Red is this season's hottest hue - from ox blood to pillar box, it's the shade to be seen in.
Celebrities such as supermodel Miranda Kerr, Hollywood actress Marion Cotillard and Naomi Watts all took to the red carpet at the Golden Globes in fiery gowns, ensuring all eyes were on them.
The trick to wearing red is to find the right tone to suit your complexion.
Bright
shades such as fire engine red look great on pale skins or dark
complexions. Steer clear if you have a fake tan or you could end up
looking like a lobster.
When choosing what to wear with this striking colour go for the classic red and black combination which is chic and stylish.
If
a crimson outfit is too bold for you, add red accessories for an
injection of colour such as a pair of ruby slippers or a knitted scarf,
or you could pucker up with scarlet lippy. Brighten up your winter wardrobe with an injection of red – an easy shade everyone can wear
Former footballer Razor Ruddock's odds of winning Celebrity Big Brother 2013 were slashed today after one punter placed £1,000 on him emerging victorious.
The bet is the biggest ever to be placed on Big Brother, according to bookmakers Ladbrokes.
Following the big money bet - which was placed at odds of 5/1 - Razor's chances of winning the show cut to 9/2.
That makes him the second favourite housemate to win, behind X Factor star Rylan Clark who is currently favourite to take the crown at 1/2.
Whilst
Razor's EPIC snoring has driven his fellow CBB contestants mad (and
caused a fair few sleepless nights), he's proven a hit with the public
thanks to his plain speak, big belly laughs and his penchant for
rearranging his, ahem, intimate areas. Only Rylan has better odds of winning
CHANNEL 5
The former footballer wasn't even supposed to go into the house, having only been drafted in as an 11th hour replacement for comedian Jim Davidson following the comedian's arrest .
The soccer star is best known for his five years with Liverpool from 1993.
The
dad-of-three, 44, also played for Southampton, Spurs and West Ham
before quitting football in 2003 and appearing on I’m a Celebrity...Get
Me Out of Here the following year. Since then he's acted in Fat Friends
and last year took part in Celebrity Total Wipeout, finishing in last
place.
Former footballer is second favourite to win behind Rylan Clark
Messy ending: The train derailed and hit a building in Sweden
Reuters
THREE families had a lucky escape when this train smashed into their flats after being stolen by a cleaner.
The 22-year-old woman, who was badly hurt in the crash, took it from the depot where she was working.
She
drove the empty train for a mile before it careered off the tracks for
30 yards and hit the building in Sweden. No one inside was hurt. Lucky escape: Three families were fortunate to escape unharmed
Reuters
Bosses could not explain why the cleaner in Stockholm stole the four-carriage train.
Tomas
Hedenius of Arriva, which also runs services in the UK, said: “We have
only heard good things about her. We’re investigating how this could
happen.”
He did not know how she got hold of the keys but said
driving a train was straightforward. He said: “You can read about it on
the internet,”
The thief, who was badly hurt in the crash, took it from the depot where she was working
The iPad 5 may go widescreen like the latest iPhone
Getty
The rumour mill is spinning once again, and this time about the upcoming release of Apple’s iPad 5 and iPad mini 2.
It has been reported the products will be released in March – just five months after the last iPad updates were announced. This suggests that Apple have abandoned annual releases in order to update their products twice a year.
The
iPad 5 is reported to be thinner and lighter, potentially reducing the
width down to just 7.2mm. It’s possible that this will be achieved by
changing the LED backlighting system, going from two light bars to one
in an attempt to shed weight and those all-important millimetres.
Others
have said Apple will use an IGZO (Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide) screen,
which, as well as being much thinner than current screens, uses 90 per
cent less power, which will save battery life and improve touch
responsiveness.
There are conflicts, however, about the size of
the iPad 5. Some are saying it will be the same as before, just
slimmer. Others are suggesting Apple will create a “widescreen”
version, like they did with the iPhone 5.
What
everyone agrees on is that the new iPad will have a new A6X processor,
and will have Apple’s Lightening chip - the same one used in the iPhone 5. It is possible the maximum storage will be increased from 64GB to a whopping 128GB.
Based
on Apple's consistent pricing models, experts are guessing iPad 5
prices will start at £399, and £499 for 3G capable versions.
But what about the iPad mini 2?
The potential updates have been described as a “refresh” of the
original iPad mini, with the same design but including a faster
processor and chip, as well as an improved camera.
Experts are
disagreeing over any change to the iPad mini 2’s resolution – will it
change or not? There has been nothing to imply there will be any
improvement to the resolution of the new iPad mini, but market
observers have said a new high resolution display is likely to be the
next step. A retina display for the iPad mini would boast a resolution
of 2058 x 1536, with a pixel density of 326ppi.
The rumours about
the new iPads are mostly coming from Brian White, an analyst from
Topeka Capital Markets. He wrote in a note to investors about
information he had heard from “checks” and industry sources at the
Consumer Economics Show in Las Vagas last week.
Jeffries analyst
Peter Misek said the iPad mini could become available in as many as six
different colours. There are also rumours the iPhone 6, due to be
released in the summer, will also be available in a range of colours
and screen sizes.
The iPad 5 and iPad mini 2 are rumoured to be released in March, with a host of faster, sleeker and smoother specs
The helicopter spun out of control and crash-landed near Vauxhall
station after the pilot attempted to divert the aircraft to a helipad
due to bad weather
Mr
Barnes, who has piloted helicopters in action scenes in movies Die
Another Day, Tomb Raider II and Saving Private Ryan, worked for flight
operator RotorMotion.
The
AgustaWestland 109 Power clipped a crane on top of one of Europe's
tallest residential towers, falling from the sky before exploding into
flames and crashing into the streets below.
Captain
Philip Amadeus, managing director of RotorMotion, an executive
helicopter charter business, said the aircraft was on a commercial
flight from Redhill, in Surrey, to Elstree.
He said:
"Our main priority now is for the family of the pilot and we extend our
greatest sympathy to the friends and relatives of those who have died
and been injured."
Tributes flooded across Twitter from many who had flown with Mr Barnes.
@MikeSmithFTV
wrote: "Pete Barnes. Air ambulance, filming, immense pilot. Enjoyed our
teas & chats. Rest not in peace, but fly with your new wings."
