ALL medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and even herbal remedies, have the potential to cause side effects.
But experts have warned weight loss jab users to pay real attention to any side effects they experience, as they could actually be signalling deadly cancer, as Dawn Clegg tragically found out.
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Dawn Clegg initially put her chest pain down to a side effect of the ‘King Kong’ of fat jabs, Mounjaro
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Dawn, pictured with husband Arron, was given less than a year to live after doctors discovered a soft-tissue cancer known as sarcomaCredit: SWNS
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Like all medications, fat jabs have the potential to cause side effects – but many can mask various deadly cancers, experts tell Sun HealthCredit: Getty
The 51-year-old, from Morecambe, Lancashire, had been using Mounjaro to treat her diabetes, but in March this year, she began suffering from chest pain, which she initially put down to a side effect of the jabs.
When the pain persisted, she headed to A&E before doctors made a shocking discovery.
After undergoing several X-rays, doctors spotted shadows on her lungs, kidneys and breast, and she was diagnosed with soft-tissue cancer, known as sarcoma.
Dawn was then given the life-shattering news that she had less than a year to live.
Her heartbroken husband, Arron Clegg, 51, is planning to hold a “living wake” in November to celebrate the life of his wife.
He said: “We were devastated on hearing news of cancer in these areas – there is no cure and she is now terminal.”
Weight loss expert atThe Lagom Clinic, Dr Jack Ogden, said he has also been made aware of a fat jab user mistaking symptoms of cancer for side effects, though they weren’t linked to the clinic.
He tells Sun Health: “As a clinician, hearing about cases like this is always sobering. It reinforces how easy it is for both patients and healthcare professionals to attribute symptoms to the most obvious cause.
“In this case, weight loss injections, when something more serious may be underlying.”
The fat jab user, a 52-year-old who remains anonymous, began experiencing persistent fatigue, feeling full quickly, and mild nausea while on a GLP-1 weight loss injection.
Weight Loss Jabs – Pros vs Cons
They initially assumed these symptoms were routine side effects, but they persisted beyond the expected two to three-week adjustment period.
Further investigation by their GP revealed a diagnosis of stage two stomach cancer – which isn’t very common in the UK but can be deadly.
When detected early, stomach cancer has a high chance of being cured.
But it’s often diagnosed at a more advanced stage, which makes it harder to treat and means survival rates can be low.
Dr Ogden said: “It’s important to monitor persistent symptoms, keep a log of side effects, and seek prompt medical advice if anything unusual arises.”
So what cancer symptoms could people mistake for the side effects of fat jabs?
Here, a team of experts offer their life-saving advice…
THE SYMPTOMS YOU MUST NOT IGNORE
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THERE are more than 200 different types of cancer, and they all have different signs and symptoms.
While some affect specific areas of the body, symptoms can be more general and similar to those caused by less serious conditions or medication side effects.
She says: “Thyroid swelling or a lump in the neck might be dismissed as an injection side effect, but it could also indicate thyroid cancer.
“The risk of thyroid swelling has been confirmed as a potential side effect by the manufacturers of both Mounjaro and Wegovy.
“And nausea is another common side effect of weight loss jabs that can also indicate liver, bladder or pancreatic cancer.
“There’s a lot of overlap between the symptoms of different organ cancers (like liver and pancreatic cancer) because they affect similar areas of the body.
“This can make identification of cancer symptoms difficult, especially when side effects of weight loss injections are also present.”
It’s also important to note that while use of the jabs results in weight loss, sudden, unexplained, unintentional, and significant (more than 5 per cent of your body weight in six to 12 months) weight loss could be a red flag for cancer.
HOW TO SPOT THE DIFFERENCE
THERE’S not always an easy way to tell the difference between cancer symptoms and weight loss side effects.
It depends on the symptoms you experience, says Ms Goncalves.
She explains: “High levels of acid reflux or heartburn that persist even after you’ve stopped weight loss injections should definitely be looked into by a doctor or GP.
“Also, a lump in the neck, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing could indicate thyroid cancer.
“It’s not possible to fully tell on your own, so you should consult your doctor or GP if you experience these symptoms.”
WHAT’S THE RISK?
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Mistaking cancer symptoms for medication side effects could lead to a delay in diagnosisCredit: Getty
KEVIN Joshua, clinical lead at Juniper, an online healthcare provider, says while it’s not very common, confusing symptoms and side effects are a real risk.
He warns: “The danger is that someone may put persistent or worsening symptoms down to the medication, rather than seeing their GP.
“That missed time can make all the difference in cancer treatment and survival.”
Ms Gonclaves adds: “Cancer caught early is far easier to treat. If people assume ongoing pain, nausea or weight loss is just a side effect, they may only get checked once the cancer is more advanced – and that can be life-threatening.
“Given the increasing use of weight loss injections in the UK, the potential for confusion is likely growing, especially for cancer symptoms that overlap with common injection side effects.
“However, there’s currently no large-scale study that estimates how frequently cancer symptoms are misattributed to jabs.
“But it’s important to note the safety of Wegovy and Mounjaro has been proven in clinical trials, and they are licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for weight management in the UK.”
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
IF you experience any symptoms after starting weight loss jabs, Dr Ogden recommends you do the following:
Track your symptoms – keep a daily log noting timing, intensity, and duration.
Monitor persistence – common side effects usually settle within two to three weeks.
Note severity changes – sudden worsening or new symptoms are red flags.
Consult a healthcare professional promptly – don’t wait to see if symptoms pass if they are unusual or severe.
Communicate openly – share your symptom log with your GP or specialist for accurate assessment.
Weight loss injections can be safe and effective, but awareness and careful monitoring are essential, added Dr Ogden.
“Early detection of serious issues can save lives and prevent complications.”
The majority of common side effects, such as nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, skin redness or fatigue, can be managed with adequate hydration, dietary choices, and over‑the‑counter medication.
Ms Goncalves advises: “You can try eating smaller meals, and using herbal teas or oral rehydration salts to alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms.
“You should drink fluids regularly to ensure you are hydrated.”
