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CELEBRITY Traitors fans have been left in disbelief, as Alan Carr gave away a huge clue that he’s a traitor. 

The first ever all star edition of the BBC programme kicked off last night as fans saw Claudia Winkleman chose her THREE celebrity traitors to play the game.

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Comedian Alan alongside TV presenter Jonathan Ross and singer and Brit nominee Cat Burns were chosen to be the devilish three to cause mayhem in the game.

But viewers of the show have had their doubts so far about Alan’s ability as a traitor. 

This sentiment was highlighted even more during Thursday evening’s episode, as Alan winked at Jonathan after committing the first murder. 

After wondering around in a mild panic, he eventually headed into the kitchen with his friend Paloma Faith and actress Ruth Codd.

He committed the deadly act before heading down to the fire outside with other celebrities and winking at Jonathan to let him know he had fulfilled the brief.

He also said in another very telling move: “It’s done,” while subtly trying to let Jonathan know that he’d committed the murder. 

Fans took to X to share their shock at Alan’s wink and ‘it’s done’ statement.

One person penned: “Oh wow, Alan has to be the worst traitor to have ever existed.” 

Another questioned: “Did he really just wink at Jonathan?” while a third said: “Absolutely howling. As if Alan just winked at Jonathan in front of everyone.” 

A fourth person penned: “Oh Alan, talk about making it obvious.” 

And someone else quipped: “I’m in disbelief at Alan as a traitor so far. He’s making Linda look like James Bond.” 

Later in the turret, Jonathan and Cat asked him who he had chosen, and Alan revealed he had been forced to pick his friend Paloma.

The Traitors viewers were shocked that Alan had betrayed his pal, with one writing on X: “Noooooo Alan! Not Paloma!”

Another added: “Paloma girl. You was GOT.”

A third commented: “I cannot believe Paloma Faith is going to be dead by the end of the day…”

After committing the murder, all the celebrities turned up to breakfast, before Claudia arrived and told them to get ready for a funeral.

The celebrities than joined the procession before arriving at three coffins. 

They were then given clues to work out which three celebrities the Traitors had put in the coffins.

It ended up being Lucy Beaumont, Paloma and Niko Omilana.

Claudia then walked the line and dramatically closed the lid on Paloma, leaving the remaining celebrities absolutely gobsmacked.

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There’s been just one episode of Celebrity Traitors but fans think they’ve worked out which celebrity will be taking home the crown already, after a huge twist

It was a dramatic first episode of Celebrity Traitors tonight – and fans think they’ve already worked out who will win the show with eight more to go after thinking they’d spotted a ‘huge clue’.

The show started off with a huge twist tonight. Instead of being taken to the iconic Scottish castle, the SUVs took a major detour, and the celebs started the game by meeting host Claudia Winkleman at a graveyard.

There, they were told to dig their own graves, which all included a shield under all the dirt. The first six were granted immunity, and it was Celia Imrie, comedian Joe Wilkinson, ex rugby player Joe Marler as well as Charlotte Church, Kate Garraway and Jonathan Ross who received the all important item.

READ MORE: Celebrity Traitors viewers all say the same thing about cast seconds into debut episodeREAD MORE: Celebrity Traitors LIVE: Claudia Winkleman reveals the first three famous Traitors

However, Charlotte later gave hers up in the challenge after a huge blunder by Clare Balding, and it was a waste for Jonathan Ross, who was named as a Traitor moments later. Alan Carr and Cat Burns were also given the role of Traitors.

Fans have already been left impressed with the Traitors, and think they’ve worked out who will win after dissecting everyone’s gameplan.

There was one Traitor in particular who seemed to stand out to viewers, as one fan took to X, formerly known as Twitter to write: “I think cat can be harry level traitor, she has that vibe,” as another agreed: “i think Cat will shaft Alan & Jonathon and neither of them will see it coming.”

“Cat burns is capable of winning it all imo !!! #CelebrityTraitors,” another penned.

A couple of fans later thought they’d spotted a ‘clue’ that drove them to their predictions, as one penned: “placing my bets now that cat burns is going to win because her album comes out on the night the traitors finale airs.”

Another agreed: “Cat Burns winning traitors – calling it now. Album coming out on night of the final!”

At the end of the show, it was revealed that Traitors, Alan, Jonathan and Cat were given the task to murder one Faithful in plain sight, by touching their face. Fans were left in hysterics at the huge twist

The episode ended on a huge cliffhanger, as the trio decided Chatty Man Alan would be the least suspecting, but who will be the first out?

Fans will have to tune in to the second episode tomorrow night at the same time to see who the Traitors chose as their first victim.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

The Foreign Office urged UK tourists them to stay vigilant for a number of issues, including sexual assaults, harassment and groping

British holidaymakers have been issued a stark warning after a spate of sexual assaults and harassment in Vietnam. The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice, stating that women have been targeted for inappropriate touching and groping while walking alone.

In a fresh alert, officials have urged tourists to be particularly cautious about what they are consuming and take measures to prevent their drinks from being spiked. They also highlighted that many of the offences were committed by unlicensed taxi drivers.

Furthermore, they cautioned that victims would be required to demonstrate that they did not consent to the attack, especially if they had consumed alcohol. Officials stated: “British nationals have reported rape and sexual assaults in the main tourist areas and places where foreigners live, often committed by or linked to unlicensed taxi drivers. Women have also reported indecent assaults and harassment. These include inappropriate touching and groping, particularly while walking alone.”

Foreign Office advice to reduce risk:

• buy your own drinks and keep them in sight to avoid them being spiked
• be wary of accepting snacks, beverages and gum from strangers and new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk
• use pre-arranged transport or official taxi-hailing apps, such as Grab or XanhSM, which supply licensed cabs. Be wary of scammers who claim to be from these companies and always book your full journey on the app
• save the location of your accommodation on a map app (such as Google Maps), so that it is easier to find at the end of the night
• set up a WhatsApp group to keep in contact with others in your group
• report anything that does not feel right to the management of local bars, restaurants, hotels or hostels

An official added: “In Vietnam there is a higher burden of proof for victims than in the UK. Victims must show they did not consent, particularly if they drank alcohol or knew the alleged attacker.”

“If you are a victim of a sexual assault, you can reach out to the British Embassy in Hanoi or Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. Consular staff can assist you in reporting an incident to local authorities, if you would like to do so. Read FCDO’s information pack relating to rape and sexual assaults in Vietnam for more advice.”

The Foreign Office has also issued a fresh warning for vapers planning to visit the country: “Vapes and related products are banned. You cannot buy vapes in Vietnam or bring them into the country.”

More information on rules and safety issues in Vietnam is available on the Foreign Office website.

A FOUR-BEDROOM property in Dunfermline, is making the internet laugh for all the wrong reasons.

The Rightmove home has gone viral for photoshopping cars to a listing photo that look like they’ve been “stuck on with Pritt Stick.”

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What was meant to advertise a family home has instead become an internet meme.

On the market for £295,000 the house should be inviting and comforting but the listing makes it hard to see past the comedic value.

Instead, the photos look like a school art project.

The cars have been awkwardly stuck on the image to look as though they are “parked” on the driveway.

The photo, presumably there to show the spaciousness of the driveway, has done its job however.

The Emoov agent told Metro that the vendor had organised “quite a few viewings” off the back of the listing.

One social media user even noted: “Room for 4 or 5 cars but they only photoshopped 3 in!”

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The photographs of the interior are so saturated that the glow almost makes them look like stills from a video game.

Another person joked that the photos themselves “look like they were taken on a Game Boy,” in reference to the low-resolution, pixelated quality of some shots.

Reddit commenters called it “the worst Photoshop effort I’ve seen on Rightmove.”

Others compared the images to a “Sims build gone wrong.”

Each photograph showcases another bizarre detail, turning what should be a standard property listing into a hilarious set of meme-worthy pictures.

