OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in 2023 but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes.
Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today.
♈ ARIES
March 21 to April 20
Learning to love yourself is a vital Aries lesson.
Today, take this forward. Intense moon power softens hidden secrets and this can unblock a promising career path.
Best of all, you are able to acknowledge your strongest feelings and share them with the right people.
If you’re single, include a tantalising Libra.
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Your daily horoscope for Wednesday
♉ TAURUS
April 21 to May 21
Your sector of community spirit switches up and you can slot into a special place in a local group.
This could be linked to sharing words, walks or both.
Trying new things is a love connector, as Venus engages your guilty pleasures zone.
So letting cares go and singing out loud can be a huge passion booster.
Get all the latest Taurus horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
♊ GEMINI
May 22 to June 21
Your success sector can be a surprise, even to you – as ambitions float to the surface that you assumed were sunk.
This time round, the outcome can be different – because you have changed.
Yes, your instincts about who to turn to for help are so accurate.
Family peace comes at a price – but are you willing to pay?
Get all the latest Gemini horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
♋ CANCER
June 22 to July 22
There can be public celebrations or a deep decision in your most private heart.
Confidence in your ability to learn is on an upwards trend, and a “W” task can seal the deal.
Your self-discovery sector is positive, thanks to Jupiter and the sun, and you see where and why love needs to come out of the shadows.
Get all the latest Cancer horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
♌ LEO
July 23 to August 23
There’s a unique intense glow in your transformation zone and any instinct that you should keep all study options open for now is spot on.
A new pathway may start off unsuitable, but can rapidly change along the way.
In love terms, you are ready to move on up, and accept the romance responsibility you deserve.
Get all the latest Leo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
♍ VIRGO
August 24 to September 22
However enduring they may already be, partnerships can still be improved.
Your chart puts you in charge of this, so give yourself time to think through how a fairer, more long-lasting, distribution of emotional weight would look.
Your chart is a shining example of optimism and energy, you really inspire others.
Get all the latest Virgo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
The moon flips your cash chart into overdriveCredit: Getty
♎ LIBRA
September 23 to October 23
A line of multi-coloured lights can be a luck signal- you’ve been waiting for that it’s time to celebrate your skills, not just the ones you’ve chosen to share.
Bringing secret talents into play can unblock your future.
Your career chart has moon magic and when you’re put on the spot, you express dreams so well.
Get all the latest Libra horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
List of 12 star signs
The traditional dates used by Mystic Meg for each sign are below.
♏ SCORPIO
October 24 to November 22
Everything you want to create and coax forward towards a business future sits at the forefront of your chart.
So you’re ready to recognise how strong your solo ideas could be.
You have a special audience waiting to hear from you.
In love, someone your friends seem to be talking about could be your soulmate.
Actor George Wendt, who starred in the beloved Cheers TV series, has passed away at the age of 76, and he has a famous Ted Lasso nephew he’s sadly leaving behind
22:05, 20 May 2025Updated 22:22, 20 May 2025
George Wendt was best known for his role as Norm Peterson in the iconic sitcom Cheers(Image: NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
Theactor, who was best known for his role as Norm Peterson in the iconic sitcom Cheers, died peacefully in his sleep at his home, his family confirmed.
A representative told the Hollywood Reporter: “George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him. He will be missed forever. The family has requested privacy during this time.”
During his notable career, the American star delighted viewers on Saturday Night Live, portraying Bob Swerski, one of the fervent superfans often seen crowding around Coach Mike Ditka’s diner, passionately rooting for “Da Bears.”
George Wendt has passed away at the age of 76(Image: Getty Images)
He also boasted an impressive back catalogue of film appearances, gracing screens in Dreamscape (1984), House (1985), Fletch (1985), Gung Ho (1986), Plain Clothes (1987), Never Say Die (1988), Guilty by Suspicion (1991), Forever Young (1992) and the pop culture hit Spice World (1997).
But away from work, George spent time with his doting family, including his wife Bernadette Birkett and their three children: Hilary, Joe, and Daniel. He also leaves behind his nephew, Jason Sudeikis, who plays the lead role in the hugely popular TV series Ted Lasso.
While appearing on an episode of the Still Here Hollywood podcast, George gushed over his pride for his famous nephew. The Cheers star shared: “Proud especially, you know, not only of the success, but he’s solid. Have you read profiles and stuff? I mean he is such a mesh, so smart, so thoughtful. I mean, it all comes out in the show. Right?”
There has even been a touching link between the finale of Ted Lasso and the final episode of Cheers – a homage to the uncle and nephew duo.
During the season three finale of Ted Lasso, bartender Mae straightens a framed photo of Apache leader Geronimo at the Crown & Anchor. The subtle but touching scene was inspired by the ending of Cheers, which saw a similar picture and a small gesture from Sam.
Jason Sudeikis, who played the lead role in Ted Lasso, is the nephew of George Wendt(Image: Handout)
Marked by heartbreaking coincidence, the news of George’s death comes precisely 32 years after the last episode of Cheers graced our television screens. With a run of 275 episodes under his belt, the actor garnered six Primetime Emmy Award nods for his beloved role as the beer-chugging regular, Norm.
On X, formerly Twitter, tributes poured in from fans mourning their favourite TV bar patron, with one writing: “George Wendt, beloved for his role as Norm on Cheers, has died at 77. With a beer in hand and a heart of gold, he made millions feel like regulars. A true legend of TV comfort and comedy.”
Another wrote: “Rest in peace to George Wendt, responsible for Norm Peterson, one of the most iconic sitcom characters of my lifetime. Cheers big guy. Rest easy.”
A third also shared a touching tribute: “RIP George Wendt. You were a big part of my childhood and the impact you had on society was positive and substantial. We are sad to see you go, but know you will be in a better place. Thanks for the laughs.”
THERE was heartbreak for King Charles as his star filly was among a huge number of horses removed from the Epsom Oaks.
Top trainer William Haggas scratched Charles and Camilla’s Purple Rainbow from the year’s biggest race.
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King Charles and Queen Camilla won’t have a runner to cheer home in the Epsom Oaks – after their star filly was among a huge number pulled from the iconic raceCredit: PA
Bred by the late Queen Elizabeth II, Purple Rainbow had one win from three runs in the famous Royal silks.
But it looks like she is destined for handicaps rather than the elite level after finishing fourth on her return at Ascot last month.
Haggas pulled the plug on her Oaks chances during Tuesday morning’s scratching stage.
A mass of runners – 34 in all – were axed from the June 6 Group 1 over 1m4f, worth just shy of £120,000 to the winner.
Aidan O’Brien, who has won three of the past five Oaks, was among the big names removing a number of his entries.
Among the more notable of his was 14-1 chance Ballet Slippers.
The daughter of Dubawi, who finished third to current Oaks favourite Desert Flower when last seen in October, is yet to run this season.
Group 3 winner Exactly, who had been as short as 20-1, was another pulled, along with fellow 20-1 chance Dreamy.
O’Brien had previously said after her Group 3 win over a mile at the Curragh last August that he hoped she was an Oaks filly.
While Smoken, who was sent off 5-2 favourite for the Musidora at York last week before finishing a tailed-off last, was axed by Ralph Beckett.
The winner of that race, Whirl, kept her place in O’Brien’s squad.
His Cheshire Oaks winner Minnie Hauk looks the best chance of victory being as short as 7-2.
While O’Brien’s other big Coolmore chance Giselle is into 5s.
Charlie Appleby’s 1000 Guineas heroine Desert Flower kept her place in the race, with bookies cutting her to as short as 2-1 favourite.
While Owen Burrows’ Listed Newmarket winner Falakeyah – one of just 14 left in the race – was cut to 5s.
Epsom Oaks runners
Desert Flower Falakeyah Giselle Go Go Boots Island Hopping Janey Mackers January Lake Victoria Minnie Hauk Qilin Queen Revoir Trad Jazz Wemightakedlongway Whirl
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Remember to gamble responsibly
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Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
Never chases their losses
Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
Good Morning Britain sparked reaction online from ITV viewers after showbiz editor Richard Arnold shared ‘special’ baby news live on air about Peppa Pig’s mother
09:07, 20 May 2025Updated 09:08, 20 May 2025
Good Morning Britain fans were left scratching their heads after Richard Arnold dropped some ‘special’ baby news on the show.