@analiensaturn tweeted: "I can name the pilot now Pete Barnes, a captain well liked and very proffesional."
@stevegals
said: "#RIP Cpt Pete Barnes. Top guy, always a pleasure to see and fly
with you. Thoughts are with family and friends. #helicopter."
@MartinHoyle0121 added: "Pete Barnes RIP … One of life's Adventurers Gone Sad Day for His Family."
Mr
Barnes had thousands of hours of flying experience and had amassed
around 9,000 hours of flying time, including 3,500 hours on the type of
craft he was piloting today.
In a wide-ranging UK career spanning
18 years, he had done everything from fly air ambulances to working as
a pilot on adverts, TV programmes and films including the James Bond
film Die Another Day, Saving Private Ryan and Tomb Raider II.
In 2004 he helped rescue a motorist from a flooded ford in County Durham, while working for the Great North Air Ambulance.
He also flew the Newcastle Traffic & Travel helicopter as the Voice of Metro FM and worked as a helicopter instructor.
Mr
Barnes originally worked as a ski instructor and guide in Europe after
completing his business studies degree, before going into advertising.
But
he later moved to the US to train as a helicopter pilot, earning a US
Commercial and Instructors Licence flying helicopters around Florida
and the East Coast.
He moved back to the UK and at the time of
his death was working as a freelance pilot for RotorMotion, a company
which counts among its clients the Prince of Wales, Prime Minister
David Cameron, former PM Tony Blair and the Dalai Lama.
On its
website RotorMotion describes Mr Barnes, who had worked for them since
1997, as one of the country's most experienced Agusta pilots and
instructor, with clients often requesting him for "both his piloting
skills and his relaxed, charming manner".
Addressing a press conference near the scene of the incident, Commander Neil Basu, of the Metropolitan Police, said: "It was something of a miracle that this was not many, many times worse."
It
is understood the eight-seater aircraft was owned by Cornwall-based
Castle Air but was leased to RotorMotion, which is based at Redhill
Aerodrome.
Staff at Redhill Aerodrome confirmed it
left the site at 7.35am amid low cloud cover and poor visibility, while
the owner of London Heliport said he requested to land at one of its
sites via Heathrow air traffic control.
Video footage and photos flooded on to
social media sites revealing chaotic scenes, with roads blocked off,
burning wreckage and buildings damaged by flames.
Witness Nic Walker said the helicopter crashed on to the street outside his house, setting a car on fire.
He
said: "I was awake in bed and heard a helicopter. I was aware of some
funny sounds and then a loud engine noise, then a huge bang. I flung
open my window and looked out to see fire across the street.
"The
crane operator was about to go up. The scaffolders evacuated to here
told me there isn't a crane big enough in the UK to get the wreckage
down."
London Fire Brigade station manager Bruce
Grain, one of first firefighters at the scene, said it "was absolute
chaos" but he revealed the fire was put out within 20 minutes.
Six
fire engines, four fire rescue units, a number of other specialist
vehicles and 88 firefighters attended the scene of the crash, a few
hundred yards from MI6 and the future American embassy site.
Four fire engines and two fire rescue units also attended reports of a crane in a precarious position.
The brigade was called at 8am and 57 firefighters and officers were involved.
A photograph taken by the London Fire Brigade shows the damage caused to a VW car which was hit by debris from the helicopter.
The front and side windows were smashed, the passenger door was open and the vehicle was badly charred.
A section of twisted metal from the helicopter lay next to the vehicle.
Peter
Cowup, assistant commissioner at London Fire Brigade, said: "One driver
was able to get out of his own free will and leave the scene. He was
injured but we understand he's fine.
"Our operation
is now focused on the tower crane. We're doing what we can to make that
safe and working with specialist contractors to assess the damage
sustained to the crane.
"In the meantime, we will have to maintain a cordon around it and ask people to stay away from the area."
He added: "Some people were evacuated. We will allow them back into their homes as soon as we can."
Asked about the stability of the crane, Mr Cowup said: "At the moment there's no imminent risk of that crane collapsing."
London Ambulance Service confirmed 12 people were injured in the incident.
Pauline
Cranmer, operations manager at London Ambulance Service, said: "The
second fatality was not in the building. It was in close proximity to
the helicopter.
"There were a number of injuries
that would potentially be consistent with being hit by debris. Our
primary concern is about treating the injuries."
The
police force is working with other agencies including the Air Accidents
Investigation Branch (AAIB) and the Civilian Aviation Authority (CAA).
Scot Young embraced his model girlfriend on arrival at the court hearing but it turned out to be a farewell kiss
Jailed: Scot Young
PA
A property tycoon was jailed for six months today for refusing to
give his estranged wife details of his alleged £400million fortune.
Scot Young, 51, was found guilty of “flagrant” contempt of court.
His
ex Michelle, 48, said he has “secreted enormous assets” – while Young
claimed that he is bankrupt and cannot meet her £27,500-a-month
maintenance bill.
Young’s arrears are now “close to £1million” after paying nothing since 2009, the High Court was told.
He
embraced his model girlfriend Noelle Reno, 29, on arrival for today’s
London hearing. But it turned out to be a farewell kiss.
Young
said he was “shocked” as he was led away in handcuffs – and carrying a
Louis Vuitton overnight bag – to start his sentence.
He added: “It’s a sad day for British justice.”
Mrs
Young hit back: “What other choice did I have with someone who is in
contempt of court – who is trying to leave me and our two daughters
destitute?”
Her lawyer Edward Fitzgerald, QC, told the judge
Young had given the High Court the “runaround” after being ordered to
detail his wealth.
He said the tycoon was worth £400million in 2006 but had given “absolutely no explanation” of where the money had gone.
Mr Fitzgerald added that Young pleaded poverty, yet seemed to be living a lifestyle “consistent with considerable wealth”.
“He is going from party to party, champagne glass in hand and his current girlfriend, some supermodel, on his arm,” he said.
Young,
who represented himself, said Mrs Young was trying to commit him to
jail out of “malice” and asked for another 28 days to comply with the
orders – claiming he did “everything in my power” to answer her
financial queries.
But Mr Justice Moor branded his non-compliance excuses “absurd” and “next to useless”.