Rather than envisioning their future in living in the home, viewers are laughing at stuck on cars, gleaming interiors, and grainy, Game Boy–style images.

The Scottish property proves that in the age of social media, sloppy picture editing will get far more views than the actual listing.

A spokesperson for Emoov said: “As an online estate agent, our vendors manage their own property sale—conducting viewings and creating their listings.

“Unless vendors choose our professional photography package, the photos are taken (and, as in this case, edited) by the sellers themselves.

“The images in question were supplied entirely by the vendor and not produced by Emoov.

“Vendors are free to use whichever images they prefer, however creative they choose to be.

“It seems this vendor enjoyed a weekend of virtual arts and crafts and decided to put the results on display!”

Whether or not the comical advertising works and property eventually finds a buyer, this house will be remembered and laughed about for a long time.

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This comes following last month’s Open House Festival during which Rightmove opened the doors to some of London’s most interesting and aesthetic houses.

Each year, over 700 properties, buildings and other sites of architectural significance across London’s 33 boroughs open their doors with many said to be a “once in a lifetime visit”.

WE all like to think that we’d beat the scammers if they came knocking – but are you really that savvy?

After all, the latest Global Anti-Scam Alliance report warns that people in the UK lost £11.4billion to scams in the last year – up £4billion on the year before.

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And the average loss per victim was £1,400, with just 18% recovering their money.

This is at a time when we hear about how to spot scams more than ever, and we have gadgets laden with scam-busting tools.

We spoke to several security experts who revealed five of the most simple-but-effective scams going – they’re all shockingly common AND easy to spot… but repeatedly catch out Brits.

So, are you STILL so sure you’d spot them coming?

SCAM 1 – EMAIL EXTORTION

One of the most twisted scams being delivered to Brits is email extortion, often with a sexual spin.

Sometimes this might involve genuine blackmail, but often hackers simply fabricate dodgy evidence to scare you.

This is a cheap and easy tactic that Brits do fall for.

“Blackmail scams claim to know damaging information about a victim, demanding payment to keep quiet,” said Chris Hauk, of Pixel Privacy, speaking to The Sun.

“Victims are told they have been recorded doing disgusting things while at their computer or using their mobile device, and that the video will be sent to friends, family, and employers if they do not pay up.”

These claims can be scary, and there’s a sinister trick that crooks pull to make them even more convincing.

They’ll use fake email addresses that look like your own account to hoodwink you.

“Email extortion scams claiming to have compromising pictures of end-users in intimate moments are quite common, and remain some of the most prevalent scams on the internet these days,” said Michael Tigges of Huntress.

“An adversary will often spoof the email addresses in the mail and generate an email that appears as if it was sent from the user’s own email account and claim to have access to all accounts.

“They will ask for money, cryptocurrency, etc., to avoid ‘leaking’ these pictures or videos.”

Staying Safe

It’s important to not give in to the scammer’s demands.

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In the first place, even if the material that the crook has is legitimate, paying them won’t help. They might just take your money and share it anyway.

But in most cases, the crooks have simply invented the dodgy material – and won’t show any real proof that they have it.

It’s best to just ignore these scam messages. Interacting with the crook shows that your email is active and that you’re willing to engage.

And that could lead to them targeting you with other scams down the line, or trying a different tactic on you.

SCAM 2 – TECH SUPPORT

Next up is the iconic tech support scam, which still successfully hoodwinks unsuspecting Brits.

“Tech support scams are another classic,” Proton’s Patricia Egger told The Sun.

She described it as “a pop-up or call pretending to be from Microsoft or Apple, pushing you to hand over control of your computer or bank details”.

It might sound obvious, but they often come out of the blue and catch you off-guard.

And with years of experience under their belts (and now the power of AI), scammers can generate highly convincing fake alerts.

“Fake tech support scams are also highly common,” Michael Tigges, a security analyst at Huntress, told The Sun.

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“A website will generate a ‘notification’ prompt in modern browsers which mimics an anti-virus/Microsoft notification and asks the end-user to call a number controlled by the adversary.

“That person will then remotely access the computer and either install malware, or remotely fake a number of ‘tech issues’ that must be fixed for a fee.”

Staying Safe

Be extremely sceptical of any mysterious pop-ups.

Look out for typos, bizarre requests (for passwords or money), aggressive wording, and unusual styling (does it fit how your device normally looks?).

And if you’re unsure, check with your device maker to see if it’s legit.

SCAM 3 – THE URGENT PROBLEM

Another iconic scam that gets Brits is the urgent problem con.

This is extremely simple – and that’s what makes it so effective.

“The scams that catch people out most often are usually the simplest,” Proton’s Patricia Egger told us.

“Fake texts or emails saying you’ve missed a delivery, owe tax, or need to fix a bank problem are still everywhere.

“And they work because they create a sense of urgency that does away with calm and clear thinking.”

Crooks can deliver this kind of scam in bulk – hitting hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands of targets.

And they just need a fraction of those targets to bite, allowing them scoop up prized info or cash.

It can take many forms, but the style is always the same: you must act quickly, or you’ll be handed a bill.

“A victim is told they have several outstanding fines or payments that must be paid immediately or they’ll face prosecution,” Chris Hauk told us.

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“However, if they just go and buy several gift cards amounting to the outstanding sum and provide the information to the scammer, all will be forgiven.

“Emails and text messages claim that sums of money are owed either for a debt, or a fine, or even a toll road fee.

“They may also provide a link to pay that is actually to a malicious site designed to harvest financial information from the victim.”

Staying Safe

Scammers don’t want you to have time to think things over or to check out their story.

Chris HaukPixel Privacy

If you ever receive an urgent alert, pause – don’t act fast.

Instead, reach out directly to the company that the alert claims to be from.

Use the official phone number or email on the website, and not the one you’ve been sent with the alert.

And if the fine or charge comes from a suspicious company you’ve never heard of, do your research. Is it a real company? Does it have an online presence or reviews? Is it registered on Companies House? Who runs it?

Ask these questions before handing over any cash.

Chris added: “Scammers don’t want you to have time to think things over or to check out their story.”

SCAM 4 – THE FAKE JOB

The fake job scam is one of the most nefarious cons out there.

It’s almost unimaginable to think that you’d fall for such a wheeze. Surely you’d spot a fake job a mile off?

But it’s easy to forget that when you’re hunting for a new role, you might be feeling particularly desperate.

And as the cost of living goes up, Brits can be tempted by easy money or a more relaxed working environment.

Crooks know this, and capitalise on it.

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“Fake job offers are also becoming increasingly common, these often sound appealing at first, promising easy money, work-from-home roles, or a big windfall,” Proton’s Patricia Egger told us.

“They hook people with the promise of good news, then demand ‘processing fees’ or bank details.”

She continued: “These tricks work because scammers know how people act in response to emotions, both good and bad.

“And with increasing quantities of data about us online, ‘I’d never fall for that’ is just one data leak away from being untrue.”

Staying Safe

Patricia’s best advice is to watch out for red flags like:

• Unexpected links or attachments in a chat about a job
• Pressure to act immediately
• Being asked to move money for a job or pay fees upfront
• Any perk of the job that seems too good to be true

She added that you should always make sure to “slow down and stay sceptical”.

SCAMS IN 2025 – THE EXPERT VIEW

Here’s what Sean Keach, The Sun’s resident tech expert, thinks…

It’s never been easier to carry out scams.

Cybercriminals have the world’s arsenal of tech at their disposal.

And with AI, they can supercharge their efforts by crafting convincing scam materials in seconds – and then dispensing it to victims just as quickly.

It sounds terrifying, and in many ways, it is.

But there is some good news.

Although scammers can carry out scams more convincingly and at greater speed, they’re still the same classic cons at their core.

And that means the age-old rules you need to follow stay the same too.

Avoiding scams really is as simple as being as cautious as you can be.

If something seems too urgent or too good to be true, don’t be afraid to take a step back and give it a good think.