On Monday’s (May 20) episode of ITV’s popular morning programme, presenters Richard Madeley and Susanna Reid were joined by the showbiz guru, who hinted at having ‘special oinking news’ to share.
Richard announced: “I have some baby news for you, what a beautiful day it is today. Now, as you know, I’ve interviewed Hollywood stars, music icons, sporting legends but the nation has been gripped by my biggest ever exclusive chat with Mummy Pig, when she announced, if you remember, her pregnancy back in February.”
He added: “Over 60 million of you on TikTok have been following Mummy Pig and the rest of the pig family while they get ready to welcome their new addition. This was the interview where it all started.”
Richard Arnold shared the exciting baby announcement
Revealing the big news, he said: “Since then, Mummy, Daddy and Baby Pig painted Battersea Power Station pink as they revealed the gender of their baby. Peppa and George will be welcoming a little sister and now, it brings me great joy to announce that she’s here!”, reports Bristol Live.
Susanna quickly chimed in with her congratulations, saying: “Aww, congratulations.”
Richard gushed: “It’s a beautiful thing, like I said, Daddy Pig has just shared these pictures with me of Peppa’s brand new baby sister Evie named after Mummy Pig’s Aunt Evie, she was born at 5:34am this morning, thankfully, just in time to watch her first ever Good Morning Britain.
“She’s certainly receiving the royal treatment so far with the town crier announcing her birth and a special plaque, how very royal, all the birthing details unveiled. Beautiful pictures here too, as you can see of the happy family.”
He continued: “Understandably, Mummy Pig is resting but Daddy Pig has let me know he will be free to catch up next week for his first ever TV interview and another glimpse of the new baby. You can find out when Peppa meets the baby this autumn.”
GMB made an exclusive announcement about Mummy Pig live on air(Image: ITV)
Susanna queried: “Do you know the weight?” To which Richard responded: “I don’t know the weight, I thought it might be a little bit invasive to ask at this stage.”
Susanna retorted: “People always ask the weight.” Richard quipped: “I was nearly ten pounds, you can imagine, it was all head because I’ve always had a smurf like body.”
Wrapping up the segment, Richard announced: “Great news and we will catch up with Daddy Pig next week.”
Confused viewers at home took to social media to express their surprise at the announcement. One viewer tweeted on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Animated pigs ? OMG! This programme gets worse Seek professional help @GMB #GMB.”
One perplexed viewer remarked: “What the f**k is going on? Feel like I’m on drugs #GMB.”
Another posted: “Am I having a fever dream? A whole segment about a cartoon pig? Is this what we’ve become? ! ! #Gmb.”
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV and ITVX
Welsh star Gwyneth Keyworth stars opposite Timothy Spall in Death Valley as copper Janie Mallowan. But the actress says she’d make a terrible real-life detective due to her ADHD.
Death Valley follows Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth as two unlikely allies(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/BBC Studios/Jay Brooks)
Being neurodivergent has its complications – actress Gwyneth Keyworth recently admitted that her condition is sometimes difficult to handle.
Gwyneth Keyworth, whose credits include Game Of Thrones, Hidden and the West End production of To Kill A Mockingbird stars opposite Timothy Spall in BBC One‘s new drama, Death Valley, which blends nail-biting suspense, crime and comedy.
Timothy Spall needs no introduction. From embodying Peter Pettigrew in Harry Potter to portraying acclaimed artist JM Turner in Mr Turner, the BAFTA-winning actor is a true screen chameleon. But in the BBC ’s new six-part series Death Valley, Timothy is swapping drama for comedy.
Gwyneth, 34, admits she was surprised Timothy was able to tap into the show’s comedic tone. “I hadn’t seen him do much comedy, but he’s really funny,” she says. “It was a delight and an honour to work with him.”
In Death Valley, Gwyneth plays detective Janie Mallowan, and when Janie’s investigation into the apparent suicide of a businessman leads her to John’s door, the case – and her career – take an odd turn.
Off-screen, however, Gwyneth, 30, confesses she couldn’t be more different to Janie. “I’m definitely not built for detective work,” says Gwyneth. “I have ADHD, I can’t keep track of anything!”
Timothy Spall portrays John Chapel in Death Valley – a retired TV star who turns crime-solver(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/BBC Studios/Simon Ridgway)
Timothy, on the other hand, plays John Chapel, a retired actor who starred in fictional detective TV show Caesar, and who now lives in semi-reclusive anonymity – talking mostly to a stray cat and nursing a slightly inflated ego.
“He’s itching to use his psychological skills as an actor, but he’s conceited about it,” Timothy, 68, says. “ It’s nice to poke fun at certain aspects of actors, like their overinflated views of themselves. John really thinks he’s a serious intellect.”
But there’s more to John’s eccentricities than meets the eye. “He’s frustrated but he’s pretending he isn’t,” Timothy says. “We eventually find out why he really retired and why he feels this way.”
To bring John to life, Timothy borrowed from a host of real-life actors – though he’s tight-lipped about who inspired the quirks. “It’s quite a long list of excellent actors who have played various characters,” he says. Over six episodes, the pair delve into several mysteries, each one drawing them closer as allies.
“They’re both eccentric characters and incredibly clever,” says Timothy. “They do a great job as detectives. There’s a huge generational gap between them – but not emotionally. They have a sibling quality. They’re both really childish.”
For Gwyneth, Janie and John are more alike than viewers may think. “They’re both slightly peculiar people who are grieving something,” she explains.
“They find it hard to see each other’s faults because they know they have the same. They’re a little pedantic and tunnel-minded but their friendship is what brings them out of loneliness. They’ve been looking for someone to reach out to.”
Gwyneth Keyworth (right) plays John’s sidekick, copper Janie Mallowe – but the actress says she’d be a terrible detective (Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/BBC Studios/Simon Ridgway)
That emotional connection plays a key role in grounding the show’s otherwise whimsical tone. “He doesn’t patronise Janie,” Timothy adds. “It’s almost like a meeting of the souls. There’s a lot of hidden affection in their relationship.”
However, much like John, Janie is keeping her own secrets. Producer Madeline Addy hints there are deeper layers to Janie. “There’s one big whodunnit throughout the show that involves Janie. It seeds itself in the six episodes. So there’s quite a lot going on,” says Madeline.
Timothy, meanwhile, enjoyed the pace of shooting the show. “It felt like filming a new movie every week,” he says. For all the on-screen tension and mystery, filming for Death Valley in Wales was anything but bleak, giving Gwyneth the opportunity to return to her roots. “It’s nice to be home, even if it rains,” she says.
Still, even that couldn’t be guaranteed. Series creator Paul Doolan – best known for Bloods – learned the hard way not to rely on the Welsh weather. He explains, “We needed torrential rain for one big scene and it was like Barbados!”
Despite the curveball, Paul was determined to inject some comedy into the murder-mystery formula. “A lot of modern murder shows are relentlessly grim. We just wanted a bit of comedy,” he says.
The Death Valley line-up includes a string of familiar faces(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/BBC Studios/Simon Ridgway)
That insight partly came from his time on Bloods, where he worked with real paramedics. “They’ve seen the worst of everything, and yet they’re always joking,” he says. “It’s how people cope, it comes into every career.”
To capture the uniquely Welsh sense of humour, Paul enlisted comedian and writer Sian Harries. “That freed things up. It heightened everything,” he says. Gwyneth agrees, “Sian’s additions really made it feel Welsh and true to life.”
On set, Timothy kept spirits high, sometimes spoiling Gwyneth’s composure. “There was one scene where he skipped down the stairs and I just lost it,” she says.
Their rapport wasn’t built from scratch as Gwyneth had previously worked with Timothy’s actor son Rafe in To Kill A Mockingbird. But they’re not the only familiar faces in Death Valley.
With a smart script, stunning scenery and a funny and fresh take on detective drama, Death Valley sits between Broadchurch and Only Murders In The Building – but with a distinctive Welsh flavour.
President Trump is very much still hung up on the star power that boosted former Vice President Kamala Harris’ ultimately unsuccessful campaign.
In a pair of posts shared to his Truth Social platform Sunday night and Monday morning, Trump criticized several celebrities who publicly endorsed Harris in her months-long bid. Among the stars fueling the former “Apprentice” host’s ire were Beyoncé, Bruce Springsteen, Oprah and Bono. In his caps-lock-laden tirades, Trump accused the Harris camp of illegally paying Springsteen, Beyoncé and other stars to appear at campaign events and throw their support behind the Biden-era VP.