He
said: “The husband claims he is penniless. The wife contends he is
worth up to £400million but hid all his resources to avoid his
obligations to her and their children.
"I find there has been a flagrant and deliberate contempt over a very long period.”
The
pair, who both live in London after separating in 2006, will conclude
their long legal battle over the money at a trial due later this year.
Mrs
Young said: “We were together 18 years and wed for 12. Why should I
walk away? This money was made during our time together.”
Family case lawyer Kirstie Law said: “This sends a message that there is a duty to provide disclosure.”
Sir Bernard Ingham, formerly the chief press officer to Margaret
Thatcher, has reportedly refused to apologise for having blamed
innocent Liverpool FC fans for the 1989 Hillsborough disaster.
According
to a report in the Liverpool Echo, Ingham responded to questions
regarding his previously stated views on the disaster by saying: “What
have I to apologise for?”
The Echo reports that Ingham, now 80,
had written a letter to Liverpool fan Graham Skinner (whose friend Eric
Hughes died in the disaster) in 1996, which was this week passed to the
Hillsborough Family Support Group.
In it Ingham reportedly wrote:
“I have, however, one suggestion to make: for its own good, Liverpool –
with the Heysel disaster in the background – should shut up about
Hillsborough.
“Nothing can now bring back those who died –
innocent people who, by virtue of being in the ground early, had their
lives crushed out of them by a mob surging in late.”
The Echo
reports that it had contacted Ingham at his home in Surrey with regard
to the views expressed in the letter, in the light of the
findings of the Hillsborough Inquiry which completely rejected the lie
that Liverpool fans were in any way responsible for the disaster.
Ingham, who admitted he had not read the Hillsborough Report, reportedly refused to apologise for the discredited opinion about "a mob surging in late".
Referring
to the content of the 1996 letter, he said: “That seems reasonable to
me, I most certainly do [think that] if there is any respect for the 96
who died. I think people should be concerned about those who died.”
In
2012, before the Hillsborough Report was published, Ingham had
reportedly claimed that the day after the disaster Thatcher was briefed
by senior police officers that "a tanked-up mob" were responsible for
the deaths of the 96. In black and white: The Hillsborough Report exposed the lie
that Liverpool fans were responsible - but Sir Bernard Ingham (centre,
head bowed, with then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher at the ground)
hasn't read it
In 1996 letter the former chief press secretary to Margaret Thatcher
advised Liverpool to "shut up about Hillsborough" disaster in which 96
innocent people died
Queen of hearts: Elizabeth II laughs as she is given flowers
Getty
The Queen became the owner of a baby llama, adopted an elephant and
was given 78 portraits of herself in 2012, Buckingham Palace revealed
today.
A long list of gifts given to the monarch in her Diamond
Jubilee year was unveiled, including a knitted tea cosy of her and her
corgis, 19 tea towels and nine jigsaws from members of the public.
As
well as a host of lavish presents given to the Queen from visiting
dignitaries and heads of state there were also plenty of more unusual
gifts including a pair of planters for her Balmoral gardens, a
microsculpture of the Coronation Crown on a pin head, salt from the
Salt Island owners in the British Virgin Islands, a black pear tree and
a lego sculpture of Tower Bridge.
She also received two sets of a
Bronze, Silver and Gold Olympic medals from London 2012 - one each for
the Olympics and Paralympics.
And even her precious corgis were
treated to a specially designed Jubilee-themed dog bed in the shape of
a crown from company Tuffies Dog Beds.
Buckingham Palace also
published lists of presents given to Prince Philip, Prince Andrew,
Princess Anne and Prince Edward and wife Sophie. Presents: The Queen is showered with gifts during a visit to Enniskillen
Reuters
Philip's gifts
included a salad bowl with servers in burr maple from the Worshipful
Company of Turners, a large wooden sculpture of a head from The Ivory
Coast President and a pair of Swarovski binoculars as a birthday gift
from Swarovski.
And despite his unflattering comments about
Aborigines in the past, he was also given a framed Aborigial artwork
from organisation Surf Life Saving Australia.
Prince Edward and
wife Sophie received gifts as wide-ranging as Hungarian sausages, a
safety torch, a basket of herb spices and a CD on Good Manners and box
of Wild Arctic Char.
Princess Anne's gifts included a book called
Disease - The Extraordinary stories behind history's deadliest killers
and a tartan dog coat.
Prince Andrew received a host of presents
including a box of mangoes from the President of Pakistan, a silver
plaque from the Libyan Prime Minister, a Sword and caviar from the
President of Azerbaijan and a box of dates from the Ambassador for
Tunisia.
Gifts given to Charles and Camilla, William, Kate and
Harry are expected to be revealed later this week by Clarence House and
St James's Palace.
A long list of gifts given to the monarch in her Diamond Jubilee year
was unveiled, which also included a knitted tea cosy of her and her
corgis
The winter vomiting bug has hit over million already this winter - what can we do to stop it in its tracks?
Getty
It’s shut down schools, closed oil rigs and forced cruise ships back to dock early, but what exactly is the norovirus?
This
winter’s norovirus stats hit at an all-time high – up by 72% on last
year – with as many as 590 hospital outbreaks reported so far, 29 of
them taking place over Christmas.
“The number of laboratory
confirmed cases has risen once again,” says Health Protection Agency
spokesman and norovirus expert, John Harris.
“It appears that we
have seen the rise in cases that usually begins in January starting a
little earlier than we normally expect.”
So far this season,
3,877 cases of the virus have been confirmed, a significant rise on
last winter’s 2,255, although experts suggest there could be as many as
1.12 million cases going unreported.
“Cases of norovirus have
risen earlier than expected this winter and this is a trend that has
been seen across Europe and other parts of the world,” says John.
“It has not yet been determined why this has been the case. Activity varies significantly from year to year.”
Some
scientists attribute the winter upsurge to cold weather snaps – such as
the one we had mid-December, driving everyone indoors, where germs
spread easier.
But it is also thought that a new strain called
Sydney 2012, to which few are resistant, could be the reason for the
sharp rise in cases this winter. So what is it?
The
winter norovirus is a particularly contagious bug that affects nearly
one million Brits each year, and causes up to two days of diarrhoea and
projectile vomiting as well as fluey symptoms.