But you should seek medical help if symptoms are severe, continue for more than a few weeks, or are linked with alarm signs like vomiting blood, blood in stools, jaundice, unexplained weight loss or a lump.
“These should never be written off as ‘just the jab’,” said Mr Joshua.
THE MOST COMMON CANCERS IN THE UK TO BE AWARE OF
THE most common cancers in the UK are breast, prostate, lung, and and bowel cancer.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, affecting both men and women but far more common in women.
Symptoms include a new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit, changes in breast size or shape, nipple changes like inversion or discharge (especially with blood), skin changes such as dimpling, redness, or a rash, and persistent pain.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men.
Symptoms primarily involve urinary and sexual issues, such as frequent or urgent urination (especially at night), difficulty starting or stopping urine flow, a weak stream, and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying.
Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths in the UK, linked to smoking.
Common lung cancer symptoms include a persistent cough, coughing up blood, breathlessness, an unexplained cough that gets worse, chest pain or ache, recurring chest infections, and unexplained weight loss or fatigue.
And bowel cancer is a common cancer affecting both men and women.
Symptoms can include a persistent change in bowel habits, blood in your poo or bleeding from the bottom, unexplained weight loss, unexplained tiredness, and a pain or lump in your tummy.
Early diagnosis can significantly improve outcomes for most cancers, so if you experience any of these symptoms, see your GP.
After struggling for so long in high-leverage situations, the team’s offense finally had reason to celebrate.
For weeks now, the Dodgers have technically been in a tight division race.
The real battle, however, has often been with themselves.
At a time of the year typically dedicated to scoreboard watching and monitoring the standings, the team had instead been preoccupied by its own inconsistent play. Chief among their recent problems: Capitalizing on scoring opportunities.
In a 13-7 defeat of the San Francisco Giants on Saturday, they finally vanquished those demons.
After trailing by three runs early, and reaching rock bottom again after coming up empty with the bases loaded and no outs in the second inning, the Dodgers mounted the kind of rally that had so often been missing during their lackluster second half of the season, scoring six runs in the top of the fifth inning to key what felt like a statement win.
“A lot of guys put together really good at-bats,” third baseman Max Muncy said. “We found a way to keep the ball moving forward, keep moving to the next guy. It was really impressive.”
Early in Saturday’s game, the Dodgers (83-65) had honed a sound approach. They stressed Giants ace Logan Webb. They stayed alive in two-strike counts. They worked long at-bats and put runners on base.
The missing ingredient, as usual, had been the big hits needed to build a big inning. Then, in the top of the fifth, it all so suddenly — and refreshingly — flipped.
That’s what happened in the second, when Webb wiggled out of trouble by getting Miguel Rojas to hit an infield pop-up and Rortvedt to roll into a double-play, preserving the 4-1 lead the Giants had taken against Clayton Kershaw in a 36-pitch first inning.
“It’s real easy, if you don’t get any runs in that inning, to sit there and start pouting and start letting the emotion take over,” Muncy said. “It’s tough to dig out of that hole.”
This time, however, the Dodgers came back from the dead.
Shohei Ohtani hits a solo home run in the third inning Saturday against the Giants.
(Godofredo A. Vásquez / Associated Press)
The turnaround started in the third, when Shohei Ohtani bat-flipped a leadoff home run that traveled 454 feet (the longest of his 49 long balls this season) and Hernández belted an RBI double off the wall with two outs.
That momentum carried into the fifth, when the Dodgers’ recently unproductive offense suddenly — and refreshingly — flipped the bases-loaded script.
After a walk from Betts, a single from Freddie Freeman and a walk from Muncy chased Webb from the game, Hernández came to the plate against Giants reliever José Buttó.
Hernández quickly fell behind to newly inserted Giants reliever José Buttó, taking a first-pitch fastball before fanning on a slider out of the zone. But after laying off another slider in the dirt, Hernández got a mistake, with Buttó leaving a fastball up and over the plate. Hernández lined it to the gap, where center fielder Luis Matos struggled to get a bead. It dropped in under Matos’ diving attempt, rolling past him for a two-run double that gave the Dodgers a 5-4 lead.
“Getting closer to October, everybody is trying to do the little things, not trying to do too much and just getting on base for the next guy,” said Hernández, who was one of three Dodgers hitters to record three hits and lead the way with three RBIs.
“That was a big difference today. Everybody was into the game. It didn’t happen in the second inning, but we came back and started fighting again, every at-bat and scored some runs.”
Indeed, from that point on, the floodgates burst open. Michael Conforto lifted a sacrifice fly to right. Rortvedt lined another two-run double to left-center. Betts bounced a run-scoring single up the middle.
By the time the side was retired, 11 Dodgers had come to the plate. Eight had reached safely. Six had come around to score.
An exorcism, exhale and sigh of relief for the Dodgers’ long-scuffling offense.
“That was awesome,” said Kershaw, who exited after the third. “For them to grind out at-bats — especially after me putting them in a hole after the first inning — getting guys on base, not trying to do too much, taking what they’re giving you, walks, hits, all the things, it was really impressive.”
Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw reacts after giving up an RBI single in the first inning Saturday.
(Godofredo A. Vásquez / Associated Press)
Over their 26-33 stretch since July 4, the Dodgers had lost so many games like this one, letting bad outings from starters or wasted opportunities early in games send them into spirals that lingered for days (and sometimes weeks) after.
But on this night, every moment of adversity was met with an answer.
After Kirby Yates gave back three runs in the bottom of the fifth, the Dodgers responded with another three-spot in the sixth punctuated by an RBI double from Rojas. When the bullpen needed someone to calm the waters, rookie left-hander Justin Wrobleski produced 2⅓ scoreless innings.
Even on a day that Will Smith was placed on the injured list (finally being shelved after battling a bone bruise on his hand for the last 10 days) and Muncy left the game after taking a pitch to the head (he passed postgame concussion protocols, and will have a scheduled day off Sunday), the Dodgers didn’t wilt.
Instead, their lineup finally produced as expected, going seven for 15 with runners in scoring position, producing 11 of their 23 combined hits and walks with two strikes, and fueling a win that keeps the team 2½ games up in the National League West standings — all while helping ease concerns about their recently inconsistent offense.