“I am going to call for a major investigation into this matter,” Trump wrote on Sunday, before accusing Harris and her team of paying for endorsements “under the guise of paying for entertainment.”
Beyoncé, Springsteen and the other stars singled out by Trump each touted their support for Harris during various stops on her campaign trail. The “Alien Superstar” singer backed Harris when the candidate stopped by the pop star’s home state of Texas in late October. The Boss campaigned for Harris in Georgia that same week.
Trump shared his first post, which also accused Harris of artificially beefing up “her sparse crowds” and criticized “these unpatriotic ‘entertainers,’” Sunday at around 10:30 p.m. Clearly, he could not shake off his gripes after a night’s rest because on Monday morning, he doubled down.
Monday at 6:11 a.m., Trump further slammed Beyoncé, citing unidentified “news reports” that alleged the Grammy winner was paid $11 million to endorse his opponent: “AN ILLEGAL ELECTION SCAM AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL.” A representative for Beyoncé did not immediately respond on Monday to The Times’ request for comment.
He said the stars he named, “AND, PERHAPS, MANY OTHERS, HAVE A LOT OF EXPLAINING TO DO!!!”
Trump — who has the backing of musicians including Kid Rock and Billy Ray Cyrus — last week also aimed at Taylor Swift, suggesting in a Truth Social post on Friday that the “Cruel Summer” singer’s popularity has declined since he declared “I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT” in September 2024. Swift publicly endorsed Harris for president.
The president railed against the music stars after his four-day visit to the Middle East. . When he returned to Washington on Friday, Trump also shared his opinions on “Highly Overrated Bruce Springsteen,” who criticized the “incompetent and treasonous administration” during a May 14 concert in Manchester, England. “This dried out ‘prune’ of a rocker (his skin is all atrophied!) ought to KEEP HIS MOUTH SHUT until he gets back into the Country, that’s just ‘standard fare,’” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“Then we’ll all see how it goes for him!” he added.
The “Born in the USA” rocker fired back at Trump on Saturday. “In my home, they’re persecuting people for their right to free speech and voicing their dissent. That’s happening now,” Springsteen said.
A transcript of Springsteen’s full monologue, an introduction to “My City of Ruins,” can be found on his website.
This Coronation Street star turned a few heads after he was spotted at this year’s film festival – not least the hordes of Corrie fans who have yearned for his return to the cobbles
Ryan Prescott made a beeline for this year’s Cannes Film Festival(Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Coronation Street fans were left stunned as one of the soap’s beloved actors swapped the Weatherfield cobbles for the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Ryan Prescott, who is best known for playing Ryan Connor, was recently spotted on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival.
Despite not revealing why he was attending the star-studded event, fans confessed they’ve “missed” seeing the 36-year-old on their TV screens recently, but agreed he looked fantastic mingling with the celebs. Ryan, who has also had stints in Emmerdale and Doctors, looked incredibly smart in a black suit and bow tie, posing with friends and soaking up the atmosphere of the annual festival, which runs until May 24.
Sharing snaps on Instagram, he simply captioned them: “CANNES FILM FESTIVAL 2025.” Fans were quick to compliment the actor’s appearance after the photos were posted.
One fan commented: “Miss you when you’re not in Corrie but pleased you are having an amazing time,” while another added: “Looks like you are having a great time! You also clean up nice!”
A third chimed in: “Chuffed for you,” while a fourth fan remarked: “Looking dapper my brother.”
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How Ryan managed to secure a spot at the exclusive event remains a mystery. As one would expect, the Cannes Film Festival is typically reserved for film industry professionals and accredited participants.
The festival is now an exclusive affair with restricted access, necessitating a badge for entry, keeping most of the festivities out of reach for the average Joe. This year’s event launched with much fanfare on May 13 and will run this Saturday, drawing in A-listers such as Nicole Kidman and Amal Clooney.
Meanwhile, Ryan’s entrance to Coronation Street came in 2018 when he became the much-loved Ryan Connor, stepping into Sol Heras’s shoes as the third actor to take up the role.
Despite his character’s on-screen drama, Ryan’s off-screen life is seemingly tranquil. The Merseyside-born actor made waves when he appeared in Emmerdale as Flynn Buchanan – Aaron Dingle’s romantic pursuit – before gracing the streets of Weatherfield.
Ryan has now spent seven years at Weatherfield(Image: ITV)
Scoring the part was Ryan’s career milestone, leaving him initially gobsmacked by the limelight, even leading to fans hounding him for autographs post his stint in the ITV soap which lasted for 12 episodes.
Before hitting it big on the cobbles, Ryan secured parts in well-known shows such as Holby City, The Syndicate, Doctors and Casualty. But success didn’t come easy, as he encountered obstacles along the path to fame.
Confirming his Corrie gig opened the floodgates of online vitriol, with Ryan recounting to The Mirror: “I’ve had a few… you always get the occasional Facebook message. There’s always haters out there. Nothing too crazy but people give their opinion.
“Someone will say something like ‘I much preferred the other Ryan’, or something like that. I never reply. That’s where people go wrong.”
Aside from his TV appearances, the actor is quite the globe-trotter, frequently sharing snaps on Instagram from his globetrotting adventures. His passport boasts stamps from Thailand, Amsterdam, Monaco, and a significant part of the United States – yet he always finds his way back to his roots in the north of England.
Together, they have addressed the Oxford Union after being invited there to tell Oxford University students about their work.
Sharon has since shared several black and white photos that were taken backstage at the talk, which show her in a stunning long-sleeved dress and Matthew in a tux.
But after the law graduate posted the pictures on Instagram, fans couldn’t help but spot the ring on Sharon’s left hand.
Sharon told her followers: “I can’t wait to tell our future child that mum and dad were once guest speakers at the union they’ll one day be members of 👀.”
Replying, one follower wrote: “It’s giving engagement announcement pics tbh.”
Much to everyone’s delight, Sharon and Matthew both confirmed that an engagement is very much on the cards.
“It’s coming,” Sharon replied.
Matthew added: “Trust me, it’s coming.”
Sharon even went one stage further in response to a follower who had written: “This is so gorgeous. I’m seeing the not too distant future here.”
The former reality star replied: “Everyone get ready for the wedding content 😂.”
Sharon Gaffka’s love life
What we know about Sharon’s private life since she left Love Island…
Sharon appeared on Love Island in 2021 because she had grown tired of “being the only single one” in her group of friends.
The former beauty queen and law graduate said she was on the look out for someone intelligent.
Sharon was paired with Hugo Hammond on the show but later accused him of ‘touching her inappropriately’ outside of the villa. Hugo flatly denied her allegations.
Sharon went off the radar in terms of her private life following her villa stint.
But in 2023, she made a rare admission about her love life – revealing she had enjoyed a celebrity romance.
Sharon confessed: “I have only ever dated one person in the public eye in the past two years, it lasted for the best part of five minutes, so it’s no even known about outside my inner circle.
“I’d want a relationship that was known of, not known about.”
She alleged her friendship with Hugo ended because of his behaviour following Love Island, however he described her claims as “completely false” on social media.
Sharon has since remained tight-lipped about romantic liaisons but revealed two years ago that she had suffered a heartbreaking miscarriage.
Opening up as she marked what would have been her baby’s first birthday, the women’s rights campaigner said: “Grief is not a linear process.
“I’m tired of being told that time is healer and this truth is especially evident in the aftermath of miscarriage for those who never planned to have children. Feelings of loss, confusion, guilt, and even relief can surface unexpectedly, and these emotions are all valid.”
Sharon told her fans she wasn’t sharing her story for sympathy, but as part of her healing process.
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Sharon appeared in Love Island in 2021Credit: PA
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She was coupled up with Hugo Hammond but it did not end wellCredit: Rex
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Sharon has now told fans to ‘get ready’ for wedding contentCredit: TikTok
In its landmark 50th season, “Saturday Night Live” had a lot going for it: a huge cast of performers with a diverse toolbox of styles and talents, a fine assortment of musical guests (Chappell Roan! Stevie Nicks! Timothée Chalamet?) and celebratoryevents across multiple channels for its half-century anniversary. And it had “Lorne” (the biography), of course; creator Lorne Michaels still runs the ship.