This particular
strain of stomach bug – or gastroenteritis – can be caught at any time
of year but it often flares up in the winter, as cold weather forces us
indoors, creating damp conditions that are ideal for helping it to
spread easily.
“Norovirus is known as the winter vomiting bug
because the virus causes increased cases during the winter period,”
says David Lawrence of the Health Protection Agency.
“In fact, it
has been estimated that it accounts for around 90% of non-bacterial gut
infections worldwide. The distinctive symptom of norovirus is a sudden
onset of nausea.” What causes it?
The
virus can be transmitted by contact with contaminated surfaces or
objects, contact with an infected person, or by the consumption of
contaminated food or water.
The bacteria can live on surfaces for
up to five days and is impossible to spot. Places such as train
carriages, buses or offices are hotbeds for them – so much so, that
experts encourage anyone who thinks they might be carrying the bug to
stay away from built-up areas. Can it be avoided?
While
most of us won’t be able to go into quarantine for the rest of winter,
maintaining high standards of hygiene is vital to avoiding the bug.
“Norovirus is very contagious, and anyone who has had it knows it is very unpleasant,” says John Harris.
“If you think you may have the illness then it is important to maintain good hand hygiene to help prevent it spreading.
“We
also advise that people stay away from hospitals, schools and care
homes as these environments are particularly prone to outbreaks.”
Just
a single particle from a cough or sneeze can contain enough bacteria to
pass on the virus, but using hand sanitiser wipes or gel will kill the
germs before they spread.
Maintaining a strong immune system by
getting the recommended daily allowance of five portions of fruit and
veg and cutting back on alcohol and cigarettes will also help to stave
off infection.
For those affected by the virus, the NHS
recommends remaining in quarantine for up to 48 hours after symptoms
have passed to prevent further contamination. Disinfect toilets,
bathroom surfaces and door handles. And don’t share towels.
Children who have had the bug should avoid communal swimming pools for up to two weeks after any bouts of diarrhoea. Can it be treated?
“There isn’t any particular treatment for norovirus,” says Paul Zollinger-Read, BUPA’s chief medical officer.
“But if you are infected it’s important to drink lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.
"Stay at home and take paracetamol if you are aching or have a high temperature.
"Wash your hands regularly, too, to prevent it spreading. If you are hungry you should eat food that can easily be digested.
“Immunity to the virus only lasts a short time,” adds Paul.
“Therefore,
having had the virus in the past doesn’t mean you won’t get it again
and, as it’s a virus, antibiotics will not help.” Don’t panic!
Although
symptoms can be extreme, the NHS advises there’s no need to contact
your doctor unless the illness lasts longer than 48 hours.
Those
already suffering other ailments or ones who have more serious health
issues should contact their GP, while young children and the elderly
should be monitored.
“While generally there are no long-term
complications, the illness may take a little longer to clear up in some
people,” says David Lawrence.
“If you are still unwell after
three or four days, symptoms are particularly severe, or you have blood
in your stools it is advisable you call your GP.” Stay hydrated
It’s important sufferers increase their water intake to replace fluid lost through vomiting and diarrhoea.
Rehydration sachets, available from most chemists, help rebalance the bodies’ salt and sugar levels. Will we find a cure?
Scientists have developed a ‘vomiting robot’ to help detect how far microscopic particles of sick can carry the virus.
According
to Prof Ian Goodfellow, who has spent 10 years trying to cure
norovirus, the speed at which it can spread makes the bug ‘the Ferrari
of the virus world’.
As a mum-to-be, it was a scary time
Researcher Jane Hamilton, 33, from Manchester, is 13 weeks pregnant.
It
was just after Christmas when I came down with the virus. My husband
Nick and I had been at a family reunion and everyone started feeling
unwell.
Within 24 hours of the get-together, his parents and
sister called us to say that they were all suffering nausea and
vomiting – classic symptoms of norovirus.
We weren’t sure where it came from but just hours later my husband began suffering, too.
We
tried to put me in quarantine because of my pregnancy to ensure that I
didn’t catch the virus. So we started to prepare food separately and
kept wiping surfaces with antibacterial wipes.But within 48 hours I
started to feel ill, too.
Once the symptoms started I couldn’t keep any food down. My body was violently trying to get rid of the virus.
I was completely dehydrated and worried about the baby not getting any nutrition.
We
went on to the NHS website, which told us that mums-to-be with symptoms
of the bug should call a professional. It said prolonged dehydration
can harm the baby, although the bug itself can’t.
I was hesitant
about going into a doctor’s surgery because the illness is highly
contagious, but my GP encouraged me to go to A&E for blood tests to
make sure everything was OK.
I was reassured that if I became dehydrated doctors would keep me in hospital overnight and put me on a drip.
As
with any pregnancy, I wanted to make sure my baby was healthy. There
was a definite fear of, ‘If I can’t keep the food down, how’s the baby
getting any nutrition?’ But I was told that the main thing was to keep
drinking water every time I threw up, even if I didn’t feel like it.
My symptoms went away after 48 hours and the baby and I are both fine.
I’m just glad the advice was there when we needed it.
Pep Guardiola has put an end to the speculation surrounding his future by agreeing to take over as coach of Bayern Munich.
The former Barcelona boss had been linked with a move to Premier League clubs including Chelsea and Manchester City.
However the Catalan has now confirmed he will move to the Bundesliga once his year-long sabbatical ends in the summer.
Current
Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes will stay on in his post until the end of
this season before Guardiola takes over on a deal that runs until June
2016.
Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: "Pep
Guardiola is one of the most successful coaches in the world and we are
sure that he can make not just Bayern, but all of German football
shine."
Guardiola will take over at the German giants on July 1 with Heynckes' contract running out on June 30.
"We
are very pleased that we have managed to convince the football expert
Pep Guardiola, who was coveted and contacted by many top clubs, to come
to Bayern Munich," Rummenigge added.
Bayern revealed Guardiola's
move had been in the pipeline since at least before Christmas, when
67-year-old Heynckes informed the club he would not be seeking an
extension to his existing contract and would instead retire. The long goodbye: Jupp Heynckes will retire once his Munich contract expires
Getty
Rummenigge backed
Heynckes to continue to excel in his final months as coach, having
guided Bayern to a nine-point lead in the standings ahead of the
Bundesliga's resumption following the winter break this weekend.