“I just don’t see why we can’t do that, as far as approach, on a nightly basis,” manager Dave Roberts said. “With two strikes, you got to give something up. And I think for me tonight, I saw us give up the pull side. And then you’re starting to get hits to the big part of the field, hits the other way to the other gap, winning pitches. We did that all night long. Good stuff.”
England are playing more directly whilst empowering their exciting wingers to showcase their quality, but Tuchel isn’t forgetting to use pragmatic solutions, notably in the form of long throws.
After a recent press conference, he stated “the long throw-in is back”. This is a fair conclusion considering the opening weekend of Premier League football saw an average of 3.2 long throws per game, up from 1.52 the season before.
When facing teams that stubbornly deeply defend their own box, the first goal is paramount in forcing teams to come out, opening up space to attack.
The use of throw-in situations as set-pieces give teams an additional chance to initially break that deadlock and require the appropriate attention.
Clever free-kicks and corner routines are key too, and it is clear Tuchel and his backroom staff have made this central to their system.
The opening goal against Serbia completely changed the direction of the game and from a well-worked corner.
Serbia set up to defend the corner in a zonal fashion, staying in specific zones.
Following Rice’s out-swinging cross, Serbia’s defenders were drawn to the ball but the positioning of England’s players in front of the Serbians meant they could stand in the way, blocking them from getting to the ball. Kane lingered deeper and was able to score, uncontested.
It was calculated, deliberate and effective with England trying the same routine earlier in the game prior to the goal.
Allan: I am once again proved wrong. Asking why Ryan Christie is playing, then he puts in a man of the match performance. Scotland battled hard and deserved a point after a shaky start where they continually failed to keep the ball. Eventually, Scotland grew into the game and could have sneaked it. The last 15 minutes it was all hands to the pump in defence and holding out for the point.
G A Simpson: Same old conservative approach from Clarke. Dykes and Adams up front might seem adventurous, but there is no pace there. Dykes and Doak would have exposed the Danes to more risk and may have created more clear cut chances, given the fact that they seemed jittery at the back. Nevertheless a good defensive performance. A decent point taken.
Keith: Good point to start us off. Yes we didn’t play exciting attacking football but we played to our strengths against a top ranked team. Big difference with Hickey and Dykes in the team. Everyone played their part, just need three points against Belarus to make it an acceptable double header.
Martin: Seems to be with some folks that Clarke can’t do right, I for one was expecting a thrashing tonight but proved wrong, decent performance, good result.
Stuart: Same old stagnant line-up with a plethora of exciting and in form players on the bench that did not get a sniff, personally I am left frustrated with a point because I think with a fresh perspective we could have won that tonight. Although, credit is due to the back line tonight, they were solid.
A BUNDESLIGA club unveiled its stunning new-look tunnel ahead of their clash with champions Bayern Munich last month.
FC Augsburg have been renovating their tunnel for the last few months as part of a desperately-needed refurb.
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Bundesliga side Augsburg recentl renovated their tunnel at the WWK ArenaCredit: REUTERS
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The tunnel has been designed in a simlar style to ancient Roman ampitheatresCredit: FC AUGSBURG
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The tunnel’s design is an homage to the club’s Roman rootsCredit: FC AUGSBURG
And the new-look tunnel players will walk out of going forward is truly a sight to behold.
The club has paid tribute to its Roman roots with a tunnel inspired by the city’s ancient amphitheatres.
The gates to the tunnel have drawn inspiration from amphitheatres in the Eternal City and Verona and features several aspects of the club’s badge.
Its walls have been stunningly designed to appear as if they’ve been covered in ancient Roman stones and have been laid out in a pattern befitting the time period.
The stones are beautifully highlighted by accent lights and an illuminated club badge.
A beautiful mosaic pattern comprised of Italian stones makes up the midway point of the tunnel, which the club proudly showed off on social media.
Augsburg CEO Michael Stroll said of the revamp: “We’ve long spoken about our desire to modernise our players’ tunnel.
“Our previous tunnel was functional, but didn’t really catch the eye.
As if we needed another reason to question Woody Allen’s judgment, the 89-year-old director praised President Trump as “polite” and “a pleasure to work with” on Bill Maher’s podcast, “Club Random.”
Allen, who cast Trump in a cameo appearance for his 1998 film “Celebrity,” said on Monday’s podcast that the then-real estate mogul “hit his mark, did everything correctly and had a real flair for show business.”
“As an actor, he was very good,” Allen said. “He was very convincing, and he has a charismatic quality as an actor. And I’m surprised he wanted to go into politics. Politics is nothing but headaches and critical decisions and agony.”
Trump’s latest critical decision as commander in chief? Sharing the filmmaker’s positive comments on his Truth Social account. Heavy hangs the crown …
But why would Trump even want Allen on his side?
Allen’s legacy as a groundbreaking filmmaker was tarnished by revelations about his personal life that emerged in the 1990s. It was revealed that he had a romantic relationship with his then-girlfriend Mia Farrow’s adopted daughter, Soon-Yi Previn. He was 56. She was 21. Allen’s own daughter with Farrow, Dylan, would later accuse Allen of sexually molesting her, claims that he denies. Even if fans want to separate the artist from news stories about the man, it’s difficult given that Allen’s films often reflect an obsession with youthful — and occasionally underage — women.
The president has been doing everything possible to bury his past associations with older men who allegedly prey on younger women. There’s this guy named Jeffrey Epstein …
There’s obviously no comparing Allen to the late convicted child sex trafficker, but why even open the door to such scrutiny? It’s because a compliment is a compliment, and there are so few of them coming from Hollywood that Trump could not help but copy, paste and post.
Maher responded to Allen’s flattering words about Trump with mock outrage: “How dare you?!”
Allen may have surprised listeners who know the director as a master satirist of the flawed personality, but Maher was right on brand. The 69-year-old has forged a career playing to all sides of contentious issues while sincerely committing to none.