But on a week-to-week basis, it was the guest hosts who set the tone and helped make or break a particular episode. A great host, one who is game and enthusiastic and eager to play, such as Paul Mescal or Ariana Grande, could elevate an episode way beyond expectations. An otherwise talented guest host having an off week or who was underserved by the material, like Chris Rock or Mikey Madison, reminds you that nothing is certain with “SNL.” And an outright bad host (see the bottom) can make the 90-minute show seem interminable and out of touch.
Now, let us celebrate the hosts who got it right, brought their A-game, benefited from great sketch writing and support from the cast and crew. Here are the best hosts of Season 50, ranked.
1. Lady Gaga, March 8
Ready to roll: Lady Gaga and Marcello Hernández in the sketch “A Long Goodbye.”
“Twist and shout”: Andrew Dismukes, left, Maya Rudolph, Ariana Grande and Andy Samberg in “Castrati.”
(Will Heath/NBC)
It was her third time hosting, but it was somehow still a complete surprise how spectacular Grande was in her run-up to the release of “Wicked.” Perfect impressions of Celine Dion and Jennifer Coolidge and a ridiculously wrong (and very funny) sketch called “Castrati” were among the highlights of a top-to-bottom ace appearance.
3. Jack Black, April 5
“Happiness is a disease”: Jack Black and Michael Longfellow in the “Goth Kid on Vacation” sketch.
(NBC/Holland Rainwater/NBC)
Like Gaga, the star of “A Minecraft Movie” danced and sang multiple times, most notably in a brief My Chemical Romance homage, “Goth Kid on Vacation.” Sometimes good hosting is about bringing lots of energy and commitment; Black went above and beyond on both counts in a wild “Flamin’ Hot Preparation H” commercial.
4. Quinta Brunson, May 3
They found OnlySeniors: Quinta Brunson and Kenan Thompson in the “Life Insurance” sketch.
CARLOS BALEBA isn’t just here to make up the numbers, he’s chasing football’s ultimate individual prize and wants to leave an indelible mark on the game.
The 21-year-old Brighton midfielder is full confidence and charm as he reveals his dream of getting to the top of world football from his home in Hove after inviting me over for an interview.
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Carlos Baleba has wasted little time in settling into the Premier LeagueCredit: Rex
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Baleba is the latest midfielder being linked with a move away from BrightonCredit: INSTAGRAM @carlos_baleba
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Baleba was born in the same town as Samuel Eto’o in CameroonCredit: AFP
Baleba is dreaming of winning the Ballon d’Or, and says praise from Declan Rice and inspiration from Rodri’s success have convinced him it’s possible.
He told SunSport in an exclusive interview: “Declan Rice, Matheus Cunha, Joelinton, they’ve all told me I’ve got it in me.
“I want to win the Ballon d’Or like Rodri.
“I watched him during the Euros and before his injury I played against him and time I got the ball, he was right in front of me.
“It was my first game against Manchester City, and it was very difficult.
“He made it so hard to dribble or pass. That showed his class.
“His success has opened the door for midfielders like us to believe we can win the Ballon d’Or someday.”
Baleba is already making waves with his performances. The Cameroonian is the only midfielder in Europe’s top five leagues this season to register 30+ tackles, 30+ interceptions, 30+ clearances, 30+ take-ons, and 30+ aerial duels won, a stat line that shows just how complete his game is.
But for now, Baleba is focused on developing and not paying attention to the rumour mill.
Brighton players in tunnel post match after beating Bournemouth 2-1
He said: “Yes, I can get to the very top of world football.
“But I need to stay focused, stay calm, not rush, and not let what people write get in my head. If I keep working hard, I can be like Luka Modric or Toni Kroos, I just need to stay grounded.”
The Brighton star’s journey is nothing short of remarkable so far. Just three years ago, he was still in Cameroon, uncertain about his future.
When he finally got his breakthrough move to Lille, tragedy struck, he lost his mother, he says it was sudden and quick. It’s a pain that still drives him.
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Baleba spent just a season in France before Brighton made their moveCredit: Getty
He revealed: “It was very difficult for me because I didn’t see my mum. I wanted her next to me, but when I signed for Brighton, she wasn’t here.
“That’s why the first season was really hard. I thought about her a lot. But I vowed that I would be the best version of myself and go as far as I can in my career.”
The Premier League is the dream destination for many young African players, but Baleba warns it’s not for the faint-hearted.
“The intensity, if you don’t run, you cannot play in the Premier League. That’s the truth. You have to be willing to put in the hard work.”
What makes Baleba stand out isn’t just his football, it’s his effort to adapt to a new culture and language.
His English is still a work in progress, but he’s proud of the steps he’s taking to settle in, even if the British weather isn’t always his cup of tea.
“I love it here, to be honest. My favourite English food is the English breakfast, if I’m allowed to say that!.
“But the weather is the only issue, it changes all the time.”
Brighton will be hoping Baleba can continue his meteoric rise, following in the footsteps of midfield stars like Alexis Mac Allister, Yves Bissouma, and Moises Caicedo.
All arrived as unknowns but left as stars. The Cameroonian might just be the next one off the Seagulls’ midfield conveyor belt, and if he keeps dreaming big, he could go even further.
THE final day of the World’s Strongest Man 2025 is here!
British athlete Tom Stoltman is eyeing a FOURTH title in five years as he looks to go within one of equalling Mariusz Pudzianowski‘s astonishing record.
His older brother Luke is also competing in the finals alongside fellow Brits Paddy Haynes and Shane Flowers.
2023 Strongman winner Mitchell Hooper is one of the main contenders looking to take Stoltman’s crown.
Cleverley does face competition for the job from fellow Englishman Will Still.
Still has left Ligue 1 outfit RC Lens following the end of the season in order to move back to England.
Football teams that controversially changed their badge
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Will Still is in the running for the St Mary’s roleCredit: Getty
Still’s parting message to RC Lens
Here is what Will Still told RC Lens fans about his decision to leave…
He said: “I won’t be the coach of RC Lens next season.
“It was the last season at Bollaert, for multiple reasons.
“The main reason that pushed me to make this decision is the fact that I need to go home.
“Everyone is well aware of what happened in my life. That’s why.
“I had a lot of fun, I think we achieved great things despite everything. I’ve been in France for four years, four years that I’ve experienced intense moments.
“The logical choice is that I get closer to my wife for her well-being too.”
CHELSEA goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli has kicked off a row with neighbours after chopping down huge 40ft trees at his Surrey mansion.
The Blues’ stopper was given the go-ahead to extend his luxury pad near the club’s Cobham training ground – complete with a cinema and games room.
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Chelsea goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli has become embroiled in a battle with his neighbourCredit: Rex
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The footy star wants to rip out 40ft trees to extend his luxury padCredit: Getty
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The trees to be axed are reportedly decades oldCredit: Supplied
Planners at the local council told him he could chop down two trees to make way for the proposed development but neighbours say he has razed more to the ground – without permission.
They claim the 30-40ft trees are decades old, although not protected by a Tree Preservation Order, and help prevent overlooking on the leafy estate.
The former Fulham goalkeeper was initially granted planning permission for a front and rear extension including a ground floor family room, kitchen and breakfast room and cinema.
He also wants to demolish a porch and chimney stack and add dormer windows for a fourth bedroom and games room on the second floor.
Documents filed at Elmbridge Borough Council state that building work started last year but has not yet been completed.
Bettinelli, 32, has now submitted amended plans for tree planting and landscaping to allow for the removal of trees.
In a letter of objection, one resident wrote: “The initial proposal for ‘bush and hedge pruning’ turned into the felling of multiple 30ft trees, decades old.
“This has significantly affected local wildlife (there were documented owls nesting) and privacy/light shading of multiple properties around.
“The new proposal to replace four trees is well short of any remedial measure in my view and should be significantly enhanced.”
Chaos at Stamford Bridge as Djurgarden fans jump over barriers and clash in away end against Chelsea
Another neighbour wrote: “More hedging has been removed to erect the fence.
“This was not done by the neighbouring property.
“And versus the previous plan, there is now less commitment to hedging than before.
“As a reminder, 30-40ft trees were cut down without permission.
“There should be no reduction in commitment shown on the plan versus the one before.”
Bettinelli joined Chelsea in 2021 to boost the Blues’ goalkeeping ranks following the departure of Willy Caballero, having been out of contract at Fulham.