"As
a club and as Jupp Heynckes' friends we have to show understanding for
this decision. We have to accept it and we have to respect it,"
Rummenigge added.
"During personal talks with Jupp Heynckes we
assured each other that we will do anything we can, and now even more,
to have a successful second half of the season 2012-13 where we want to
get the title to Munich."
Bayern Munich chairman Uli Hoeness
added: "Following the decision of Jupp Heynckes, whose work we are
extremely grateful for, we would be very happy if the team would give
this great coach a glorious farewell.
"Only someone of the calibre of coach Pep Guardiola was an adequate replacement for Jupp Heynckes."
Pep talk: Guardiola's life so far
Champions! Pep Guardiola celebrates as his Barcelona side are crowned kings of Europe
Getty
1971: Born Josep Guardiola on January 18 in Manresa, Barcelona. Nicknamed 'Pep'.
1990: December - Makes Barcelona debut against Cadiz. Coach Johan Cruyff converts him from right wing to centre midfield.
1992: May - Helps Barca retain league title and win European Cup, beating Sampdoria 1-0 at Wembley.
August - Scores in Olympic final in Barcelona against Ghana as Spain take gold medal.
October - Makes full international debut in Belfast against Northern Ireland.
1994: The Cruyff 'Dream Team' make it four league wins in a row, with Guardiola as captain on last day of the season.
1996: Spain coach Javier Clemente leaves Guardiola out of Euro 96 squad.
1998:
Barcelona beat Borussia Dortmund 3-1 on aggregate to take last European
Super Cup played over two legs. Van Gaal's side also win La Liga and
Copa del Rey but Guardiola plays only six times and misses out on World
Cup squad place.
1999: Barca retain league, but fail to make the Champions League final at the Nou Camp. Guardiola plays 22 times, scoring once.
2000:
Barca defeated 5-3 on aggregate by Valencia in Champions League
semi-finals. Finish second in Primera Division, five points behind
Deportivo La Coruna. Plays in all four of Spain's Euro 2000 games.
2001:
June - Barca finish season in fourth. Knocked out of Copa del Rey at
last-four stage by Celta Vigo. The 1-1 second-leg draw at Nou Camp is
Guardiola's last game in the Blaugrana shirt.
September - Signs for Brescia in Serie A.
November
11 - Banned from Italian football, having tested positive for
nandrolone after Brescia's 1-0 win over Piacenza on October 21.
November
28 - Tests positive for nandrolone again after match against Lazio on
November 4. Later banned for a total of four months by Lega Calcio and
fined 2000 euros.
2002: Signs for Roma but plays only four games in his one season at the club.
Returns to Brescia in winter transfer window where, along with Roberto Baggio, he is key in helping them avoid relegation.
2003: Signs for Qatari side Al-Ahly for two seasons and has an immediate impact, winning the best foreign newcomer award.
2005:
After a coaching course in Spain, joins Dorados de Sinaloa in Mexico in
December, but only plays until March before returning to finish the
course.
2006: July - Becomes a qualified coach.
November - Announces his retirement from playing.
2007: July - Named as coach of Barcelona B.
October - Cleared of drug charges from six years earlier.
2008: Named as head coach of Barcelona, to replace Frank Rijkaard on June 30.
2009: May 2 - Steers Barca to 6-2 victory over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
May 13 - Barcelona defeat Athletic Bilbao 4-1 to win the Copa del Rey and earn Guardiola first silverware as coach.
May 16 - Madrid's defeat at Villarreal secures Barca a first league title since 2006.
May 27 - Barca beat Manchester United 2-0 in Champions League final to become the first Spanish club to complete the treble.
August
- Wins European Super Cup with a 1-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk and
the Spanish Supercopa with 5-1 aggregate win over Athletic Bilbao.
December 19 - Barca claim their sixth trophy of the year with a 2-1 win over Estudiantes in the Club World Cup.
2010: April 10 - Becomes the first manager in Barcelona's history to beat Real Madrid four times in a row in El Clasico.
May - Steers Barca to 20th La Liga title with a European record of 99 points.
July 14 - Signs one-year contract extension to remain at the Nou Camp until June 30, 2011.
November 29 - Leads Barca to a famous 5-0 Clasico victory over Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid.
2011: February - Signs one-year contract extension to keep him at Barca until June 2012.
April 26 - Leads Barca to Copa Del Rey final for second year in a row but they lose 1-0 to Real Madrid.
May 2 - Guides Barca to their second Champions League final in three years, beating Real Madrid over two-legged semi.
May 11 - Leads Barca to third straight Primera Division title, secured with two games to spare by 1-1 draw at Levante.
August - Leads Barcelona to victories in the Spanish Supercopa and UEFA Super Cup.
December 18 - Barca beat Santos 4-0 in the FIFA Club World Cup final.
2012:
April 24 - Barca only manage a 2-2 draw at home to Chelsea in the
second leg of their Champions League semi-final, meaning they go out
3-2 on aggregate.
April 27 - Announces he will not renew his
contract and will leave Barca at the end of the season. Decides to move
to Manhattan, New York until he reaches a decision on his future.
November
11 - Agent Jose Maria Orobitg denies his client has been approached by
Serie A club AC Milan, but admits Guardiola is keeping his options open
and will consider offers in 2013.
2013: January 16 - Says in an
interview for the FA's 150th anniversary celebrations that he would
like to coach in England one day. Hours later he is confirmed as Bayern
Munich boss on a three-year deal to start in July.
Former Barca boss will take over from the start of next season
If the hat fits... Ian Holloway at the Britannia Stadium
Getty
Never one to hold back from coming forward, Crystal Palace manager
Ian Holloway gave the press both barrels following his side's FA Cup
replay defeat at Stoke on Tuesday night.
Following an impassioned
defence of Potters star Jon Walters, during which Holloway berated his
own club's fans for songs sung about him, and an equally eloquent
attack on diving culture, the subject of Wilfried Zaha's transfer was
broached.
Holloway immediately bristled, claiming the knock
picked up by the Manchester United and Arsenal target during the game
could keep him our for "six months" so as to prevent any more transfer
stories being written about him.