Earlier this year, the host of HBO’s “Real Time With Bill Maher,” who describes himself as a “vocal critic” of Trump, caught flak for dining with the president at Mar-a-Lago, then later describing Trump as “gracious,” “not fake” and that “everything I’ve ever not liked about him was absent.” He praised Trump for being “measured” and not like the “person who plays a crazy person on TV.”
Larry David, the creator of “Seinfeld” and star of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” responded to Maher’s laudatory dinner recollection with a satirical essay in the New York Times titled “My Dinner With Adolf.” David wrote from the perspective of a “vocal critic” of the Nazi dictator who, over dinner, finds Hitler to be surprisingly “disarming” and “authentic.” The essay went viral.
During Monday’s podcast, Allen counterbalanced his kind words about Trump with the revelation that he voted for former Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. He also said that he disagrees with Trump on “99%” of issues.
After wondering aloud why Trump went into politics, Allen said, “This was a guy I used to see at the Knicks games, and he liked to play golf, and he liked to judge beauty contests, and he liked to do things that were enjoyable and relaxing. Why anyone would want to suddenly have to deal with the issues of politics is beyond me.”
Perhaps it’s about seizing total power? Exacting revenge on enemies such as his former national security advisor John Bolton? Scrubbing the Epstein files? Profiting off his office?
But let’s get back to Allen.
The director reiterated that he disagreed “with many, almost all, not all, but almost all of his politics, of his policies. I can only judge what I know from directing him in film. And he was pleasant to work [with], and very professional, very polite to everyone…
“If he would let me direct him now that he’s president, I think I could do wonders.”
He kids. But it was only just a few days ago that Allen came under fire for virtually attending the Moscow Film Festival as a guest of honor. He praised Russian cinema and hinted at wanting to shoot a film in the country. After some “measured” thought, perhaps Putin will get a cameo.
Guardiola’s best teams have been built on control, patterns of play and attacking incision.
When City beat Wolves 4-0 on the opening weekend of the season, it was natural to think the troubles that had plagued them last term had been erased over the summer.
But Sunday’s defeat on the south coast was a repeat of the inconsistency City displayed throughout last season.
Guardiola’s side stifled Brighton in the first half, limiting the Seagulls to a single opportunity through Kaoru Mitoma.
Erling Haaland, making his 100th Premier League appearance for City, opened the scoring with his 88th league goal for the club.
But a quadruple substitution by Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler after an hour changed the course of the game, with James Milner, Brajan Gruda, Georgino Rutter and Yasin Ayari entering the fray.
Brighton dominated from there on, equalising from the penalty spot through Milner, before a last-gasp winner from Gruda.
“We conceded two goals. We were excellent for one hour,” Guardiola told BBC Sport.
“After the goal we forgot to play. We were thinking of the consequences.
“I like many, many things we are doing. Like against Tottenham, we started well. I like many things the team has done here today but we were unable to win. When we conceded the goal, we stopped playing.
“It’s one game. The season has just started. There is a long, long season ahead of us. We will see what happens.”
Only Manchester United’s 1992-1993 title-winning team have recovered from losing two of their first three league matches to be crowned champions, and that came during a 42-game season.
“It’s back to the drawing board for Man City,” former Middlesbrough goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer said.
“There are a lot of questions still about this team and Pep Guardiola. Is he going to turn it around? He has never been in a situation quite like this before and the hole keeps getting deeper and deeper.”
Millions of YouTube TV customers were spared an interruption of Fox News, Fox sports and local coverage after the two entertainment companies reached a 11th-hour truce following weeks of negotiations.
The two sides agreed Wednesday to continue talks to resolve their differences over distribution deal terms, pausing the threat of a channel blackout days before the start of the college football and NFL seasons.
The announcement came minutes before the 2 p.m. Pacific deadline. Neither company wanted to let a contract squabble disrupt some of their viewers’ favorite shows.
Fox News has a popular lineup with “The Five,” “Special Report with Bret Baier” and “Hannity.” Without a deal, sports fans could have missed out on Friday night’s Auburn-Baylor football game, Saturday’s high-profile contest between Texas and Ohio State and three regional Major League Baseball games airing on Fox.
In addition, Fox’s NFL season kicks off on Sept. 7, giving the two sides added motivation to find a resolution.
“We have reached a short-term extension with Fox to prevent disruption to YouTube TV subscribers as we continue to work on a new agreement,” YouTube said in a Wednesday afternoon blog post. “We are committed to advocating on behalf of our subscribers as we work toward a fair deal and will keep you updated on our progress.”
YouTube has about 10 million customers for its television service, making it the third largest pay-TV distributor in the U.S.
This is a developing story.
The dispute hinged on programming fees YouTube TV pays for Fox News, the Fox broadcast network, Fox-owned stations, including KTTV Channel 11 in Los Angeles, Fox Business, FS1 and the Big 10 Network.
Rupert Murdoch’s company relies heavily on the strength of Fox News — which ranked as the nation’s top-rated linear network in July — and its broadcast network that boasts big-name sports to maintain its programming fees.
Distribution fee disputes have become increasingly common amid a shift in economics.
Programmers, including Fox, have long counted on distribution fees paid by TV distributors that sell the channel bundles to consumers. But that source of revenue is under threat as viewers migrate to Netflix, Disney+ and other streamers — shrinking the pool of pay-TV subscribers.
“Fox is asking for payments that are far higher than what partners with comparable content offerings receive,” YouTube said late Monday in a blog post when tensions ran high. “Our priority is to reach a deal that reflects the value of their content and is fair for both sides without passing on additional costs to our subscribers.”
For its part, Fox said it was “proposing a fair, comprehensive deal to continue our relationship with YouTube TV.” It accused Google of using its leverage to try to extract unfair terms.
YouTube TV has been gaining subscribers at a time when others are losing them, giving the tech company increased market muscle. YouTube’s popular bundle — it also offers the NFL Sunday Ticket package of out-of-market games — has cut into the business of legacy pay-TV providers.
Nielsen ranks YouTube, including its video service, as the largest television distributor in the U.S. by share of viewership. In a Tuesday report, Nielsen said that YouTube captured 13.4% of all TV viewing in July, the sixth consecutive month the company has claimed the top spot.