He spent a decade at Craven Cottage, making 120 appearances for the Whites and also represented England‘s under-21 team earlier in his career.
The 6ft,4in stopper bought his Cobham pad for £1.5million in September, 2023, before applying for a Grand Designs-style makeover.
In another objection, the local residents’ association said it was “saddened and deeply concerned that the developer, architect and builder have breached the conditions imposed on the allowed application”.
They added: “Mature trees provide benefits to humans and wildlife alike, trees also provide wildlife corridors to and from the surrounding green spaces, woods, commons and heathland of Cobham.
“Trees also provide screening to neighbours’ properties and garden amenity spaces which they should be able to continue the enjoyment of using for everyday activity without the perception of overlooking.”
Council officials are expected to make a decision on the trees later this month.
Bettinelli’s planning agent was approached for comment.
Rules on fences and trees
Fences:
Height Restrictions: In most areas, fences in front gardens should not exceed one metre in height without planning permission. For rear gardens, the limit is generally two metres.
Shared Fences: If a fence is shared with a neighbour, both parties are typically responsible for its maintenance and any costs associated with repairs or replacement.
Building Regulations: Ensure that any new fence complies with local building regulations and does not obstruct visibility for drivers or pedestrians.
Trees:
Ownership: Trees located on your property are your responsibility, including any damage they may cause. Conversely, trees on a neighbour’s property are their responsibility.
Overhanging Branches: You are entitled to trim branches that overhang into your property, but only up to the boundary line. The cut branches should be offered back to the tree owner.
Protected Trees: Some trees are protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). Check with your local council before undertaking any work on a tree, as unauthorised work can result in fines.
Roots: If tree roots from a neighbour’s tree cause damage to your property, you have the right to remove the roots. However, it is advisable to discuss this with your neighbour first to avoid disputes.
Always consult your local council or a legal adviser for specific regulations and advice.
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Bettinelli snapped up the £1.5million mansion in 2023Credit: Supplied
Looking back, casting Diego Luna in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” may well prove to be the single most consequential decision in that storied franchise’s history. Hearing Luna’s Mexican accent in a galaxy far, far away was not only refreshing. It was radical.
And as Season 2 of “Andor” proved, it set the stage for what has to be the most Latino-coded of all the “Star Wars” tales, which is fitting considering this Tony Gilroy-created series was designed not just to explore Cassian Andor’s backstory but flesh out the dashing revolutionary spirit Luna had brought to the character. What better place to, pardon the pun, mine for inspiration than the vast history of resistance and revolution throughout the American continent?
Here are a few ways in which “Andor” felt particularly Latino.
Warning: this article contains some spoilers.
Undocumented laborers
Season 2 of “Andor” found Cassian, Bix (Adria Arjona), Brasso (Joplin Sibtain) and Wilmon (Muhannad Bhaier) relocated to the agricultural planet of Mina-Rau. It’s a place that served as a safe haven for these Ferrix folks, allowing them to be housed while working for a local farmer — all without papers. Yes, our very own Cassian is an undocumented laborer (when he’s not, you know, on some super-secret Luthen-guided mission, that is).
“Andor” has always focused on the way the Empire functions at a granular level, while the “Star Wars” feature film trilogies are all about big-picture stuff. In its two-season run, this Luna-fronted project followed the day-to-day lives of those living under the thumb of the Empire. And in the scenes at Mina-Rau, the show insisted on showing what happens when those with a semblance of power (a uniform, a weapon) confront those who they think have none.
When Lt. Krole (Alex Waldmann), a lowly Imperial officer carrying out a run-of-the-mill audit of the crops in Mina-Rau, comes across Bix, he sees an opportunity. She’s clearly alone. And, perhaps most obviously, at a disadvantage: She has no papers. If she’s caught, the secure, if precarious, life she and Cassian have built in Mina-Rau will come crumbling down — all while putting them at risk of being revealed as smugglers and rebels.
Still, watching Krole escalate his slimy sexual advances into a rape attempt was a reminder of the impunity of such crimes. When those who are undocumented are seen as undeserving of our empathy, let alone the protections the law is supposed to provide — like many people in our current government seem to think — the likes of Krole are emboldened to do as they please.
Hiding in plain sight and los desaparecidos
Such ideas about who merits our empathy are key to authoritarian regimes. Borders, after all, aren’t just about keeping people out or in. It’s about drawing up communities and outlining outsiders; about arguing for a strict sense of who belongs and who does not.
When Cassian and Bix land in Coruscant after their escape from Mina-Rau, they struggle with whether to just lay low. You see Cassian being jumpy and constantly paranoid. He can’t even handle going out shopping; or, if you follow Bix’s winking joke at the grocer, he can’t really handle the spice. But that’s expected if you constantly feel unsafe, unable to freely move through the world, er, galaxy. More tellingly: If your existence is wedded to bureaucracy, it’s easy to be dispensed with and disappeared. Bix knows that all too well. She’s still haunted by the specter of Dr. Gorst (Joshua James), the Imperial Security Bureau officer who tortured her. He appears in her nightmares to remind her that this is a war now littered with “desaparecidos”: “His body won’t be found and his family won’t know what happened to him,” his hallucination taunts her. It’s not hard to read in that line an obvious reference to those tortured and disappeared under the military dictatorships of Argentina, Brazil, Chile and the like.
Throughout “Andor” Season 2, we also watched the Empire slowly rev up its border policing — especially when it came to Ghorman. At first a planet most known for its gorgeous textiles, Ghorman later became the anchor for the show’s entire narrative. The best way to control a people is to surveil them, particularly because soon enough they’ll start surveilling themselves.
The Ghorman Massacre
The beauty of “Star Wars” has always been its ability to speak to its time. When the original film first premiered in 1977, echoes of the Vietnam War and anti-imperialist sentiment could be felt in its otherwise outlandish space-opera trappings. But not until “Andor” could the politics of George Lucas’ creation be so viscerally felt. This is a show, after all, that didn’t shy away from using the word “genocide” when rightly describing what happened in Ghorman.
In “Who Are You?” audiences got to see the Empire at its cruelest. Watching the Death Star destroy Alderaan from afar is one thing. But getting to watch Stormtroopers — and a slew of young, inexperienced Imperial riot police officers — shooting indiscriminately into a crowd that had just been peacefully singing in protest was brutal. It was, as Senator Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly) would later frame it, unconscionable.
The chants in the crowd “The galaxy is watching” are clearly meant to evoke the chants heard at the 1968 Democratic National Convention: “The whole world is watching.” But the essence of the massacre harks back to another infamous 1968 event: the Tlatelolco massacre.
Just like Ghorman, the Oct. 2 student protests at Mexico City’s Plaza de las Tres Culturas began as a peaceful demonstration. But soon, with helicopters up above and an encroaching military presence from every which way, chaos followed and the incident has long served as a chilling example of state-sanctioned violence. The kind now best distilled into a fictional massacre in a galaxy far, far away.
Villa, Zapata, Andor
In the hands of Gilroy and Luna, “Andor” billed itself over two seasons as the begrudging rise of a revolutionary. Cassian spent much of Season 1 trying to hide from who he could become. It took being sent to a grueling slave prison complex in a remote location (sound familiar?) to further radicalize the once-smug smuggler.
But with every new Empire-sanctioned atrocity, he found himself unable to escape his calling as a member of the Resistance. Yes, it costs him his peaceful life with Bix, but neither would have it any other way. Cassian has a solid moral compass. And while he may not play well with others (with authority, really), he’s a charming leader of sorts whose childhood in Ferrix set him up to be the kind of man who would sacrifice his life for a cause.
You don’t need to have Luna sport a mustache, though, to see in his rascal of a character hints of revolutionary icons from Latin America. Even if Cassian is more Emiliano Zapata than Pancho Villa (you’d never find him starring in films as himself, for instance), the revolutionary spirit of those historical Mexican figures is undeniable. Especially since Cassian has long been tied to the marginalized — not just in Ferrix and Mina-Rau but later still in Ghorman.
Add the fact that his backstory grounds him in the indigenous world of Kenari and that he is quite at home in the lush jungles of Yavin IV (where he may as well be playing dominoes in his spare time) and you have a character who clearly carves out homages to resistance models seen all over Latin America.
