cause trouble.

The ride is made for younger riders, specifically for preschoolers.

Meet and greets with all the characters is also possible at the park, which includes Chilli, Bandit, Bluey and Bingo.

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Future plans include more Bluey-themed hotel rooms too, with one already at the CBeebies Land Hotel.

Howard Ebison, Vice President of Alton Towers Resort said: “It’s exciting to be able to give eager fans and families an official first-look at our newest attraction Bluey the Ride: Here Come the Grannies! this spring at Alton Towers Resort. 

“This first glimpse of the ride shows what promises to be an exciting experience for the whole family – from little ones to grandparents – which bring the limitless energy of Bluey to life.” 

The new rollercoaster opens on March 28.

Sun writer, Hannah Ferrett, recently stayed in one of the Bluey rooms that are already open at Alton Towers.

She said: “The kids slept in Bluey and Bingo’s room, complete with bunk beds, the recognisable watermelon rug and the cartoon dogs’ pretty Himalayan rock salt night light — a nice touch for little ones.

“My partner Dan and I were in Bandit and Chilli’s room, which had a king size bed, TV and lots of pictures of Bluey and Bingo as puppies, much to the delight of our kids.”

“Even the bathroom had pictures of Bluey and her sister plastered across the walls.”

Also new at the park are the world-first Hey Duggee themed hotel rooms.

And here are some other new lands and rides coming to theme parks this year.

It’s been an eventful 12 months for Gogglebox’s Siddiqui family – from celebrating a big birthday to suffering a heartbreaking loss

The Siddiqui family are one of Gogglebox’s original stars – but the clan have had an up-and-down past 12 months away from the programme.

The beloved family joined the very first series of the Channel 4 show back in 2013, and consists of Baasit and his two brothers, Umar and Raza, as well as their father Sid. The mum, Nasreen, however, has not appeared on the show.

And it’s fair to say it didn’t take the Siddiqui family – who live in Derby – long to become firm favourites with fans.

However, the past 12 months have no doubt been a tough time for the family: from a sad death to member of the family being hospitalised.

The Siddiqui family suffers tragic death

In September 2025, the Siddiquis shared an emotional post on Instagram, revealing that their beloved cat Poppy had passed away. Alongside an image of a grey cat the caption read: “Sleep Tight Little One. Our little Diva Poppy – nearly 14 years and still didn’t feel long enough.

“A lifetime of memories we will all never forget. We hope you are reunited with your big brother Rufus and are both chasing rainbows together. Pets leave paw prints on our hearts, and memories in our souls. Sleep tight, little one.” The family received messages of sympathy from supporters following the tragic announcement.

Baasit and Mel’s anniversary

The Siddiquis had something to celebrate in October 2025 though, as Baasit and wife Mel hit a major wedding milestone. Posting on the Siddiqui family’s official Instagram account, Baasit wrote: “13 years married today, 16.5 years together – forever to go.

“Happy Anniversary to the absolute best, couldn’t do life without you. Love you xxx #weddinganniversary #anniversary #love.”

Baasit and Mel have been together for several years and are parents to a daughter named Amelia and a son named Theodore.

Raz’s horror fall

More recently, in February 2026, the family revealed that Raza had ended up in hospital and would be absent from the episode at the time. They upload a series of pictures of the TV star in hospital. In some images, he was hooked up to breathing machines.

And to explain his absence from the show, the post read: “For you eagle-eyed Goggleboxers, you may have noticed that Raza (@razathefaint) hasn’t joined us on the sofa so far this season. Sadly he had a bit of a fall, a few weeks back and cracked some ribs.”

The post said they fully expect him to return in a few weeks as he is recovering well. It went on: “He’s absolutely smashing his recovery, staying positive and keeping himself entertained with walks, telly, reading and nephew cuddles with Theodore.

“I know you guys reaching out and sending your well wishes will put a bigger smile on his face than morphine ever could. Can’t wait for all four Siddiquis to be back on team @c4gogglebox with the rest of the fab families.”

Sid’s 81st birthday

The Siddiquis celebrated a special day last month to mark dad Sid’s 81st birthday. They uploaded several family photos from over the years to Instagram, and captioned the post: “Happy Birthday Day aka Sid. Wishing you the most wonderful day! We love you xxx.”

Sid’s daughter-in-law Mel, who is married to Baasit, shared her well-wishes in the comments section, writing: “Happy birthday Sid AKA grandad. Have the best day!”

Supporters were also quick to express their affection, with one follower commenting: “Have a Wonderful Happy Birthday, may your day and year be filled with those you love, things that matter and above all joy.”

Gogglebox airs every Friday at 9pm on Channel 4