Ask your friends and family for advice. Do research online.

Money can disappear in the blink of an eye, and you’ll struggle to get it back. And the same is true for info, which can be used to defraud you or hoodwink those close to you.

So be extremely careful before you ever hand anything over online.

If something seems off, it probably is.

Picture Credit: Sean Keach

SCAM 5 – FRIEND IN NEED

There are lots of variations of this con, but it’s commonly known as the “friend in need” – or lately, the “hi mum, it’s me” scam.

This is when a crook pretends to be someone you know to hoodwink you.

It works because so often we expect scams to come from people we don’t know – or criminals posing as businesses.

“It’s not just strangers,” said Patricia Egger, of Proton.

“Criminals often pretend to be friends, colleagues or family by hacking accounts or stealing personal details.

“If you get an urgent request from someone you know that feels unusual, check with them through another channel before doing anything.”

These crooks might message you from a strange WhatsApp account, and say, “Hi mum, it’s me your daughter, I’m texting from a friend’s phone.”

And they’ll say that they’re in trouble and need money fast.

They might give the excuse that they’re in legal trouble, need cash for a taxi home, or have some other urgent money worry.

Many parents or pals will dismiss these texts out of hand.

But it only takes a little absent-mindedness and some luck on the part of the crook and you can easily fall for the con.

It’s increasingly common in the UK because so many Brits fall for it.

Worse still, some crooks will actually text you from your own family member’s phone number.

“Accounts can be taken over, and regularly are, by bad actors,” said Erich Kron, of KnowBe4.

“It can email, social media, or any number of other mediums, and attackers know that communications from known associates carry a lot of inherent trust.

“They can even hijack previous conversations, making it look even more legitimate.”

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Staying Safe

With this scam, your best defence is communication.

Be cautious whenever anyone asks you for money urgently – even a family member.

If they do, reach out to them by some other method, like calling them on the phone, to verify that it’s actually them asking for money.

Another good trick is to create a safe word or phrase that your family uses to verify that they’re really asking for cash.

“It’s important to establish an understanding between peers and family,” said Huntress’s Michael Tigges.

“Consider establishing ‘safe words’ or phrases that can be utilised when calling family members or peers from an untrusted number to confirm identity.

“And encourage family members, especially the elderly, to be highly sceptical of phone calls from untrusted numbers.”

Your safe word could be anything – even a silly phrase like “purple banana”.

It just needs to be something that you and your loved ones can remember, but that a criminal could never guess.

Don’t save it anywhere on your phone. Keep it as secret as possible.

It could mean the difference between avoiding a scam or losing thousands to a criminal – and then never getting it back.

MAKE-UP lovers have spotted Home Bargains is selling a fancy brand that usually costs £33 for just £6.

The budget retailer has slashed the price of some make-up must-haves from the cult favourite BareMinerals.

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Bargain hunters can make savings of up to 78% in an online only deal that includes a range of moisturisers, lip gloss, and more.

Beauty fans can snap up the popular Bareminerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturiser for just £6.99 down from £33 in a variety of shades.

Other goodies include a Mineralist Lip Gloss-Balm for a steal at £4.99 down from £23 and the Barepro Pressed Powder Foundation for £6.99.

Premium make-up

The premium make-up brand’s tinted moisturiser provides a great option if you’re looking for natural, breathable coverage that looks after your skin with its added SPF 30 protection.

It’s described as an “oil free, mineral-based moisturiser offering sheer-to-light coverage, broad spectrum SPF 30, and a clean matte finish.”

You can take your pick too with a range of moisturisers to choose from depending on skin tone that will also help improve skin texture.

The pressed powder foundation “instantly blurs the appearance of pores, fine lines, and imperfections”.

It’s infused with Shea Butter, Cacao Butter and Vitamin E that will help protect and improve your skin.

What’s better is that it comes with a convenient puff applicator which makes it perfect for use on the go.

While the lip-gloss balm will “deeply hydrate and smooth lips, instantly and over time” while adding a glossy shine.

The product is great for both everyday wear and statement lips and claims to make them up to 50% smoother.

BareMinerals was launched in 1995 and touts itself as the “original clean beauty brand.”

The brand was founded by Leslie Blodgett who said she wanted to start a makeup line that helped you achieve beauty that was more than skin deep.

“I always felt that beauty was something you felt, and it came with confidence, and it came with feeling good physically and emotionally,” she says.

More Beauty Bargains

There’s plenty more beauty products to be had for great prices at retailers too.

Just this week, beauty fans were racing to TK Maxx to nab a £20 discount on Charlotte Tillbury’s cream with another viral product in their hair aisle.

A TikTok user revealed the store is stocking a huge haul of high-end makeup and haircare – including the cult classic Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream for nearly half the price.

A shopper also recently shared how they spotted dupes of P.Louise’s five-star rated lip kits for just £3 in B&M.

Considering the cult-favourite product is usually £22 – the similar-looking products could be ideal for those on a budget.

And beauty fans have been racing to pick up the Boots beauty advent calendar filled with £289 worth of products.

The 24-day calendar includes an impressive 20 full-size skincare items, including bestsellers from Round Lab, Cetaphil and Byoma.

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A pretty UK seaside town may look like a picturesque holiday spot – but it has a dark history. Now locals are remembering those who were brutally killed in the 17th century with a new plaque

While it may be a picturesque seaside spot, this pretty town has quite a dark history behind it.

Weymouth is a seaside town located in Dorset, southern England and it’s know for it’s sandy beach, decorated with colourful beach huts and backed by Georgian houses. But what we see Weymouth as today was the total opposite to the dark chapter in history in the 17th century filled with brutal killings and bloody streets.

Two hundred and forty years ago, in September 1785, 12 local men were hanged, drawn and quartered in the town for their involvement in the Monmouth Rebellion.

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The brutal sentence was delivered by Judge Jeffreys at the Antelope Hotel in Dorchester during the infamous ‘Bloody Assizes’. This new plaque brings the total number of installations on the trail to 19.

Nowadays, Greenhill gardens is an award-winning gardens in Weymouth, with a tennis court, putting, bowling, live music events and two cafes. It has become a picturesque haven, beloved by locals and visitors for its vibrant floral displays and sweeping sea views, and the contrast between its serene present and brutal past adds a poignant depth to the town’s historical narrative.

Now locals from the We Are Weymouth group have unveiled a powerful new addition to the town’s heritage trail: a commemorative plaque on the Promenade at Greenhill, marking one of the darkest chapters in Weymouth’s history.

Graham Perry, chair of We Are Weymouth, said: “It is ironic that the first historical mention of Greenhill, one of the most beautiful spots in Weymouth, is in relation to this horrific event.

“The installation of this plaque helps us to remember the many layers of Weymouth’s history – both the celebrated and the sombre – and ensures they are not forgotten.”

The heritage trail, which celebrates the unification of Weymouth and Melcombe Regis in 1571 under Queen Elizabeth I, takes visitors on a journey through the town’s rich past. Highlights include the arrival of the Black Death, Weymouth’s rise as a Georgian resort, and its strategic role in the D-Day invasion.

Later this year, two additional plaques will be installed along Preston Beach, sharing stories from Lodmoor, a saltmarsh reserve with diverse wildlife, including waders, ducks, terns, and winter birds, and a reedbed with Bitterns and Bearded Tits.

Once complete, the trail will form a continuous historical journey from the Roman temple at Bowleaze to the iconic Nothe Fort, offering a superb and immersive experience for residents and visitors alike.

These initiatives reflect We Are Weymouth’s ongoing commitment to placemaking, community engagement, and celebrating the town’s unique heritage.

Do you have a story to share? Email [email protected]

ARSENAL continued their impressive start to the season with a professional 2-0 win over Olympiacos in the Champions League.

Goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Buakyo Saka at polar ends of the game ensured the Gunners made it two wins from two in Europe.