As attacks on those most disenfranchised here in the United States continue apace, “Andor” (yes, a spinoff sci-fi series on Disney+!) reminds us that the Latin American struggles for liberation in the 20th century aren’t mere historical stories. They’re warnings and templates as to how to confront this moment.
And yes, that message obviously works best when delivered by the devilishly handsome Luna: “The Empire cannot win,” as his Cassian says in the first episode of the show’s stellar second season. “You’ll never feel right unless you’re doing what you can to stop them. You’re coming home to yourself. You’ve become more than your fear. Let that protect you.”
LANDO NORRIS has boycotted social media after falling behind McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri in the F1 title race.
Despite Norris’ pre-season billing as the Championship favourite, the McLaren star has been outdone by the Aussie’s momentum in the opening six races of the season.
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Lando Norris has faced a torrent of abuse and is ditching social mediaCredit: Alamy
And Norris has been subject to fresh hate and abuse since falling 16 points behind Piastri, who – despite playing second fiddle to the Brit last year – is the new bookie’s favourite.
Speaking to reporters including SunSport in the McLaren motorhome at Imola, Norris opened up about his online detox ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix this Sunday.
The 25-year-old admitted: “I’ve not been on social media for a few weeks now.It’s not something I enjoy. I don’t need to be on it. It’s my life and I can do what I like.
“I enjoy not going on my phone as much as I used to. I still text my friends.
“But I see social media as a waste of my time and energy. I don’t need it or want it. I don’t find it interesting.
“I’ve got more time to do things that I want to do, I play golf and train and want to be productive.”
Of course, it’s still too early to write any driver off with 16 more races up for grabs, but the feeling in the Norris camp seems somewhat bleak going into the European triple header.
Despite sitting second in the standings, Norris also revealed he feels “unhappy” with how his MCL39 feels and isn’t bothered about winning the title.
Asked if he was thinking about the title standings, Norris said: “No, is the answer.
“I don’t care about it and won’t think about it. It is easy for things to change.
Max Verstappen and Lando Norris open up on F1 rivalry after controversial clashes
“Oscar has done a good job. But a lot of it is just focusing on myself. “He’s just another competitor. Another guy, he’s just dressed in the same colours.
“It’s been clear that there have been differences from last year in how the car works, how it acts, and how I’m able to get lap time out of it and perform.
“I’m obviously not happy at the moment, but we will see with the upgrades this week.”
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton, 40, unfollowed everyone on Instagram, including all of his Ferrari team, in the days after his played-down radio spat with team strategists in Miami last time out.
On this, Norris added: “Lewis can do what he wants, good for him.”
The Brit’s first season since leaving Mercedes has been a big let down so far, as the Scuderia were meant to be challenging for the title after finishing second in the Constructors race last season.
Instead, Andrea Stella’s team linger a staggering 152 points behind leaders McLaren in the, while Hamilton sits 90 points adrift of Piastri and behind both Silver Arrow drivers in seventh.
From Jack Harris: As is typically the case when a team wins 19-2 like the Dodgers did against the Athletics on Thursday night, plenty of hitters in the team’s star-studded lineup aligned to have monster nights.
Shohei Ohtani homered twice in a six-RBI performance, tying the major league lead with 15 long balls this season. Max Muncy, Andy Pages and James Outman also went deep, helping the club set a season-high for runs. Hyeseong Kim reached base all five times. Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts also combined to get aboard five times before being removed after the third inning, the lead at that point already 11 runs.
All of those accomplishments, however, paled in personal significance to what the Dodgers’ starting catcher did.
Making his major league debut after being called up in a major roster move the day prior, top prospect Dalton Rushing walked in his first at-bat, singled in the next and went two-for-four while navigating a pre-determined bullpen game behind the plate — a strong showing for a 24-year-old slugger with so much potential, the Dodgers cut longtime backup catcher Austin Barnes to get him on the roster.
“He’s very comfortable, I think, in a good way,” manager Dave Roberts said of Rushing, a second-round draft pick in 2022 who has blossomed into one of the most highly touted prospects in baseball. “I think he thought he was ready [for the majors] when he signed.”
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PETE ROSE POLL
Should Pete Rose and Joe Jackson be in the Baseball Hall of Fame? Click here to vote in our survey. Results will be announced Monday.
LAKERS
From Dan Woike: In the shadows, I was asking around about the Lakers’ biggest story this offseason, at least according to the internet.
Are the Lakers going to trade Austin Reaves?
My friend and colleague Bill Plaschke argued in those hallowed Times’ pages that the Lakers must tradeAustin Reaves to fulfill their needs for a big man no matter how painful the decision would be. Bill Simmons predicted on his podcast that Reaves “will get traded” this summer.
So what was the buzz at the NBA combine about all this?
Everyone is aware of the noise from the media and on the message boards (shoutout Lakers reddit), no one is acting like a trade is going to happen this summer for a couple of reasons.
No. 1 Oklahoma City vs. No. 4 Denver Nuggets Denver 121, at Oklahoma City 119 (box score) at Oklahoma City 149, Denver 106 (box score) at Denver 113, Oklahoma City 104 (OT) (box score) Oklahoma City 92, at Denver 87 (box score) at Oklahoma City 112, Denver 105 (box score) at Denver 119, Oklahoma City 107 (box score) Sunday at Oklahoma City, 12:30 p.m., ABC
No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves vs. No. 7 Golden State Golden State 99, at Minnesota 88 (box score) at Minnesota 117, Golden State 93 (box score) Minnesota 102, at Golden State 97 (box score) Minnesota 117, at Golden State 110 (box score) at Minnesota 121, Golden State 110 (box score)
Eastern Conference
No. 1 Cleveland vs. No. 4 Indiana Indiana 121, at Cleveland 112 (box score) Indiana 120, at Cleveland 119 (box score) Cleveland 126, at Indiana 104 (box score) at Indiana 129, Cleveland 109 (box score) Indiana 114, at Cleveland 105 (box score)
No. 2 Boston vs. No. 3 New York New York 108, at Boston 105 (OT) (box score) New York 91, at Boston 90 (box score) Boston 115, at New York 93 (box score) at New York 121, Boston 113 (box score) at Boston 127, New York 102 (box score) Friday at New York, 5 p.m., ESPN Monday at Boston, 5 p.m., TNT*
*if necessary
CHARGERS
The Chargers will seek approval to sell an 8% stake in the franchise to private investment firm Arctos at next week’s NFL team owners meetings.
The approval request was sent in a memo to NFL team owners, according to a person with knowledge of the memo not authorized to speak publicly about it.
If approved, Chargers owner Dean Spanos and siblings Michael Spanos and Alexis Spanos Ruhl would still own approximately 61% of the franchise.
It is the second major change for the Chargers ownership group in the last year after Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores bought a 27% stake in the team in September. That transaction resolved a long-running dispute between Dea Spanos Berberian and her siblings as Gores and his wife bought Spanos Berberian’s share of the franchise.
From Ryan Kartje: USC may have taken a step back in Lincoln Riley’s second season, but the coach remained comfortably among the top rung of college football’s highest-paid coaches in 2023.
USC paid Riley more than $11.5 million in reportable compensation in 2023, according to the school’s latest federal tax returns, obtained by The Times. His $10.2 million in base compensation ranked No. 4 nationally in 2023.
Of the $11.5 million credited by the school to Riley, $100,000 is listed under bonus and incentive compensation and $1.15 million is categorized as other reportable compensation.
Perhaps that felt like a bargain to USC compared to the previous year, when it shelled out nearly $20 million in reportable compensation to land Riley, $4.5 million of which was used to pay his buyout at the University of Oklahoma.
From Thuc Nhi Nguyen: Super Bowl champion and Olympic gold medalist? Some NFL players could be at the center of the Venn diagram in 2028.
NFL team owners could vote next week at the league’s meetings on whether to allow NFL players to participate in Olympic flag football in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. A resolution, announced Thursday, included several possible guidelines as further negotiations continue between the NFL Players Assn., the league, national governing bodies and Olympic authorities.
The proposed resolution would permit players under an NFL contract to try out for a 2028 Olympic flag football team, but limit NFL player participation to no more than one from each NFL team for each national team. In addition, each NFL team’s designated international player can play for his home country.
From John Cherwa: Trainer Bob Baffert loves to come to the Preakness. He loves the fact that all the top horses are in the same barn, so he can kibitz with his fellow trainers, such as an extended conversation with Mark Casse about the best crabcakes in town. He loves the casual atmosphere, in contrast to the high stakes, high pressure feeling at Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby.