Walt Disney Co. came in second that month with 9.4% of the audience.
Last year, YouTube generated $54.2 billion in revenue, second only to Disney, according to research firm MoffettNathanson. The analysts estimated that fast-growing YouTube TV would reach 10 million subscribers this year. That slightly trails Charter, which operates the Spectrum service, and Comcast.
I’m watching overtourism in action. Within the iridescent marvel that is Croatia’s Blue Cave, four boats holding about a dozen people each have an allotted 10 minutes before we motor back out again so that the next batch of visitors can float in. About 1,500 people a day visit this beautiful grotto on the island of Biševo, the biggest attraction within the Vis archipelago, two hours and 20 minutes south of Split by ferry. After paying the €24 entrance fee, I’m left underwhelmed by this maritime conveyor belt. At least the 45-minute foot ferry from Komiža, on the archipelago’s main island of Vis, to Biševo’s Mezoporat Bay, the launch point for boats to the Blue Cave, is only €4.
Many of the other cave visitors are on one of the countless speedboat tours departing from all over Dalmatia and crowding into Mezoporat Bay before whizzing off elsewhere. I’m staying on Vis itself to take a longer, slower, more satisfying look at the island, where I spent a night three years ago and which I’ve been hankering to revisit ever since. Despite the overwhelming popularity of the nearby Blue Cave and its speedboat tours, plus the boost in tourism on Vis after much of Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again was filmed here in 2017, I know there’s a quieter, mellower side to the island, and it doesn’t take long to find it.
In sleepy Rukavac on Vis’s south-eastern coast, British couple Xania and Craig Wear welcome me into one of their four guest rooms in the large stone house they renovated after moving here 20 years ago. The former PE teachers run WearActive, offering yoga, kayaking, paddleboarding and cycling in Rukavac. On their seven-day, “relaxingly active” holidays you can do as much or as little as you like. “Actively relaxing”, I find, is just as fitting a description.
Kayaking just off Stiniva beach, Vis. Photograph: Mary Novakovich
Xania serves delicious plant-based food on the large shaded terrace, which has views of the sea. But before breakfast we walk to the flat rocks of Bili Bok beach, where Craig puts me through my yoga paces. Clean, salty air fills my lungs as I lunge and stretch by the Adriatic. I follow this with a swim at nearby Srebrna beach. Late afternoons are spent lazing on the pebbles at Tepluš beach, 10 minutes’ walk from the house. I could get used to this.
The next morning, my hosts suggest kayaking 6 miles (10km) from Rukavac to Stiniva Bay, Vis’s most famous beach and a place of peerless beauty. Two giant limestone cliffs curve round the pebbly beach, nearly meeting in the middle. From the top of the hill behind the cliffs there’s a steep, rocky footpath to the beach, but it’s infinitely more enjoyable to paddle on to the beach, where only kayaks, paddleboards and small rubber dinghies are allowed. Craig is on a paddleboard, while Xania and I share a kayak, and my husband has a single kayak. At 8.30am there are only about four people here, and we have a blissful, peaceful swim.
The Blue Cave of Biševo is beautiful but can be very busy with visitors. Photograph: Mary Novakovich
Craig knows I’ve always wanted to learn how to paddleboard, so on the way back to Rukavac we stop in tranquil Ruda bay. After some expert instruction, I’m on the board and paddling away, initial jitters soothed by the hypnotic motion of gliding on the water. Now I see what all the fuss is about.
Away from the water, my husband and I get to know Vis more intimately, crisscrossing its vineyard-covered interior and heading up and down its winding mountain roads. Its capital, Vis town, dozes during the day, most restaurants closing while the sailing crowd cruises. It comes alive at night, the restaurant terraces along the Venetian harbour buzzing in the summertime warmth.
Smaller Komiža is the place for lunch, with everything from cheap pizzerias to smart restaurants. Near Gusarica beach we find Konoba Jastožera, a restaurant built on stilts over the water, where lobster pots hold the restaurant’s speciality.It’s only when I hear the soundtrack to the Mamma Mia! films that I realise we’ve stumbled on one of the sequel’s filming locations, and instantly expect high prices and low quality. Wrong on both counts. As long as we don’t order lobster, it’s one of the most affordable restaurants we’ve seen so far, with two courses for €25. It’s not all money, money, money here.
Mary Novakovich in Konoba Jastožera. Photograph: Adam Batterbee
For an island that was off limits to foreigners until 1989, when the Yugoslav army base here closed down, Vis seems to be taking its time in developing its tourism (Biševo’sBlue Cave aside). I spot a few military tours about, taking people to the huge network of tunnels and bunkers left behind by the army. I get a fascinating glimpse into 1944 Vis when I hike up to the collection of caves at the foot of Mount Hum, where future Yugoslav president Tito and his fellow partisans hid from the Nazis.
Then there’s the growth of active holiday companies bringing more people to the island, which Xania sees as a positive thing, even if it means more competition. “Vis would then become an island that’s known for its adventure holidays,” she says. “And then you have more people coming to do that kind of tourism.” I nod in agreement. The island’s natural rhythm – slow, unhurried – is one to be savoured, not raced through.
The trip was provided by WearActive, which offers seven-night active holidays from €1,590pp, including breakfast, four lunches, three dinners with wine, five days of activities, transfers to restaurants on four evenings and from Vis town ferry terminal
We holidayed in style at the chic and charming El Fuerte hotel on Marbella’s beachfront for a taste of old world Spanish charm, and discovered another side to the popular Málaga area
Santorini has become a firm favourite with Brits looking for picture-perfect Greece holidays in recent years but its popularity also means it can be full of crowds
There is a way to enjoy Santorini without the crowds(Image: Getty/Nick Brundle Photography)
With its white-washed, blue domed buildings, Santorini has become one of those destinations that you’ve no doubt seen all over your social media feeds.
The island’s beauty has led to an influx of visitors flocking to the island every summer. The result has been crowds of tourists queueing to get to some of the best viewpoints, restaurants being crowded and prices being hiked up as peak holiday season hits.