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Martinelli made the most of some fortune after just 12 minutes as he tapped in the ball following a rebound off the post which presented itself to him basically on the line.

The Greek visitors threatened to create their own odyssey in north London as they forced David Raya into an excellent save at full stretch.

But super sub Saka proved to be their Achilles’ heel as he squeezed a second goal through the legs of Konstantinos Tzolakis in injury time.

Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners at the Emirates.

DAVID RAYA – 8/10

Another Champions League wonder save for the collection, tipping over brilliantly from Daniel Podence’s curled volley from 10 yards out in the first half.

Also made two lightning-fast reaction stops after the break. He barely has to do anything, but when called upon he never lets you down. Surely he needs to be considered one of Europe’s very best?

MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 7

Looked like a man with a point to prove and did so with a confident performance for a teenager who has been forced to watch from the sidelines for most of this term with Riccardo Calafiori preferred at left-back.

At 18, he already looks so at home on the European stage. Arteta will have a selection headache on his hands for this weekend.

BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK

WILLIAM SALIBA – 6

Has been in the spotlight after signing a new five-year deal, but had a few nervy moments at the back letting long balls bounce, putting the back four under pressure.

Yet as he always does, the Frenchman recovered well.

GABRIEL – 6

Not troubled much but was almost caught out with a looping cross that saw Olympiacos level only to be saved by the offside flag.

BEN WHITE – 5

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Received a rollocking from Arteta when taking a throw-in about his positioning and movement on the ball, and the Englishman gave some back in a worrying exchange.

This was a chance to try and usurp Timber as Arteta’s first-choice right-back, but he just looks off the pace and is reliant on right-side pal Saka to look good in attack.

At this rate, White will not be winning back his starting jersey any time soon.

MARTIN ZUBIMENDI – 7

He may be small, and a pest, but his influence is mighty. There is a reason Arteta barely ever rests him.

Tough in the tackle, accurate on the ball and the middle-man between defence and attack, giving Odegaard license to roam and dictate wherever he pleases.

It’s been said before, but he will turn out to be one of Arteta’s most important signings in his Arsenal tenure.

MIKEL MERINO – 6

Some good moments on and off the ball, adding a bit of bite to midfield, but also some moments where his final pass or attacking intent could have been better.

MARTIN ODEGAARD – 9

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Has his zip back, constantly creating in dangerous areas and covering every blade of grass with a purpose.

So unlucky not to double Arsenal’s lead inside the final 10 minutes and then picked up an assist for Saka in stoppage time.

Some more minutes in the tank after his shoulder issues is good to see as Arteta tries to get him back to the form that saw him notch goals and assists for fun in recent years.

GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8

After shining off the bench for the majority of the season – starting just three times so far – he got his chance from the off to prove he can be the main man.

It did not start brilliantly, nodding a header wide unmarked from a few yards out before finding the net with an even easier chance that came off the post.

LEANDRO TROSSARD – 7

Lively down the left. Looks to be enjoying getting more regular game time in an Arsenal shirt, and is becoming more and more useful to Arteta as he tries to rotate his talented squad much more than he usually does.

Wasted a few openings in the second half.

VIKTOR GYOKERES – 6

He continues to do the dirty work with little reward, bumping off two Olympiacos defenders and seeing his shot go through the keeper and onto the base of the post before Martinelli snatched the spoils.

Wasted several chances in front of goal but his link-up play has much improved since he first joined. The goals will surely start flowing soon…

SUBS:

DECLAN RICE (MERINO, 58) – 6

A few nice deliveries from set-pieces but booked for a silly studs-up challenge. Brought on purely to see out the win, and he did that comfortably.

JURRIEN TIMBER (WHITE, 58) – 6

One of Arteta’s most trusted players. Exudes calmness whenever he is on the pitch.

BUKAYO SAKA (TROSSARD, 72) – 8

An instant threat and his driving run and cross should have led to Arsenal’s second before doing just that with a drilled strike through the legs of the keeper

EBERECHI EZE (MARTINELLI, 72) – 6

A few nice touches, but also a few stray passes. Spent most of his time tracking back as Arsenal held on late into the game.

MOSQUERA (GABRIEL, 74) – 6

Was put under a lot of pressure with Olympiacos sending cross after cross into the box with time ticking away, but dealt with it well.

He needed that after his mistake at St James’ Park led to Newcastle taking the lead, and also led to him being hooked at half time.

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Summer has ended, and the sweater weather is taking over – in search of finding the best autumn walk in the UK, The Flash and Three Shires in the Peak District ranked third in the list.

There’s nothing quite like a crisp autumn stroll, with the vibrant hues of the trees and the crunch of leaves underfoot.

We’re spoilt for choice in the UK with an array of stunning autumn walks right across the country. However, new research suggests that the Peak District might just be the ultimate destination for leaf-peeping this season.

Parkdean Resorts conducted a study to identify the UK’s best autumn walks, using data from TikTok, and three of the top ten spots were located in the Peak District. The trend for #Autumnwalks is currently sweeping TikTok, with over 10,600 videos showcasing various picturesque locations shared on the platform.

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The Flash and Three Shires in the Peak District clinched the third spot on the list, racking up 340,100 views. This 6km walk, named after the meeting point of Derbyshire, Cheshire and Staffordshire counties, offers breathtaking views of autumn foliage.

Coming in fourth place is the Butterley Reservoir, tucked away in the Wessenden Valley in West Yorkshire. Situated at the northern edge of the national park, this scenic walk has amassed over 236,000 views on TikTok. Rounding out the top ten is Bottoms reservoir, located just outside of Hadfield, which has garnered 82,500 TikTok views.

Wales claimed the top two spots for autumn walks: Hafren Forest in Powys and Aberglaslyn Pass in Snowdonia, reports the Manchester Evening News. The former boasts a variety of routes featuring waterfalls and riverside views, including an accessible boardwalk route.

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Aberglaslyn Pass, on the other hand, guides you through a stunning gorge, alongside the tranquil Glaslyn river and through the picturesque village of Beddgelert.

The route also takes in the serene waters of Llyn Dinas and the historic copper mine workings of Sygun and Cwm Bychan.

The UK’s top 10 autumn strolls

• Hafren Forest, Powys, Mid Wales
• Aberglaslyn Pass, Snowdonia, North Wales
• Flash and Three Shires Head, Peak District, Staffordshire
• Butterley Reservoir, Peak District, West Yorkshire
• Hermitage Bridge, Perthshire, Scotland
• Conic Hill, Stirling, Scotland
• Blea Tarn, Lake District, Cumbria
• Lochgoilhead, Argyll and Bute, West Scotland
• Glencoe Lochan, Glencoe, Scottish Highlands
• Bottoms Reservoir, Peak District, Derbyshire

IF you think you are good at spotting tiny details, this latest visual brainteaser might just put you to the ultimate test.

The puzzle shows a dazzling grid of colourful rings, and lurking among the glittering chaos is a single prize engagement ring.

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The engagement ring has been designed to blend almost seamlessly with the surrounding jewels. 

However, somewhere among the sparkly mix of rings lies just one special design: a diamond set in a gold band.

This sparkling stumper isn’t as straightforward as it sounds. 

The creators at image editor experts Remove Background have challenged players to find it in under 15 seconds..

Some smug puzzle pros claim to have spotted it in the blink of an eye, while others admit they spent minutes staring before finally giving up.

Experts say that challenges like this can give your brain a mini-workout, sharpening attention to detail and boosting focus. 

Are you able to spot it or will you be left scratching your head?

Time is tight, but if you ace this task, you must have 20/20 vision.

It might seem a bit daunting at first, but the key is to carefully examine each element of the scene.

You might wish to start from the bottom right corner of the image and work your way up.

Did you manage to spot the hidden ring? If so, congratulations!

Still struggling? Don’t worry as there will be a solution image at the bottom.

Fancy giving a go at more brainteasers? Check if you have a high IQ by trying to find the hidden elephant in just eight seconds.