Holloway was then interrupted by a call on his mobile. "That's probably Arsene Wenger now..." he quipped.
"I'm
sick and fed up of reading about him, if it happens, if it doesn't it
doesn't," said Holloway before going on to berate the "stupid,
pathetic" transfer window and also the Sky Sports News rolling coverage
of it.
The Crystal Palace boss was in a spiky mood following his side's FA Cup defeat to Stoke
Deliberate: Liverpool star Suarez confesses he DID dive in the Stoke game
Clive Brunskill
Luis Suarez has admitted cheating to try to help Liverpool win a
match - but denied THAT handball against Mansfield was deliberate.
In
an interview with an Argentinian TV station, Uruguay international
Suarez confessed to diving in a a 0-0 draw with Stoke at Anfield last
October - actions that led to him being blasted by Potters manager Tony Pulis.
"I don't tlisten to all the nonsense some people say about me," said Suarez.
"I'm accused of cheating here - people say I throw myself all the time inside the box.
"They said that when we played against Stoke, for instance. And in that case they were right.
"I invented a foul because we were drawing against Stoke and I wanted to win.
"Sometimes on the pitch I say to myself, 'What have I done?' But the name of Suarez sells papers."
The
25-year-old, whose personal rap-sheet also includes an infamous
handball that helped Uruguay reach the semi-finals of the last World
Cup and a ban for racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra,
drew fresh criticism last week over a controversial goal he scored in
an FA Cup win over Mansfield.
The ball clearly hit Suarez's hand before he kicked it into the net, and opinions were divided over whether he did it deliberately. Accident: Suarez insists he didn't do this on purpose
Clive Mason
On the Mansfield
row, the Liverpool hero added: "I touched the ball with my hand
accidentally, and I was criticised because I kissed my hand [his normal
goal celebration]."
Suarez also said that South American players
- name-checking Manchester City duo Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero -
are held to different standards in England than home-grown players.
"When
someone comes and says to me something bad about being a South
American, I don't cry, because that happens inside the pitch," he told
Fox Sports Argentina.
"I have my conscience clean.
"It's
complicated to play here in England. It's complicated for a South
American footballer to be here as we are treated differently to the
local footballers.
'But they have their culture,
they are like this. I have to play football, which is what I always
wanted, but I have suffered a lot for being a footballer."
Controversial Kop idol insists his handball FA Cup goal was an accident
but admits he "invented a foul" in October's draw with Stoke
DJ Steve Wright’s weekly Sunday Love Songs show has been criticised
for misleading listeners hoping to hear their requests played.
His
Radio 2 audience was told they could get in contact “any time” but a
listener complained after the station revealed the show was
pre-recorded rather than live.
It meant some fans were wasting money ringing in to request romantic messages or song dedications.
The
BBC Trust’s standards committee said the show breached guidelines on
accuracy but the problem “was essentially a lack of clarity”.
It
came to light after listeners to one edition were informed the show was
pre-recorded to make it clear a reference to entertainer Andy Williams
had been recorded before his death.
A listener complained that
some callers who had been encouraged to make for that show requests
would be wasting their efforts, as were some who listened in hoping to
hear their letters read out and songs played.
The show is
actually recorded on a Friday every week, but the playlist and script
are completed by Thursday and listeners were not told there was a
cut-off point.
An answerphone message for callers only made it clear after they had already left a request.
Radio
2 went on to change the on-air and phone messages, but the Trust said
these did not go far enough and should be amended further to make clear
that calls made after a certain point in the week would not be
considered for the next show.
The committee upheld the listener complaint about accuracy and interacting with audiences.
However it said the problem was “essentially one of a lack of clarity”, rather than an effort to intentionally mislead.
A spokeswoman for the station said: “As recognised by the Trust, it has never been our intention to deceive listeners.
"Every dedication we receive is listened to and we endeavour to facilitate as many as possible.
“However,
due to the volume of requests and time restraints, we are not able to
feature all dedications and, for that reason, we have never implied
guaranteed inclusion or said that those requests that do make it on air
would be in a specific episode of Steve Wright’s Sunday Love Songs.
"Once
we were made aware of the lack of clarity, we amended the wording and
have since clarified even further so there is no room for
misunderstanding.”
His audience was told they could get in contact “any time” but a
listener complained after the station revealed the show was pre-recorded
George Osborne was accused of prolonging Britain’s economic misery as the high street crisis deepened yesterday.
The
stubborn Chancellor faced calls to rethink his chaotic policies, with
millions of families in the grip of a painful spending squeeze and the
country hurtling towards a triple dip recession.
But despite
consumer confident hitting rock bottom and nervous firms refusing to
unleash an astonishing £750billion of investment potential the
Government refuses to even consider it may be getting it wrong. And
while ministers bury their heads in the sand, ordinary workers are
paying the price – with more than 4,000 HMV staff the latest victims.
The iconic music chain plunged into administration yesterday after eleventh-hour talks to save the 92-year-old business failed.
Around 4,350 workers face a nervous wait while officials try to find a buyer for the 239 stores.
The
company is just the latest victim of a high street bloodbath that has
claimed more than 200,000 retail jobs since the current economic crisis
erupted in 2007. Another 48,000 shop jobs were lost last year, with JJB
Sports, Comet and Peacocks among a wave of big name stores that
collapsed.
Experts predict 2013 could be even worse, with around 50,000 retail employees in the line of fire.
The Government is nervously awaiting gross domestic product data for the last three months of 2012.
Analysts
fear the economy shrank by 0.3% – with others warning the UK could lose
its gilt-edged Triple A credit rating this year.
Shadow Business
Secretary Chuka Umunna MP said: “We urgently need to help our
struggling high streets and support the retail sector. But ministers
are turning a blind eye while thousands of jobs are being put at risk.
Failing to act while big name chains go to the wall is simply not good
enough.
“We need ministers to junk their failed Plan A and adopt a proper Plan B for growth.”
Business
Secretary Vince Cable admitted last night that he was concerned about
massive job losses but claimed it was not the Government’s
responsibility to step in.
He said: “I am personally worried when
I see hundreds, thousands of people losing their jobs… but it is not
the job of Government to sort out the problems of competition on the
high street. Consumers make their choices and there are consequences.”