Or maybe it’s because he’s won the second leg of the Triple Crown eight times, more than any other trainer in history.
So, he was asked why he was bringing Goal Oriented, an undefeated two-time starter who has never run in a stakes race, to the Preakness.
The strongest field of the majors gave way to a few surprises Thursday in the PGA Championship, starting with Jhonattan Vegas charging into the lead with a seven-under 64 and the top 10 players in the world nowhere to be found among the top 10 at Quail Hollow.
A long day filled with sunshine and mud balls ended with Vegas in the penultimate group playing the best golf hardly anyone saw.
A briefly energized crowd had mostly left when Vegas blazed his way to the finish with five birdies on his last six holes, ending with an 18-footer on No. 8 and a 25-footer on the rugged ninth.
It was Vegas’ best score in 45 rounds playing the majors. The Venezuelan has never finished in the top 20 in a major and hadn’t qualified for this one in three years.
Holland praised Hiller and looked ahead to their new partnership Thursday during the Hall of Fame hockey executive’s introductory news conference at the Kings’ training complex. Holland is returning to the NHL after a one-year absence, taking over as the replacement for Rob Blake.
The 69-year-old former GM of the Detroit Red Wings and the Edmonton Oilers immediately made it clear he isn’t in Los Angeles to blow up a team that has made four straight playoff appearances, only to lose to the Oilers in the first round every spring. Holland won’t make an immediate change behind the Kings’ bench — or even in the front office, where he plans to retain the assistant GMs and hockey executives who worked for Blake.
Pacific 1 Vegas vs. Pacific 3 Edmonton Edmonton 4, at Vegas 2 (summary) Edmonton 5, at Vegas 4 (OT) (summary) Vegas 4, at Edmonton 3 (summary) at Edmonton 3, Vegas 0 (summary) Edmonton 1, at Vegas 0 (OT) (summary)
C1 Winnipeg vs. C2 Dallas Dallas 3, at Winnipeg 2 (summary) Winnipeg 4, at Dallas 0 (summary) Dallas 5, at Winnipeg 2 (summary) at Dallas 3, Winnipeg 1 (summary) at Winnipeg 4, Dallas 0 (summary) Saturday at Dallas, 5 p.m., ABC Monday at Winnipeg, TBD, ESPN*
Eastern Conference
Atlantic 1 Toronto vs. Atlantic 3 Florida at Toronto 5, Florida 4 (summary) at Toronto 4, Florida 3 (summary) at Florida 5, Toronto 4 (OT) (summary) at Florida 2, Toronto 0 (summary) Florida 6, at Toronto 1 (summary) Friday at Florida, 5 p.m., TNT Sunday at Toronto, 4:30 p.m., TNT*
Metro 1 Washington vs. Metro 2 Carolina Carolina 2, at Washington 1 (OT) (summary) at Washington 3, Carolina 1 (summary) at Carolina 4, Washington 0 (summary) at Carolina 5, Washington 2 (summary) Carolina 3, at Washington 1 (summary)
* If necessary
THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY
1884 — Isaac Murphy, a Black jockey and one of the greatest American riders, wins the Kentucky Derby aboard Buchanan. He will win the showcase race two more times.
1916 — Damrosch, ridden by Linus McAtee, takes the early lead, gives it up in the stretch, and comes back to beat Greenwood by 1½ lengths in the Preakness Stakes.
1925 — Flying Ebony, ridden by Earl Sande, becomes the fourth field horse to win the Kentucky Derby, a 1½-length victory over Captain Hal. The first network radio broadcast of the Kentucky Derby airs from WHAS in Louisville.
1930 — 6th Walker Cup: US, 10-2.
1955 — Rocky Marciano beats Don Cockell by TKO in the 9th round at Kezar Stadium, San Francisco to retain his world heavyweight boxing title.
1964 — Northern Dancer, ridden by Bill Hartack, wins the Preakness Stakes by 2½ lengths over The Scoundrel.
1973 — AC Milan of Italy win 13th European Cup Winner’s Cup against Leeds of England 1-0 in Saloniki.
1975 — Muhammad Ali TKOs Ron Lyle in 11 for heavyweight boxing title.
1976 — The Montreal Canadiens win their 19th Stanley Cup with a 5-3 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers, capping a four-game sweep.
1977 — Muhammad Ali beats Alfredo Evangelist in 15 for heavyweight boxing title.
1979 — FC Barcelona of Spain wins 19th European Cup Winner’s Cup against Fortuna Düsseldorf of West Germany 4-3 in Basel.
1980 — The Lakers beat the Philadelphia 76ers 123-107 to win the NBA title in six games. Rookie guard Magic Johnson takes the opening tip for the injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and comes up with 42 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists and is named the Finals MVP. The 42 points are the most scored by a rookie in an NBA Finals game.
1982 — Stanley Cup Final, Pacific Coliseum, Vancouver, BC: 3-peat for NY Islanders; sweep Vancouver Canucks in 4 games with a 3-1 Game 4 win.
1984 — Juventus of Italy win 24th European Cup Winner’s Cup against Porto of Portugal 2-1 in Basel.
1985 — Michael Jordan named NBA Rookie of Year.
1992 — America’s Cup: America Team USA defeats II Moro di Venezia 4-1 in San Diego.
2009 — Rachel Alexandria, ridden by Calvin Borel wins the 134th Preakness in 1:55:08.
2014 — Paris Saint-Germain F.C. & Manchester City F.C. are each fined €60 million for breaching Fair Play Regulations.
2019 — Brooks Koepka fires tournament record equalling, and course record 63 (-7) to lead the PGA Championship by 1 stroke after the 1st round at Bethpage Black, N.Y.
THIS DAY IN BASEBALL HISTORY
1933 — Cecil Travis of the Washington Senators made his major league debut with five hits in a 12-inning, 11-10 win over the Chicago White Sox.
1939 — The Cleveland Indians beat the Philadelphia Athletics 8-3 in 10 innings in the first American League night game, held at Philadelphia’s Shibe Park.
1953 — The White Sox loaded the bases against the Yankees in the ninth inning, but Vern Stephens, who had 10 grand slams in his career, was lifted for a pinch-hitter. Pitcher Tommy Byrne, the substitute batter, then hit a homer off Ewell Blackwell for a 5-3 win.
1965 — Jim Palmer, 19, won his first major league game and hit his first homer, off Jim Bouton. The Baltimore Orioles beat the New York Yankees 7-5.
1972 — Rick Monday hit three consecutive homers to lead the Chicago Cubs to an 8-1 win at Philadelphia. Greg Luzinski’s 500-foot home run hit the Liberty Bell monument at Veterans Stadium for the Phillies’ only run.
1978 — The White Sox trade OF Bobby Bonds to the Rangers for OF Claudell Washington and OF Rusty Torres.
1981 — Craig Reynolds of Houston hit three triples to lead the Astros to a 6-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs.
1996 — Sammy Sosa becomes the first Cub ever to hit two homers in one inning, hitting them in the eight-run 7th inning at Wrigley Field.
1997 — The Montreal Expos overcame an early nine-run deficit and rallied past the San Francisco Giants 14-13 on David Segui’s RBI single in the ninth inning. The Giants took an 11-2 lead after three innings. Montreal came back with four runs in the fourth, three in the fifth and three more in the sixth for a 12-11 lead. Glenallen Hill’s RBI single capped a two-run seventh that put the Giants ahead 13-12.
2000 — The Dodgers went into the Wrigley Field crowd after a fan ran off with Chad Kreuter’s cap in the ninth inning of a 6-5 victory. The game was delayed for nine minutes while some Dodgers and fans fought.
2001 — Rickey Henderson leads off with a home run, extending his major-league record for leadoff home runs to 79. This is the same as the combined total for the #2 and #3 players on the list: Brady Anderson (44), and Bobby Bonds (35).
2006 — The New York Yankees, down 9-0 in the second inning, matched the biggest comeback in Yankees history when Jorge Posada hit a game-winning, two-run homer with two out in the ninth for a 14-13 victory over the Texas Rangers.
2008 — Jayson Werth of Philadelphia hit three home runs and tied the team record with eight RBIs in a 10-3 win over Toronto.