This mind-boggling brainteaser has even the most professional puzzlers scratching their heads in pursuit of the answer.

Everyone can spot the elephant but the challenge is to count her legs.

Still up for one more? This tricky optical illusion has left puzzle-lovers questioning the quality of their eyesight.

Finding the hidden baby rhino buried in this group of elephants is a challenge – can you do it in less than ten seconds?

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SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Padres are headed back to the playoffs for the fourth time in six seasons.

The Padres clinched a playoff berth with a 5-4, 11-inning win against the three-time NL-Central champion Milwaukee Brewers on Monday night.

Freddy Fermin, acquired from Kansas City at the trade deadline on July 31, singled in automatic runner Bryce Johnson with one out in the 11th to set off a wild celebration in front of a sellout crowd of 42,371 at Petco Park.

The Padres pulled within 2½ games of the idle Dodgers in the NL West race and 2½ games behind the idle Chicago Cubs in the race for the National League’s first of three wild-card spots.

Manny Machado, shirtless, wearing sunglasses and drenched with beer and Champagne, says he feels good about the team’s chances in the playoffs.

“Everything is different. But we’ve got heart,” Machado said. “Everybody wants it. It’s always a challenge. Baseball’s a challenge. It’s hard.”

Fermin was being interviewed when Machado stopped by and poured a shot of tequila into his mouth.

“I believe with this staff we have, we are going to the World Series,” said Fermin, the catcher. “It is very special, this moment. I don’t have words for this moment. Very special. First step, we’ve got to keep rolling this.”

The Padres’ road appears to be tougher than last year, when they swept the Atlanta Braves in a home wild-card series to earn a shot at the rival Dodgers. San Diego led 2-1 before their bats went so cold that they didn’t score in the last 24 innings as they lost the series in five games. The Dodgers went on to win the World Series.

“What this group has done this year, and even last year, to put this into place, and for us to go to the postseason two years in a row for the first time since 2005-06, is truly special,” second baseman Jake Cronenworth said.

If the current standings hold, the Padres would visit the Cubs for a best-of-three wild-card series. The winner would move into the division series against the Brewers, who clinched their third straight division title on Sunday and are in the postseason for the seventh time in eight seasons.

It’s been an interesting season for the Padres, who led the division for much of April before slipping back as they played .500 ball in May and sub-.500 ball in June. The Dodgers never could open a big lead, but the Padres never could regain the lead, except for brief stretches in August.

General manager A.J. Preller pulled off a major overhaul at the trade deadline, acquiring reliever Mason Miller from the Athletics, Fermin from the Royals and outfielders Ryan O’Hearn and Ramon Laureano from the Orioles.

The Padres became the first big league team to send three relievers to the All-Star Game when Jason Adam, closer Robert Suarez and left-hander Adrián Morejón were selected for the Midsummer Classic. Adam went down with a season-ending quadriceps injury on Sept. 1.

The Padres were prone to offensive slumps, particularly on the road.

But there were some defensive highlights, including several home run robberies by right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr.

Tatis missed the clincher with an undisclosed illness, but Machado included his teammate in the postgame celebration via FaceTime on his phone.

Wilson writes for the Associated Press.

Bibury in the Cotswolds has been named the most beautiful village in the world – and it’s not difficult to see why with its thatched cottages, picturesque stream and lush green surroundings

The Cotswolds has been crowned the most popular spot for an autumn break. It is also home to the most beautiful village in the world.

The region, which primarily runs through Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire, has claimed the crown as Britain’s most in-demand autumn destination, with 85% of October weekend stays already snapped up. According to new research from Ubuy UK, bookings in the region have surged 31% year-on-year — putting it ahead of the Lake District (78%) and Scottish Highlands (76%).

It is clear to see why people’s attention turns towards the Cotswolds when the leaves begin to fall. It is home to golden lanes lined with honey-stone cottages and fires that crackle in rural pubs. The Cotswolds is drawing travellers in record numbers. Nearly nine out of ten beds are already gone for October, confirming its place as this year’s top seasonal getaway.

If you are planning to visit this autumn, then there are plenty of pretty spots to check out, such as Bourton-on-the-Water, Castle Combe and Stow-on-the-Wold. However, the jewel in the hilly region’s crown is Bibury.

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The village of 627 appears as though it’s stepped straight from a storybook, with its verdant countryside, thatched-roof homes, and charming waterways and bridges that dominate the locale. Add in the welcoming local pubs and breathtaking hiking routes throughout the region, and it’s easy to understand why it remains such a hit with visitors from across the globe.

A standout feature is Arlington Row, a lane adorned with 17th-century homes which residents describe as “the most photographed and beautiful cottages in the country” due to their riverside position alongside the River Coln. The area boasts numerous scenic attractions too, from England’s most ancient operational trout farm to the Church of St. Mary, all adding to the village’s distinctly British appeal.

It comes as little surprise that Bibury consistently appears on lists of the globe’s most attractive and enchanting villages. This year, it has claimed the title of ‘most beautiful village in the world’.

The experts at Forbes assessed the planet’s 50 most scenic villages, with Bibury securing first place owing to its delightful homes and waterside panoramas. The team wrote: “Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, Bibury unfurls like a watercolor dream—where honey-slicked cottages line Arlington Row; their mossy roofs whispering tales of 14th-century weavers. The River Coln murmurs gently here—weaving through golden buttercups and forget-me-nots, while plump ducks paddle lazily beneath canopies of willow. Nearby, Bibury Trout Farm invites visitors to feed fish or enjoy a riverside picnic, and St. Mary’s Church offers a moment of stillness amid ancient stone—while the air carries the smell of blooming lavender, mingling with freshly baked scones.”

Given the high demand for places to stay in the Cotswolds this autumn, a day trip may be preferable. Parts of the region are easy to get to via direct trains from London Paddington that take around an hour. However, smaller villages such as Bibury are very hard to reach on public transport. Doing so requires taking a train and, often, multiple buses.

Strictly Come Dancing returned to the BBC for the 2025 season – but some viewers are convinced they have spotted tension between Apprentice star Thomas Skinner and dance partner Amy Dowden

Strictly Come Dancing fans think they have spotted early tensions between a professional dancer and a former Apprentice contestant. Saturday night saw the launch of the 2025 season of the long-running dance show.

A string of stars have signed up to dance their way to glory and the chance to lift the glitterball trophy. And the launch episodes revealed which stars had been matched with which professional dancer.

Thomas Skinner, who is best known for competing on The Apprentice in 2019, was paired with Welsh dancing expert Amy Dowden. But some viewers are convinced they saw the beginnings of a tense working relationship between the pair.

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Eyebrows were raised when show hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly introduced the coupled up dancers and interviewed them about their early experiences together. Talking to Thomas and Amy in the green room, Claudia asked the former Apprentice hopeful what his dream Strictly breakfast would be.

He replied: “The best breakfast. We’re going down Deano’s cafe, nice and early, before we get started, get spicy Korean noodles, with chicken breasts and poached eggs and a little bit of Tabasco sauce.

He continued: “Or, if you don’t fancy that, we can have the sunshine chicken curry with the round chips.”

But fans noticed that Amy didn’t look convinced by Thomas’s suggestion, commented that they would beed to dance some of their routines close together, and remarked: “I really hope your food doesn’t repeat on you whilst you dance.”

Thomas then suggested he would be able to freshen his breath with chewing gum before they needed to dance closely. But viewers were convinced they could smell friction between the pair.

Taking to X, one shared a screenshot of Amy’s distressed expression that she pulled when Thomas was describing his dream breakfast. They wrote: “Oh Amy you poor thing getting put with skinner.”

And another shared a similar screenshot and wrote: “Amy Dowden’s face speaking for everybody at the same time… #Strictly #TomSkinner.”

Others took to social media to campaign for Thomas and Amy to be the first to be voted off, with one commenting: “Justice for Amy – she deserves so much better. Get him gone week one.” But others took to X to defend Thomas after many accounts took aim at him.