HMV collapsed after negotiations with banks and suppliers failed.
Its
demise was made worse by a fall of more than 10% in Christmas sales as
the chain suffered from cut-throat competition and the booming success
of online music and movie rivals.
Hopes of saving a chunk of the
company rose last night after a flurry of early interest – including
inquiries from retail restructuring group Hilco and two private equity
firms.
HMV chief executive Trevor Moore – who previously headed
Jessops which collapsed last week – said he “remains convinced we can
find a successful outcome”. The latest jobs threat came as a growing
number of MPs called for urgent action to support other struggling
retailers – and accused Coalition ministers of doing nothing to help.
The
Mirror can reveal that the all-party Commons Business Select Committee
is preparing to launch its own inquiry into the Government’s support –
or lack of it – for the retail industry.
Chairman Adrian Bailey
said the committee was expected to start the investigation before the
summer. He added: “Given the number of jobs involved there’s a case for
holding an inquiry and looking at Government policy.”
The Labour
MP said the review was also likely to look at business rates, which are
set to rise again this April. He went on: “There is mounting evidence
that the high street is suffering from changing social habits, the
squeeze on consumer spending and the move to internet shopping.
“The
regeneration of the high street is something the Government really
ought to be looking at. It also needs to re-examine its business tax
policy.”
He claimed too many once prosperous high streets now consist of “pawnbrokers, pay day loan offices, bookmakers or empty shops”.
Mr
Osborne raised business rates by 5.6% last year – and they are set to
go up again this April in line with inflation, by another 2.7%.
Treasury figures show the Chancellor will rake in £25.7billion this year and £26.8billion in 2013-14 from the tax.
Commenting
on the latest casualty of the recession, a Downing Street spokesman
said: “This is clearly sad news for HMV and its employees in
particular, but the Government’s entire agenda is around the growth and
job creation that we need.”
He added: “We have taken a number of
measures to support the high street and it is very important that these
are implemented. We need job creation across all parts of the private
sector.”
Chancellor urged to step in to save jobs as HMV face staff become latest to face the axe
All its 528 shops will keep trading while the administrators try to find a buyer - and gift vouchers WILL be honoured
Rex
The UK arm of video rental giant Blockbuster has gone into administration today putting over 4,000 jobs at risk.
The firm, which has 528 shops in the UK employing 4,190 staff, has appointed accountancy firm Deloitte as its administrators.
The stores will keep trading while the administrators try to find a buyer - and gift vouchers WILL be honoured.
It becomes the third high street chain to collapse already in 2013 following on from Jessops and HMV.
Deloitte said Blockbuster had been affected by competition from online streaming services such as Netflix and Lovefilm.
Lee
Manning, joint administrator and partner in Deloitte's restructuring
services practice, said: "In recent years Blockbuster has faced
increased competition from internet-based providers along with the
shift to digital streaming of movies and games.
"We are working
closely with suppliers and employees to ensure the business has the
best possible platform to secure a sale, preserve jobs and generate as
much value as possible for all creditors." Cartoon capers: Blockbuster in a South Park episode
Deloitte stressed Blockbuster's core business was profitable and
they would be looking for a rescue deal for all or part of the business
as a going concern.
It will continue to accept gift cards and
credit bought through its trade-in scheme for second-hand movies and
games, as well as operating its loyalty scheme.
Blockbuster's US
parent went bankrupt in 2011, but was rescued by US pay-TV provider
Dish Network in a £200 million deal, which saved hundreds of stores
from closing and prevented tens of thousands of US job losses.
The UK group has branched out in recent years with online rentals and a trade-in service for pre-owned titles.
Nearly 1,400 jobs at photographic chain Jessops were lost last week with the shock closure of all its stores.
Around 4,350 workers at music retailer HMV face a nervous wait while administrators try to find a buyer for the 239 stores.
President Barack Obama, accompanied by Vice President Joe Biden, talks about proposals to reduce gun violence
AP
US President Barack Obama unveiled
sweeping plans to tackle America’s deadly gun culture in a bid to end
tragedies like the Sandy Hook school massacre today.
He was joined at the White House by children who wrote to him pleading for action in the wake of the shootings.
Mr Obama called for a ban on assault weapons, like the rifle used at
Sandy Hook, and high-capacity magazines along with wider background
checks on gun buyers.
The Democratic President also signed 23 executive orders which he
said would curb “the epidemic of gun violence in this country”.
He faces one of the fiercest battles of his career to get the ban on military-style weapons and ammo through Congress.
The pro-guns lobby immediately hit back with an incendiary advert
trying to paint him as a hypocrite because his children have armed
guards.
But Mr Obama said that doing nothing was not an option after the
elementary schools killings in Newtown, Connecticut, last month.
Crazed gunman Adam Lanza slaughtered 20 pupils, including British
youngster Dylan Hockley, and six teaching staff before turning his gun
on himself
Mr Obama said: “While there is no law or set of laws that can
prevent every senseless act of violence completely, no piece of
legislation that will prevent every tragedy, every act of evil, if
there’s even one thing we can do to reduce this violence, if there’s
even one life that can be saved, then we’ve got an obligation to try.”
The President admitted he faces a tough battle to get the weapons
ban, universal background checks and anti-gun trafficking laws passed
into law.
“This will be difficult,” he said. “I will put everything I’ve got into this.”
The proposals were produced by a task force headed by Vice-President Joe Biden and groups from across the political spectrum
America’s top gun lobby, the National Rifle Association (NRA), was
consulted but has repeatedly vowed to fight any attempts to limit
access to guns or ammunition.
In the days after the Sandy Hook shootings, the NRA proposed stationing armed guards in every school in America instead.
The Association today released an ad on the internet attacking the
President as “an elitist hypocrite” for opposing the move while his
daughters are protected by armed guards at their school.
The White House condemned the ad as “repugnant and cowardly”.
What Obama wants
?to reintroduce an expired ban on “military-style” assault weapons, such as those used in several recent mass shootings
?limit ammunition magazines to 10 rounds
?introduce
background checks on all gun sales; currently private sales and some
sales at gun shows, constituting about 40% of the national total, are
exempt
?pass a ban on possession and sale of armour-piercing bullets
?introduce harsher penalties for gun-traffickers, especially unlicensed dealers who buy arms for criminals
The US President called for a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity
magazines along with wider background checks on gun buyers
When it was revealed Tesco’s burgers were contaminated by horsemeat, many were shocked. Others, however, chose to see the funny side.