However, the good news is that there is an easy way to explore the island and take in the views without the crowds, not to mention it gives you access to some of the quieter beaches and spots that can’t easily be reached by other visitors.
Santorini can get overcrowded in the peak seasons(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
According to recent data from SamBoat, bookings for boat trips rose by 75% last year, with increasing numbers of Brits opting for a day at sea as part of their holidays. When you consider that it can offer spectacular views of a destination without jostling through crowds, the appeal is very quickly apparent.
In fact, it’s why a boat trip could be the answer for exploring Santorini without having to face hordes of tourists. The SamBoat experts explained: “Santorini’s postcard-perfect villages are stunning from land but even more magical from the sea. A boat trip from Ammoudi Bay or Vlychada lets you uncover the island’s quieter side, with hidden hot springs, unspoiled swimming spots, and peaceful black-sand beaches like Mesa Pigadia and White Beach. For a romantic day at sea or a group celebration, a motorboat or small catamaran is an unforgettable way to soak up the caldera views.”
“The dreamy images of Santorini that most people conjure up are likely of Oia or Fira, the island’s capital,” wrote Angela Patrone. “As my friends and I began planning our trip, we discovered how these two locations were often bustling with tourists. To escape the flurry of tourists, we opted to stay in two lesser-known towns, both brimming with charm and beauty.”
Instead, they headed to Vothonas and Perissa, which she said “turned out to be a brilliant decision”, as they rented a car and could easily reach most areas of the island.
She added: “Vothonas, a mere 10 minutes from Fira, is a charming traditional Greek village with hardly any tourists. If you’re seeking a tranquil and relaxing holiday setting, this is the place to be. The village is nestled in a picturesque ravine and features traditional houses carved into rocks. A leisurely walk around the paved lanes reveals white-domed churches and traditional homes.”
Do you have a travel story you want to share with us? Email us at[email protected].
Match of the Day pundits Danny Murphy and Joe Hart look at how Morgan Gibbs-White was able to dictate the play for Nottingham Forest in their 3-1 win over Brentford.
IPSWICH TOWN were unbelievably forced to hold their half-time team-talk on their team BUS due to a plumbing issue during their Carabao Cup clash with Bromley.
Championship outfit Ipswich travelled to Hayes Lane to take on League Two side Bromley in the first round of the competition.
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Ipswich Town were forced to hold their half-time team talk on their team due to a plumbing issue during their Carabao Cup clash with BromleyCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
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League Two Bromley had gone 1-0 up against the Championship side on the stroke of half-timeCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Kieran McKenna‘s side had been playing in the Premier League last season, lining up in stadiums like Old Trafford and the Emirates in front of tens of thousands of fans.
But the Tractor Boys were slapped in the face by the reality of the football pyramid when they found themselves taking on Bromley in their 1,300-seat Hayes Lane ground.
That reality hit even harder when they went in trailing 1-0 at half-time, only to be told they had to hold their team talk on their team bus due to plumbing problems in the changing rooms.
Their squad, which featured the likes of Ashley Young and Ben Johnson, had to cram onto the bus just so that they could use the toilet.
However, the unusual circumstances didn’t seem to immediately bother the travelling team as they came out swinging in the second half.
Former West Ham man Johnson netted an equaliser just nine minutes after the break.
That was only enough to force penalties as Bromley held firm to keep the game tied at a goal a piece.
Incredibly, Bromley seemingly pulled off the impossible as they came out on top in the test of nerves from 12 yards – knocking out their heavyweight opposition on a historic night for the club.
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Ben Johnson equalised for Ipswich just nine minutes after the restartCredit: PA
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Bromley won the game on penaltiesCredit: PA
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Ed Sheeran was watching on from the standsCredit: Getty
The result will have been a frustration for pop superstar Ed Sheeran, a minority owner of Ipswich, who had made the journey to watch the game from the stands.
The first round of the Carabao Cup had already thrown up some madness throughout the evening.
Carabao Cup introduces popular new feature on 24 teams’ shirts as Arsenal are brutally trolled
The clash was called off just 26 minutes before kick-off after a Scottish Power outage had left Tranmere unable to operate any tills, floodlights and some of the turnstiles.
Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby is coming the legendary Sadler’s Wells Theatre this month after the 2022 ballet production’s successful UK and European tours.
In an exclusive interview with Reach Screen Time, Peaky Blinders creator and now James Bond screenwriter Steven Knight shared details from the stage show, including teasing a different side to Tommy Shelby (played by Cillian Murphy in the BBC series) and how the story fitted it into the TV drama.
The stage show charts the ill-fate romance between Tommy and his wife Grace Burgess (Annabelle Wallis).
Knight said: “I know that the people that love Peaky love that story, and it felt to me that a love story, a romance like that and the romance that comes with what happens, I felt all of that would translate into music, first of all, but also into dance.
Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders (Image: BBC)
“With Peaky, music has always been very important to the show. And also people move in a particular way, it’s quite stylised, the way people dress, the way they act, just made me think it’s a few short steps toward dance. And so that’s why I wanted to do this.”
Reflecting on audiences seeing a new facet to the Brummie don, Knight explained: “It’s a deeper version. I think what we get is inside insights into Tommy Shelby’s heart that you don’t get on the TV show. Because by his nature Tommy Shelby is a person who doesn’t show his emotions. He doesn’t let people in.
“But in this, we’re alone with him for quite a while and before the wedding we see how in love he is, and then after Grace’s death we join him on a journey towards redemption.
A scene from Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby(Image: JOHAN PERSSON)
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“He goes through his grief and then discovers a connection with her again. So, it’s a much more intimate portrayal of who Tommy Shelby is.”
So has Peaky Blinders’ leading man and Oscar winner Murphy watched The Redemption of Thomas Shelby? Knight admitted he wasn’t certain if the actor had got around to seeing the show as yet, but said the ballet “definitely got his blessing”, particularly because of Murphy’s love of music.
The Peaky Blinders stage play comes ahead of the Netflix film (Image: BBC)
Teasing the music and artists featuring in The Redemption of Thomas Shelby, Knight said: “We’ve got a fantastic score, fantastic needle drops. We’ve got [the Peaky Blinders’ theme tune] Red Right Hand in there, so yeah, it’s right up [Murphy’s] street.”