2009 — Gabe Gross and Akinori Iwamura pulled off a double steal in the fifth inning of a 4-2 win over Cleveland, giving Tampa Bay at least one stolen base in 18 straight games. It was the longest stretch in the AL since the New York Yankees had a 19-game run in 1914.
2012 — Is there anything the old man cannot do? 49-year-old Jamie Moyer picks up his second win of the year for Colorado by throwing 6 1/3 innings, during which he allows a single run, and helps his own cause with a two-run single in the 4th.
2015 — Miguel Cabrera hits the 400th home run of his career.
2020 — The owners release figures showing that on average, teams will lose $640,000 per game played without fans. This is done in the hope of convincing players to accept a form of revenue sharing in conjunction with their plan to play a truncated season starting around July 4th, with no spectators present – at least at the outset – due to the coronavirus pandemic. They also provide the Players Association with a detailed protocol on how such games would be played in order to minimize contact between persons present at the ballpark and maintain social distancing. All of these proposals still require the players’ approval before they can be implemented.
Compiled by the Associated Press
Until next time…
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FAN-favourite Survivor star Jane Bright – who won $100,000 in the reality TV show – has passed away aged 71.
Her daughter Ashley Hammett announced the tragic news of her mum’s passing on Thursday, saying that she was found dead in her home.
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An iconic Survivor star has diedCredit: Getty
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Jane Bright, who appeared on Survivor: Nicaragua, has died aged 71
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She placed 6th out of 20 on the show but was given the fan-favourite awardCredit: Getty
She died nearly 15 years since appearing on the CBS competition series.
Bright was born in North Carolina, and worked as a dog trainer before appearing on Survivor in 2010.
After being crowned as fan-favourite on the show, she earned $100,000, but missed out on the $1million first place prize.
The beloved TV star placed 6th out of 20 contestants on season 21 the reality game show, and started the season in the Espada tribe.
She was known for her straight-talking personality and underdog story.
Her daughter announced her death on Facebook, saying: “Today Jane Hammett Bright was found passed away within her home by a good friend and county sheriff.”
Grieving fans poured out on social media, with many remembering her iconic moments on Survivor.
One fan said: “RIP. She was iconic, she had some of the most entertaining moments on that (slightly underrated) season.”
Another said: “Rest in peace Jane. one of if not the best part about Nicaragua.”
The user added: “She was a legend and of my favourite that season. I really wish I could have met her. RIP Jane.”
Her cause of death is currently unclear.
More to follow… For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos.
Adam Sandler has no crocodile tears for “Happy Gilmore” co-star Morris the alligator — he has fond jokes instead.
The “Punch-Drunk Love” actor and comedian on Wednesday shared a playful tribute honoring his reptilian co-star who died Sunday of old age at a gator farm in southern Colorado. In the tribute, shared to Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), Sandler remembered the alligator’s time on the set of his quirky 1996 golf comedy.
“We are all gonna miss you. You could be hard on directors, make-up artists, costumers — really anyone with arms or legs,” Sandler captioned a movie still featuring himself and Morris, “but I know you did it for the ultimate good of the film.”
Jay Young, the owner and operator of Colorado Gator Farm, announced Morris’s death in an emotional video shared to Facebook. “He started acting strange about a week ago. He wasn’t lunging at us and wasn’t taking food,” Young said, stroking the reptile’s head.
“I know it’s strange to people that we get so attached to an alligator, to all of our animals,” Young added. “He had a happy time here, and he died of old age.”
In “Happy Gilmore,” Sandler’s unlikely golf star confronts the feisty gator played by Morris after a golf ball lands in his toothy jaws. After an unsuccessful attempt, Happy dives into the golf course pond where he pummels the reptile and retrieves the ball.
Morris was best known for “Happy Gilmore,” but also appeared in numerous screen projects including “Interview with the Vampire,” “Dr. Dolittle 2” and “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” before he retired in 2006. He was found as an illegal pet in the backyard of a Los Angeles home and sent to the Colorado Gator Farm.
In his tribute, Sandler said he learned a “powerful lesson” from Morris on the set of their film after he refused to “come out of your trailer” without the bait of 40 heads of lettuce: “Never compromise your art.” The “Wedding Singer” and “50 First Dates” star also reminisced on totally real encounters with the gator including sharing a candy bar.
“You let me have the bigger half,” he joked. “But that’s who you were.”
According to Sandler, Morris was a Hollywood veteran with classy habits. The “Uncut Gems” star joked that the alligator, despite his character’s death in the first film, sent the “Happy Gilmore” team a “fruit basket and [a] hilarious note” ahead of the long-anticipated sequel, which premieres in July.
“I will miss the sound of your tail sliding through the tall grass, your cold, bumpy skin, but, most of all, I will miss your infectious laugh,” Sandler concluded his eulogy. “Thanks to Mr. Young for taking care of you all these years, and vaya con dios, old friend.”
Colorado Gator Farm announced on Monday that it decided to preserve Morris’ body via taxidermy “so that he can continue to scare children for years to come.”
“It’s what he would have wanted,” the farm said on Facebook.
His other notable roles include Wadsworth the butler in the cult classic Clue and Pennywise the Dancing Clown in the 1990 adaptation of Stephen King’s It.
The stroke had a severe impact on Tim’s mobility, leaving him reliant on a wheelchair and carers for support with everyday tasks.
Since 2012, Tim has undergone extensive physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain as much movement and speech as possible.
He has kept a low profile in recent years, rarely seen in public and not active in major acting projects.
However, Tim has made some notable appearances and engaged with fans through interviews and virtual events.
Neighbours legend set for huge UK comeback as he reprises iconic role for the first time in 25 years
In 2015, almost three years after his stroke, he made a rare public appearance at the Actors Fund Tony Awards Viewing Party in Los Angeles.
There, he received a lifetime achievement award and spoke openly about his recovery, highlighting how maintaining his sense of humor was vital to coping with his health challenges.
More recently, since 2023, Tim has participated in virtual video chats with fans through conventions like GalaxyCon.
He has also shared occasional video messages on social media, providing insight into his life post-stroke and answering fan questions about his recovery and career.
In addition to these appearances, Tim marked a notable return to acting in 2024 with a role in the horrorfilm Stream – his first feature film role in 14 years.
The film was released in select theaters in August 2024.
He has also remained active in voice acting, lending his talents to animated series and projects, further demonstrating his enduring passion for performance.
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Tim is a celebrated actor, known for his roles in cult filmsCredit: Getty
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His 2012 stroke left him partially paralysed on one side of his bodyCredit: Getty
The Honesty Box star Rose Skehan has revealed that she was admitted to a medical clinic while travelling in Thailand after filming the show, with the star fainting at a restaurant
16:17, 15 May 2025Updated 16:17, 15 May 2025
The Honesty Box runners up Rose Skehan and Tommy Biswell went off on their travels to Thailand after filming the E4 show – and have revealed that one particular day proved to be dramatic when Tommy was forced to carry Rose to a nearby clinic. The couple, who met on the dating show hosted by Vicky Pattison, have stayed together since the show’s finale and moved in together as they travel from place to place in the UK.
However, Rose revealed in a chat with The Mirror that she suddenly became ill one night during their trip to Thailand. “There was one time where I got really sick when we went to Thailand and I fainted at dinner,” she says.
“Tommy was carrying me like a baby through the streets of Thailand to this clinic and I was on an IV drip. We had the most random time ever.”
Tommy and Rose travelled around Thailand together after The Honesty Box
Tommy adds, “One minute she was singing having a fab time, next she was in a clinic on a drip. It was really quite mad that but Thailand was amazing time. We saw elephants, we rode horses, we saw monks.”
Rose continues, “We were walking up waterfalls, we really like broaden our horizons as well.”
The trip also made the couple even closer after Rose suffered a devastating loss back at home. “It brought us so much closer together because while were out there as well, my horse of 11 years, he passed away and Tommy really stepped up in caring for me and supporting me so we’ve got such a strong base coming back to England.”
Since leaving the show, Rose and Tommy have moved in together – revealing that they have been travelling the UK as a couple ever since. “We’re actually all over, so we jump round from cabin to cabin,” Tommy says. “We’re exploring the whole country. We’re finding nice little places that we’ve not been to in the UK.”
Rose adds, “It’s great because we both love historic houses and animals – we’re in our element going all over the countryside.”