One wrote in defense of the reality star: “People need to get a grip. #Strictly chose #TomSkinner to take part this year. Take your vile comments somewhere else. I for one hope him and Amy do well this year.”

Thomas has been embroiled in damaging headlines in recent days after he admitted he was unfaithful in his marriage.

He told The Sun: “‘I had a fling. It was nothing more than that. It was the one time, it was a mistake. I woke up feeling absolutely terrible about it.

“I felt so guilty. I told my wife. I let her down in that brief moment of madness where I wasn’t thinking, where I didn’t appreciate what I had. When I told my wife, I fully understood if she was to never speak to me again. No one else made me do what I’ve done. But it just shows something so brief could ruin your life.”

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Clayton Kershaw blew a kiss to his family, pounded a fist in his glove, then made the familiar trot from the Dodgers’ dugout to the Chavez Ravine mound.

This time, however, he did it alone.

In what was his final regular-season start at Dodger Stadium, coming one day after he announced that he would retire at the end of this year, Kershaw took the field while the rest of his teammates stayed back and applauded.

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On a night of appreciation for his 18-year career, the moment belonged to him — and an adoring fan base that has watched his every step.

The first time Kershaw ever pitched at Dodger Stadium, he was a much-hyped and highly anticipated 20-year-old prospect. His talent immense. His Hall of Fame future in front of him.

When he did it for potentially the last time on Friday night, he was a much-beloved and long-admired 37-year-old veteran. Hardened by the failures that once defined his baseball mortality. Celebrated for the way he had learned to overcome them.

Few athletes in modern sport play for one team, for so long. Fewer still experience the emotional extremes Kershaw was put through, or manage still to weather the storm.

When Kershaw was asked about Dodgers fans during his retirement news conference Thursday, that’s the dynamic he quickly pointed to.

“It hasn’t been a smooth ride,” he said. “We’ve had our ups and downs for sure.”

Between boundless cheers and intermittent boos, historic milestones and horrifying heartbreaks, triumphant summers and torturous falls.

In regular-season play, baseball has maybe never seen a more accomplished pitcher. Kershaw’s 2.54 ERA is the lowest in the live-ball era among those with 100 starts. He is one of the 20 members of MLB’s 3,000 strikeout club. He is one of four pitchers to win three Cy Youngs and an MVP award.

In October, however, no one’s history has been more checkered. There were implosions against the St. Louis Cardinals in 2013 and 2014. The infamous fifth game of the 2017 World Series against the sign-stealing Houston Astros. The nightmare relief appearance in 2019 against the Washington Nationals. Nine trips to the playoffs in his first 11 seasons, without winning a championship once.

In those days, it made Kershaw’s relationship complicated with Dodger Nation. He was heroic until he wasn’t. Clutch until the autumn. It didn’t matter that he was often pitching on short rest, or through injuries and strenuous workloads, or in situations no other pitcher would have ever been tasked. He was the embodiment of the Dodgers’ repeated postseason failings. The face of a franchise that could never clear the final hurdle.

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1. Clayton Kershaw reacts after getting San Francisco’s Jerar Encarnacion to hit into a double play in the third inning Friday night at Dodger Stadium. 2. Kershaw acknowledges the cheers from the Dodger Stadium crowd after exiting the game in the fifth inning. 3. Kershaw acknowledges the crowd after leaving the game in the fifth inning. 4. Kershaw is congratulated by his teammates as he exits the game. 5. Kershaw is embraced by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts as he leaves the game in the fifth inning. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

“It’s almost like a relationship, right?” Kershaw said. “You’ve been in it 18 years with them. There’s some great times, and then there’s some times where you probably want to break up for a minute.”

In his case, though, that’s how such an enduring bond was built.

He persevered through such struggles. He kept coming back every season. He finally got over the hump with World Series titles in 2020 and 2024. He never shied away from even his darkest moments.

“With that responsibility as the ace, you’ve got to take on a lot of scrutiny or potential failures,” manager Dave Roberts said. “Everything wasn’t optimal for him. But he never complained about it. Never made an excuse for it.

“I think the fans, certainly at his highest moments, have shown their love for him and support. In those other times, I think it’s just, the fans have been hurting along with him. Wanting so much for a guy that’s been such a stalwart and a great citizen and person for this city and organization.”

“I think the respect, the universal respect, is certainly warranted 10 times over.”

Over a 6-3 win against the San Francisco Giants that ended just minutes after the Dodgers clinched their 13th consecutive postseason berth, that’s what was celebrated from Kershaw’s first pitch to his last.

The left-hander threw 4⅓ innings of two-run ball, striking out six batters on four hits and four walks, but it wasn’t his stats that mattered. He struggled with his command, averaged only 89 mph with his fastball, and left the mound with the Dodgers trailing, but the memories from this night will go far beyond that.

From the moment Kershaw emerged on the field at 6:23 p.m., fans rose to their feet. They cheered and chanted his pregame routine in the outfield and bullpen. They roared when his name was introduced shortly before first pitch.

They knew this could be his Dodger Stadium send-off, a sentimental opportunity to say thank you for all he accomplished and all he endured.

Kershaw felt a swirl of emotions, as well, sitting teary-eyed in the outfield while taking in the scene before the game began.

“You’re trying to focus on the night and getting outs, but it’s a special day,” Kershaw said. “It’s the last time here, potentially, and this place has meant so much to me for so long. I didn’t want to not think about it.”

At the start of the first inning, his teammates made sure he wouldn’t. As Kershaw headed to the mound, the Dodgers’ fielders made an impromptu decision to stay back and let him be serenaded with an extended ovation.

“I didn’t love it,” Kershaw joked. “But it was a great gesture.”

And as he stood on the mound alone, he smiled and waved at a moment 18 years in the making.

“This is one of those moments where Dodger fans, you all have seen him for 18 years and watched his career grow and everything that he’s gone through,” Roberts said. “People are going to back and go, ‘I was there for the last time he started a home game at Dodger Stadium.’”

From there, the night was surprisingly tense.

Kershaw gave up a home run on the third pitch of the game to Heliot Ramos. He spent the next four innings battling traffic, stranding two runners later in the first, another two in the second, and two more in the third after a Wilmer Flores RBI single.

By the fourth, it was clear Kershaw was not long for the evening. His pitch count was rising. The bullpen was active. And with two outs in the inning, Willy Adames was extending a two-strike at-bat.

On the ninth pitch of that battle, however, Kershaw finally got a whiff on a slider. For the first time since the first inning, Dodger Stadium erupted once again.

Watch Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw’s full start against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on Friday night.

Kershaw returned to the mound in the fifth, and struck out Rafael Devers with a fastball at the knees.

With that, his night was over, along with maybe his Dodger Stadium career.

“I feel like the moments that we have right there in front of us, it’s history,” second baseman Miguel Rojas said.

“You had to just kind of be there to really feel the emotions,” shortstop Mookie Betts added.

In the stands, applause echoed through a sell-out crowd of 53,037 — which included former teammates Austin Barnes, Andre Ethier, Russell Martin, Trayce Thompson and AJ Pollock; as well as other Los Angeles sports icons from Magic Johnson to Matthew Stafford (a childhood friend of Kershaw’s from Texas).

After receiving hugs from his infield, and embracing Roberts with an apology (“I’m sorry I pitched so poorly tonight”) and a request (“Not trying to be disrespectful, but I’m keeping this ball”), the pitcher then made the slow walk back from the rubber.

Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw makes a hugging gesture as he walks off the mound to a standing ovation at Dodger Stadium on Friday night.

(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

He took a deep breath. He gave a hugging motion to his family sitting in the loge level. He donned his cap, and repeatedly said thank you to a crowd that never ceased to cheer.

“It hasn’t always been a smooth ride, but you guys have stuck with me,” Kershaw, who also re-emerged from the dugout for a raucous curtain call, reiterated in a postgame on-field interview.