The collaboration between Knight and dance troupe Rambert came about after the company was enlisted to choreograph a Swan Lake sequence in a previous season of Peaky Blinders.
Working with Rambert’s artistic director Benoit Swan Pouffer, Knight put devised the story while the dance expert put together the choreography.
Rambert’s Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby will be heading to Sadler’s Wells from Tuesday, August 5 to Saturday, August 16. Tickets are available now here
He will officially join the club upon receipt of his international transfer certificate (ITC), visa and work permit.
“I’m looking forward to coming to Vancouver to help this team win a championship,” said Muller, who started his youth career at Bayern in 2000 and led them to two Champions League and 13 Bundesliga titles.
“I’ve heard great things about the city, but first and foremost I’m coming to win. I’ve had great conversations with [sporting director] Axel Schuster and [head coach] Jesper Sorensen, and now I can’t wait to play in front of the supporters and to see all of the fans come out to BC Place as we head towards the play-offs.”
Muller also made 131 appearances for Germany, scoring 45 goals, and lifted the 2014 World Cup after winning the Golden Boot as top scorer of the 2010 tournament in South Africa.
Vancouver are currently second, a point behind San Diego, in the Western Conference with 10 regular season matches remaining.
ANTHONY HARTIGAN was once taught a tough lesson at Wembley by Tottenham “beast” Victor Wanyama as a skinny 17-year-old.
But the Barnet captain is hoping to put that and all his EFL experience to good use as the Bees return to League Two on Saturday after a seven-year absence when they host Fleetwood.
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Anthony Hartigan tried his best to get the ball of Tottenham’s Victor Wanyama in 2018
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Hartigan, 25, clocked 118 appearances in League One for AFC Wimbledon and another 20 for Newport (on loan) and Mansfield in League Two before dropping into non-league with Barnet.
And he has also played at Wembley twice — including taking on Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs in 2018 with the Dons while their new stadium was being built.
He told SunSport: “We got drawn away against Tottenham in the FA Cup so I had a unique chance to play at Wembley. It was an incredible experience to take on Premier League stars live on TV.
“I was only 17 and it was my breakthrough year. I’d only made my senior debut that season so to be walking out under the arch alongside the likes of Harry Kane was surreal.
“I was up against Alli and Wanyama. I’ve got a photo of me trying to get the ball off Wanyama, which is funny because I’m like a skinny little boy and he was just a beast! I didn’t stand a chance!
“Our manager Neal Ardley told us the next morning, ‘That’s the standard you must reach if you want to make it to the top.’
“They just do everything so well technically, tactically, physically and mentally. It’s frightening how big a gap it is from our level.”
Luke Hartigan has found a new home with Barnet where he has returned to the EFL
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Anthony Hartigan also faced Arsenal and Eddie Nketiah in the Carabao Cup
Hartigan was also on the losing side in the 2021 League Two play-off final with Newport when they were beaten after extra-time by Morecambe.
Not only was the day soiled by the result but the crowd number was limited to only 9,083 because of Covid restrictions.
Neil Warnock hints at shock return to management with ‘unbelievable’ crisis club
Hartigan feels he has unfinished business in the EFL, having played regularly for the Dons.
But when he joined Mansfield three years ago, a shoulder injury wrecked his first season there before he was loaned for a year to Barnet, a move he made permanent last July.
However, he has found a home at the Hertfordshire club, starting 89 of his 90 league appearances — and winning the National League title in May.
Now he cannot wait to get his EFL career motoring again with the Bees.
He said: “I had a bit of bad luck going to Manfield. It was the right club for me at the wrong time — but Barnet has definitely proved to be the right team at the right time.
“I’ve excelled here because there are good people around me, I’m getting games under my belt again and the whole environment has been excellent.
“We don’t fear the jump into League Two because this team deserves to be here.
“On a personal level I want to reach the highest level I can and enjoy my football. I’m enjoying my journey with Barnet.”
A YOUNG woman has shared all on her “cool” side hustle that sees her make thousands of pounds in just a few days.
Chifae, a 23-year-old woman from London, explained that with her job, not only does she make cash quickly, but she even gets to meet loads of celebrities too.
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A 23-year-old has revealed that rather than a 9 to 5 job, she cashes in with a very unique side hustleCredit: tiktok/@chifou02
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Chifae got candid on her line of work, which sees her work “long hours”, whilst getting to meet loads of celebritiesCredit: tiktok/@chifou02
Eager to reveal more about how she earns a living, Chifae took to social media and explained that instead of a 9 to 5 job, she works as a film extra.
In film and television, a film extra, also known as a background actor, is a performer who often appears in a non-speaking role, typically in the background of a scene.
Film extras help create a sense of realism by populating scenes, whilst providing context for the main action.
Read more real life stories
As Chifae filmed herself in the street, she beamed: “If you live in London, this is your sign to start working as a film extra.
“I made almost £2,000 for just seven days of shooting and got to meet Tom Cruise and Rosamund Pike.”
While Chifae is a film extra in London, and has even met Harry Styles whilst out and about in the city, many other major cities in the UK and around the world will also be looking for people to star in the background of scenes.
For those in London, Chifae recommended the following casting agencies – Rachel’s People, Key Castings, Universal Extras, Extra People, Entertainment Partners and Slick Casting.
Chifae’s TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @chifou02, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 179,700 views in just seven days.
Not only this, but it’s also amassed 18,300 likes, 212 comments and 2,952 saves.
I earn cash by selling ‘actual rubbish’ on eBay – I flogged a freebie I found on the floor by a bin for £10, it’s crazy
Social media users were stunned by Chifae’s unique side hustle and many were eager to “learn” more about it and would “love to know more.”
One person said: “I need to learn from you girl.”
Another added: “This is true, I miss being an extra.”
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A third commented: “That’s so cool!!”
Meanwhile, someone else beamed: “I do the same and it’s the best thing ever. They feed you good food like three times on shift as well. I once got paid the full date rate for three hours of work too.”
Whilst another chimed in and claimed: “I did this for years and even a body double role, was fun and was on set with many big names.”
At the same time, one user begged: “Can you send the agencies please.”
You have to sign NDAs – you’re not allowed to post pictures of sets or anything, they’re very strict on that
Chifae
And another asked: “Do you need professional pictures taken to apply?”
In response, Chifae wrote back and confirmed: “I have professional photos but a lot of people don’t. You don’t need them.”
In a follow-up clip, Chifae then shared more on her job as an extra, as she claimed that it is often “very long hours” and shifts usually start from 4am or 5am and can go on until 8pm.
Do I need to pay tax on my side hustle income?
MANY people feeling strapped for cash are boosting their bank balance with a side hustle.
The good news is, there are plenty of simple ways to earn some additional income – but you need to know the rules.
When you’re employed the company you work for takes the tax from your earnings and pays HMRC so you don’t have to.
But anyone earning extra cash, for example from selling things online or dog walking, may have to do it themselves.
Stephen Moor, head of employment at law firm Ashfords, said: “Caution should be taken if you’re earning an additional income, as this is likely to be taxable.
“The side hustle could be treated as taxable trading income, which can include providing services or selling products.”
You can make a gross income of up to £1,000 a year tax-free via the trading allowance, but over this and you’ll usually need to pay tax.
Stephen added: “You need to register for a self-assessment at HMRC to ensure you are paying the correct amount of tax.
“The applicable tax bands and the amount of tax you need to pay will depend on your income.”
If you fail to file a tax return you could end up with a surprise bill from HMRC later on asking you to pay the tax you owe – plus extra fees on top.
Although the hours are long, Chifae claimed that working as an extra is a great way to make “a lot of money” as extras are paid “very good extra money for the overtime.”
She then added: “You don’t have access to your phone, so it’s a good way also to make friends and meet people.
“You have to sign NDAs – you’re not allowed to post pictures of sets or anything, they’re very strict on that.
“But if you don’t have a 9 to 5 and you wanna do this for fun or extra money, or just to gain some experience in film, it’s a very good way to start because you meet a lot of people and you get to meet very famous actors, film directors and it’s just a good experience.”
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Taylor Swift’s life and legacy are to be showcased in a new Channel 4 series, which will explore the Americana star’s stratospheric rise to global stardom
Taylor Swift fans are in for a treat (Image: PA)
Taylor Swift fans are in for a treat as a new two-part documentary about the Starlight star is winging its way to Channel 4. With a working title of ‘Taylor’, the series, which is set to air later this year, will explore the Bad Blood billionaire’s rise to global stardom as one of the world’s most successful pop stars.
According to Channel 4, the programme will ‘dig deep’ into Taylor’s 20-year career through interviews with high-profile commentators, industry insiders, and fans.
The documentary will also ‘examine the forces that have shaped her trajectory and the devoted community she has inspired’. And ‘rare archive will reveal fresh insights into Taylor and her story as the series charts her journey from ambitious teen with towering dreams to one of the most influential and scrutinised figures of our time’.
Taylor Swift’s life and legacy is to be showcased in a new Channel 4 series(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Director, Guy Fall (The Fall, Bombing Brighton), Guy King, claims the billionaire is “unprecedentedly powerful”, saying: “Taylor Swift is an unprecedentedly powerful 21st Century voice for women and young people.
“Under the microscope of social media since the earliest days of MySpace and Tumblr, she came of age during a new feminist wave.
“With her fame came controversy, which she so skilfully wrestled to the floor. We’re excited to tell her story.”
Meanwhile, Shaminder Nahal, Head of Specialist Factual at Channel 4 and Commissioning Editor said: “We’re thrilled that Sandpaper and director Guy King will be bringing their calibre of storytelling to chart the impact of Taylor Swift on today’s culture.
“Her journey has been nothing short of epic, and we’re keen for this series to reflect all the joy and artistry, the heartbreaks and high stakes, of her stunning career, while also showing viewers sides of Taylor Swift that they might not know or expect.”
Taylor, 35, was at her father’s side last month after Scott Swift underwent major heart surgery after going to the doctor for a check-up.
Scott, 73, who played a significant role in his daughter’s music career, had quintuple bypass surgery last month after his GP “saw something” in worrying news for the family.
Thankfully, Scott, is now said to be “doing great” after the operation, according to TMZ, after being supported by Taylor‘s mum and Scott’s wife, Mrs Swift, who has been married to Scott for 37 years, and the singer’s brother, Austin, throughout the surgery and during the recovery process.
Taylor’s rep also told the outlet that the procedure was not the result of a heart attack, but because Scott’s doctor “saw something” while confirming that the dad-of-two is now “feeling just great”.
The singer’s spokesperson told the outlet: “Scott Swift had quintuple bypass surgery over a month ago and his wife, Andrea, and their kids, Taylor and Austin, were with him through the entire surgery and recovery process.”
The creators of Comedy Central’s “South Park” reached a breakthrough Monday in the tense negotiations over the streaming rights of the long-running satirical cartoon.
Paramount agreed to buy the global streaming rights for “South Park” to bring the show to the company’s digital service, Paramount+, for the first time in the U.S., according to three people close to the negotiations who were not authorized to comment.
The deal with Trey Parker and Matt Stone, through their Park County production company, values the global streaming rights at $300 million a year, according to two of the people close to the agreement, who could not discuss the matter publicly because the deal is not final.
The five-year deal means the show will fetch $1.5 billion for streaming alone.
The sum preserves the show’s status as one of the world’s most valuable TV franchises.
Both sides were motivated to reach a deal before Wednesday, when Paramount’s Comedy Central channel kicks off the 27th season of “South Park.”
Paramount also wanted to avoid any public relations fiascoes when Stone and Parker take the stage Thursday at fan-fest Comic-Con in San Diego.
Separately, the two sides have been negotiating an overall deal for Parker and Stone, to renew their previous $900-million pact that kept the show on Comedy Central with new episodes through 2027. Parker and Stone’s team are seeking a higher valuation in order to produce new seasons.