“Dodger Stadium is a super special place, and the fans are the main reason why,” he added in his postgame news conference with reporters. “They continue to come out and support us. Every night, it’s 50,000 people. I wish I had better words other than I’m just so honored and thankful to hear those ovations. I’ll never take that for granted.”

Now, one more October awaits — with the Dodgers (87-67) officially clinching a postseason berth Friday after roaring to the lead on back-to-back home runs from Shohei Ohtani and Betts in the bottom half of the fifth.

Kershaw’s role in this last title chase is uncertain. With a loaded rotation, but shaky relief corps, the Dodgers’ best use for him could come out of the bullpen. Roberts said he envisions Kershaw fitting somewhere on the playoff roster. Kershaw said he can “do the math” and is prepared “to do whatever I can to help.”

Either way, his legacy with the Dodgers, and its forever indebted fan base, had already long before been graciously cemented.

“I’m kind of mentally exhausted today, honestly, but it’s the best feeling in the world now,” Kershaw said. “We got a win, we clinched a playoff berth, and I got to stand on that mound one last time. I just can’t be more grateful.”

“Perfect night,” he later added. “It really was.”

GREAT British Bake Off fans were left unimpressed by a ‘disgusting’ hygiene mistake – but did you spot it?

Viewers tuned in for episode three of the Channel 4 show’s ongoing series.

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In this instalment, the amateur bakers were tasked with the Monkey Bread challenge.

As Alison Hammond, Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith chatted to the hopefuls, fans highlighted a hygiene mistake.

It involved contestant Nadia Mercuri, 41, who is a hairdresser from Liverpool.

Viewers spotted how Nadia touched her hair followed by the food she was preparing.

One wrote on X: “I really wanna just grab of all Nadia’s hair and tie it up properly!!”

Another added: “Stop touching your hair NADIA and then touching the food – disgusting!”

While a third said: “It really bugs me that these women are just letting their hair freely go over the food like that.”

Nadia ultimately advanced to the next episode – with bridal designer Carol “Pui Man” Li being eliminated.

It was recently revealed Bake Off was rejected for five years before arriving on our screens.

Back in 2010, the now-adored programme made its debut on BBC Two.

Co-creator Richard McKerrow recalled himself and Anna Beattie fighting for bosses to put their faith into the format.

Speaking at Edinburgh TV Festival, he shared: “We pitched Bake Off for four or five years.

“We were told it would be like watching paint dry, no one was interested.”

The Great British Bake Off made the move from the BBC to Channel 4 in 2017.

This decision saw judge Paul Hollywood being the only star to remain on board.

Fellow original judge Mary Berry as well as hosts Mel & Sue all opted to bow out.

Paul was joined by Prue Leith and new host Noel Fielding, with various co-hosts over the years.

The Great British Bake Off airs on Channel 4.

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THE World Grand Prix will miss a huge player this year after a former world champion has failed to make the tournament for the first time.

Michael Smith, 34, has been ever-present in the tournament since his first appearance in 2012, but will fall short of qualification for this year’s event.

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Smith’s position at 21st in the PDC Order of Merit and 34th on the PDC Pro Tour Order of Merit means that he has been unable to qualify for the Leicester tournament.

It comes after a year of injury and struggle at the oche, which has seen Bully Boy fail to win an event on the PDC circuit.

In fact, Smith has only got past the quarter-finals on two occasions in 2025 – doing so at the Players Championship 10 and 14.

His last tournament win came back in May 2024, beating Ryan Joyce 8-6 to win last year’s Players Championship 9.

It’s a stark contrast to the year he had in 2023, a campaign in which he was crowned world champion.

Smith has been battling with arthritis in his right wrist, an issue that was caused by breaking both his wrists when he was 19.

While he also has a grade two acromioclavicular joint injury in his shoulder, leading to a host of missed tournaments that have hampered his ability to rack up enough prize money to reach the top 16 in the world rankings.

Smith isn’t the only big name star that will miss out on the World Grand Prix either.

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Fellow ever-present Dimitri Van den Bergh will also be absent from the tournament.

The Belgian thrower, 31, has made the decision to focus on his life away from the oche after opening up about experiencing burnout from the intense darts schedule.

As well as taking more time to spend with family after welcoming his second daughter in July, that decision has meant Van den Bergh has missed a slew of tournaments and is all the way back at 98th on the Pro Tour Order of Merit.

He misses out on the competition for the first time since 2019.

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This beautiful town in north Wales is makes for the perfect escape from the city, with a distinctly alpine feel, charming stone buildings and an impressive waterfall

Those looking for the perfect autumn escape close to home should set their sights on North Wales. In fall, fresh air and falling leaves transform Wales’s stunning countryside into a brilliant tapestry of reds, oranges, and golds.

Nestled amongst rugged peaks, tranquil waters, and verdant forests, Betws-y-Coed makes a perfect destination for an autumn getaway.

Regarded as the entrance to Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), its name translates to “prayerhouse-in-the-woods” and is believed to derive from the 14th-century St Michael’s Church, where ancient yew trees have flourished for over 500 years.

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The introduction of transport links and rail connections proved transformative for Betws, attracting artists, poets, and authors to the region, captivated by the invigorating atmosphere and woodland panoramas. It wasn’t long before Betws-y-Coed established itself as Britain’s inaugural artists’ settlement, where imagination flourished.

During the Victorian era, this quaint village transformed into a posh tourist hotspot for affluent visitors seeking wellness and relaxation, reports Wales Online. Hotels began to pop up, offering horse-drawn tours to showcase the stunning beauty of Betws.

Fast forward to the 1930s, steam trains started transporting factory workers from Lancashire to Betws-y-Coed for a much-needed break from urban life. The Trefriw Spa became a massive attraction, drawing in crowds of visitors.

Today, Betws is at the epicentre of all the action in Eryri, with a plethora of nearby activities such as waterfall walks, canyoning, hiking, and ziplining.

Gwydir Forest Park practically envelops Betws-y-Coed, offering a magical blend of tranquil mountain lakes, woodland paths and frothing waterfalls cascading through the untamed Welsh landscape.

Numerous trails are located in this area where you can enjoy the dazzling foliage as you trek along. Embark on the two-mile-long Swallow Falls walk to witness the tumbling falls. This often muddy trail meanders through woodland to a viewpoint over the waterfall – you get a fantastic view from this side of the river, so don’t forget your camera.

Canyoning and gorge walking are also a must for adventure seekers. With Seren Ventures, you can scramble through river-filled canyons, abseil down cliffs, and even zipline across rivers.

Betws-y-Coed isn’t just about outdoor pursuits; it’s also home to charming Victorian architecture and Swallow Falls at Ty’n Llwyn – often dubbed North Wales’ most picturesque spot, with a backdrop that could pass for a film set.

Here, the River Conwy meets three tributaries – the Llugwy, Lledr, and Machno – flowing in from the west, creating a dramatic mix of waterfalls, rapids, and deep, mysterious pools. The natural beauty is absolutely spellbinding.

Swallow Falls (Rhaeadr Ewynnol) are just a 15-minute drive from Betws, and you can park at the Ty’n Llwyn car park in Gwydir Forest Park, which is a starting point for a walking trail to the falls.

You can admire the falls from timber boardwalks and a footbridge, with platform access in a gently steep gorge. There’s no need for an extensive hike; simply amble to the platforms and start capturing some stunning fall photos.

The falls are made up of multiple cascades, adding up to approximately 42 m (138 ft) in height, tumbling over a stepped rocky platform and are the highest continuous waterfall in Wales. It’s one of the most accessible and beautiful falls in Wales and is definitely worth a visit this autumn.

In Netflix series Love Con Revenge , Norwegian-born Cecilie sets out on a quest to ‘unmask other scammers’. In an exclusive interview she gives her top ways to spot a love scammer

Cecilie Fjellhoy was 29 when she was swooned by Simon Liviev (real name Shimon Hayut) but her world came crumbling down when she realised she was a victim of a cruel scam.

The relationship left her in thousands of pounds worth of debt. Disclosing the first stages of her relationship with the infamous Tinder Swindler, she said: “He was very handsome and very charismatic. I felt so well taken care of and truly loved. I felt really lucky to be around him.”

In their short relationship of 54 days, Cecilie lost more than $200,000 (£150,000) to ‘Simon’ who was posing as the heir to a diamond empire and often needed Cecilie’s finances to evade his ‘enemies’.

In Neflix’s new show Love Con Revenge, Norwegian-born Cecilie sets out on a quest to ‘unmask other scammers’.

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The fraudsters here are not claiming to be billionaire diamond dealers escaping thugs as in Cecilie’s case – but have similarly extraordinary covers in a bid to defraud victims.

These include an ‘army veteran’ who says he needs money to give to the family of his war comrade who died taking a bullet for him, ultimately defrauding his girlfriend of $50,000 (£36,883). Meanwhile, another woman pretends she had MS so her boyfriend will fund her lifestyle.

In an interview with The Mirror, Cecilie said of the fraudsters she exposes on the new show: “There is nugget of truth in every single one – so you believe them. In my case, Shimon Hayut was playing a character called Simon. He was not a diamond dealer, but I went on a private jet with him. That’s why it seemed real.”

She adds that all the people she investigated in the new series: “They are straight out of the romance con artist playbook.”

Jessica Hampson, CEO of fraud specialists CEL Solicitors added: “Cecilie has done fantastic work in raising awareness of romance fraud. More than any other type of scam, romance fraudsters manipulate the emotions of their victims, playing with their feelings and their trust.

“It can be difficult for people to come forward after this type of scam but the more the crime is reported, the better it can be prevented. It is possible to recover the money lost but you must first report the crime to the police and your bank.”

In 2019, Cecilie’s ex was convicted of four charges of fraud – unrelated to her allegations – and sentenced to 15 months in prison, but he was released after serving five months.

The conviction followed the two-year sentence he received in Finland in 2015 over the defrauding of three women in that country.

Here are Cecelie’s seven ways to spot a lover scammer:

Super successful careers or trustworthy jobs

Love Con Revenge features a doctor and an army veteran. The doctor turned out not to be a medical one and the army vet only served briefly before being thrown out for drug taking.

“What impresses people is occupations that we can trust. We see time and time again that fraudsters will try to pretend that they’re doctors or successful businessmen,” says Cecilie.

It’s difficult not to take someone at face value, but it’s important to be alert to anything that sounds too good to be true.

Borrowing small amounts of money and paying it straight back

Online dating should be about getting to know each other, not talking about finances. But some love con artist can attempt to use this to build trust initially.

“This builds trust with your fraudster – because they have paid you back before you don’t worry or are concerned you won’t get the money back,” says Cecile.

They pay it back quickly and sometimes even add interest. This is shown by one love conman on the Netflix series who lures his victim into a false sense of security that her money will always be returned.

Push and pull relationship

Fraudsters will abruptly end the relationship, Cecile says, withdrawing their affection before starting things back up again. This leaves the victim deeply insecure and feeling like they’re walking on eggshells – desperate not to do anything that might upset the relationship again.

“They reel you in with love and attention. Once you’re hooked, they will unexpectedly pull away,” warns Cecilie. “Suddenly, you’re the one chasing their love and affection, and that’s the power shift that they want. You’re not thinking straight. That’s when they can get even more money from you!”

Love bombing

Fraudsters will often move in at lightening speed, making the target feel like are being swept off their feet. They want move to into a relationship very quickly – for example moving in with you, within a few months of dating.

Cecilie was treated to 100 red roses on her birthday, taken on fancy dates and the scammer proclaimed his love to her very early in the relationship.

“This is called ‘love bombing’. They love you, they shower you with compliments, they want to move in, you’re their dream woman. Everything is happening very quickly – watch out for that,” Cecilie explained.

Sending several romantic messages in a short space of time is also a way of “lovebombing” a way into a relationship. Scammers will often shower you with affection to draw you in and make you feel special.

Cecile says she wishes people shouldn’t have to be on their guard for this of behaviour. “I’ve always loved very fast. You hear those stories – ‘we went on a date and we’ve been married for 30 years’ – It’s sad (to feel that can’t happen).”

Sunk cost fallacy

Cecilie said: “Sunk Cost Fallacy is what you put into a relationship, and the further in you get, the more difficult it is to admit that something’s wrong because you already spent so much time, and so much money, that you go deeper and deeper into it instead of retracting.”

By the end victims have invested so much that they don’t want to listen to their inner doubts and abandon a course of action they have invested so heavily in. “You don’t want to confront your nightmare,” the campaigner says.

Never wanting to meet in person

In Cecilie’s case, she did meet her scammer in person often, but he was faking his identity. In most cases of romance fraud, scammers have a reluctance to take the relationship beyond the realm of online.

Cecilie said: “If they always have an excuse, like that they’re travelling, if they can never meet up or they’re always busy – be very wary. Meet up with them in person to make sure that the person you’re talking to online is the real one.”

Future faking

Future faking is manipulation based on an elaborate lie. It is when false promises are made about a shared future, such as a romantic relationship, business partnership, or investment.

This tactic involves feigning a deep connection and using elaborate, long-term plans to keep the victim invested.

“From the female and one male victim in the series, we can see that everyone wants that future with someone – it’s what we all want. Throughout this series, I saw text messages that the fraudsters were sending,” says Cecilie.

SHOPPERS are raving about a unique “soup in a bottle” which is now available in four new flavours at Tesco for just £2.

The microwavable bottles, which are ideal for on the go meals, have landed on the major supermarket’s shelves – and cost an absolute bargain.

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Made from natural ingredients with no additives, Re:Nourish’s new flavours of heat-and-sip bottles are bound to make your mouth water.

The brand is releasing Classic Roast Chicken, Chicken & Vegetable, Pea, Leek & Watercress, and Roasted Carrot & Ginger.

These brand new flavours are now available on shelves as part of the brand’s nationwide launch into Tesco.

Nourish said their new soups are designed to “fuel, comfort, and nourish on the go”.

Founder and CEO of Re:Nourish Nicci Clark said: “We started Re:Nourish to make fresh soup exciting again – functional, portable, and genuinely good for you.

“Launching into Tesco with four brand new flavours is an incredible milestone.

“It means more people can grab our bottles on the go and nourish themselves anytime, anywhere.”

Re:Nourish soups are gluten-free with no additives, preservatives or added sugar.

They come in fully recyclable bottles that can go straight in the microwave – and you can sip straight from the pack.

The brand was set up by former nurse turned entrepreneur Nicci Clark.

The company is now the UK’s fastest-growing fresh soup brand, sold in supermarkets nationwide.

Re:Nourish says it wants to make soup healthy, handy and fashionable again.

The brand’s products are currently available at Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Ocado, Wholefoods, Amazon Fresh and Planet Organic.

They said: “Launching in 789 Tesco stores earlier this week was a huge win for us!”

The bottled soup items will also be hitting shelves in Morrisons later this month, as well as further Sainsbury’s stores across the country.

The brand’s soups are typically priced at £3 a bottle, which is dependent on each shop.

However, for the month of September, Tesco shoppers can get Re:Nourish soups for just £2 as long as they have a Tesco Clubcard.

In the last few weeks, their products have also been available for £2.50 with a Nectar card in Sainsbury’s.

The brand say they are “absolutely one of a kind” with their microwavable bottle.

The soup-maker says: “All you have to do is loosen the cap, stick it in the microwave for 3.5 minutes, and enjoy!

“The bottle helps keep your soup warmer for longer, and it’s fully recyclable and made using BPA-free plastic.”

The products are aimed at people who have little time to cook for themselves, but also want to stay health-conscious.

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