Within minutes of the news breaking online, Twitter
saw an explosion of horse-related jokes and puns. The hashtags
#horsemeat and #horsepun immediately became trending topics around the
world.
The story provided such good material, even politicians got in on the action, with former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott tweeting several jokes, including: “I see the Tesco horse burger is the mane news item on Twitter”.
Tests by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland found a sample of Tesco Everyday Value Beefburgers contained 29% horse meat. The burgers have been removed from the shelves, while Tesco bosses have insisted the burgers posed no health risk.
Traces of horse meat and DNA have also been found in Aldi, Lidl and Iceland beef products.
An investigation has been launched to find the source of the contamination, which is suspected to be continental meat suppliers.
Alongside
the jokers were horrified and concerned shoppers, many of whom said
they were tempted to turn to vegetarianism in light of the revelations.
One shopper said: "Never ever buying burgers ever again. Horse meat in them?! Absolutely disgusting. Making my own from now on."
Below are some of our favourite horse jokes. Could you do better? Add your favourite horse jokes in the comments section below.
The news of Tesco burgers containing horse meat shocked many, but some chose to see the funny side with these hilarious jokes
A TRANSPLANT patient holds her own heart in her hands after undergoing surgery
to replace it with a healthy one.
The incredible image has made its way around the world after the woman's
friend Kelsey uploaded it onto photo-sharing site Imgur.
The mask-wearing patient, identified only as Penny, is seen smiling as she
lifts her failed heart to the camera.
It is unclear where the women come from or were the surgery took place.
Kelsey posted: “[Penny] is holding her own heart. She has survived cancer and
crippling heart failure and never lost hope.”
She added: "She's my hero."
She also revealed that while doctors let her hold her heart, the hospital's
strict policy on transplants prevented her from taking it home.
Kelsey wrote: “She wanted to keep it but they wouldn’t let her! It had to be
cremated but she kept the ashes.”
The risks associated with having a heart transplant have been reduced in
recent years due to advancements in treatments.
Patients are required to stay in hospital for up to two weeks, however,
recovery time normally takes months, depending on the health of the
recipient.
Penny has to take immunosuppressants to stop her body rejecting the donated
heart.
It is estimated that around one in ten people will die due to complications in
the first year after surgery, with most deaths occurring in the first 30
days.
After this time the chances of survival improve dramatically.
The stricken helicopter - reported to be travelling from Gatwick to Elstree -
then turned into a "fireball" and "spiralled into the ground",
shocked onlookers said.
The pilot of the helicopter had thousands of hours of flying experience
including for films such as Die Another Day and Saving Private Ryan.
At the time of his death was working as a freelance pilot for RotorMotion, a
company which counts among its clients the Prince of Wales, Prime Minister
David Cameron, former PM Tony Blair and the Dalai Lama.
Tragedy ... Pete Barnes
Ross Parry
Miraculously the worker who was meant to be operating the wrecked crane was
saved because he was late for work " for the first time in years".
Smoke billowed over the River Thames at the scene, which is close to the MI6
building and the new American embassy which is under construction.
Reports say MI6 HQ's went into 'lock down' after the crash amid fears it was
at risk.
Part of the damaged crane hurtled to the ground, smashing into a neighbouring
building.
Wreckage ... remnants of crashed helicopter on Wandsworth Road
Disaster ... emergency services at scene of helicopter crash
The two people killed were the pilot and someone on the ground, emergency
services said.
Firefighters rescued a man from a burning car and brought a blaze caused by
the crash under control.
Twelve people were injured including one who is critically ill following the
smash which happened as fog covered the Vauxhall area.
Before the crash the pilot had requested to divert and land at London Heliport
at Battersea due to bad weather, a spokesman for the owners of the heliport
said today.
The lucky crane operator is believed to have been running up to an hour late
with most of the construction site’s workers normally arriving by 7am,
according to eyewitnesses.
ONE
Direction star Niall Horan was left hacked off after a message appeared
on Twitter about him having a spotty bottom.
The singer's feed was full of gleeful messages telling fans about his trip
to Ghana for Comic Relief.
A tweet asking fans if he should squeeze a spot on his posterior followed
them.
It read: "Have a massive spot on my arse. Wondering should I squeeze it.
What do ye think?"
The Irish singer later distanced himself from the request for advice telling
followers: "OK I don't know what happened with that last tweet."
It was swiftly removed from his feed.
He told a fan: "I got hacked again."
Last month, Niall's Instagram page was apparently targeted by hackers who
pretended to be the boyband star.
The price of a Lotto line will increase from £1 to £2 in the autumn – but the
prize for matching five numbers will drop by £500 to £1,000.
And the reward for matching five numbers and the bonus number will halve to
£50,000.
However the prize for matching three numbers will rise from £10 to £25.
And the pot for matching four numbers will increase from £60 to £100.
The price rise is the first since Lotto launched in 1994 and follows research
which found that consumers “want more ways to win more money” from the game.
An average 800,000 players win prizes for matching three or four numbers each
week, while around 800 players match five numbers or five plus the bonus.
The average Saturday jackpot will increase from around £4.1million to
£5million and the Wednesday jackpot will increase from an estimated
£2.2million to around £2.5million, while a new Lotto raffle will guarantee
at least 50 winners £20,000 in each draw, Camelot added.
Camelot UK managing director Andy Duncan said: “Our players still love Lotto
but after 18 years they say they want more from it.
“We’ve spoken extensively with them to develop a re-energised game and the
changes we’ll be introducing in the autumn to rejuvenate Lotto will give
them what they have asked for: £25 for matching three numbers, bigger
jackpots and a brand new way to play and win one of 50 prizes of a
guaranteed £20,000 on each and every draw.”
Lotto Rollover draws will also change, with the number of raffle prizes on
offer increasing significantly with each roll of the jackpot.
Total National Lottery sales have increased by 35% since 2002, with the number
of players growing by more than 12 per cent in the last five years.
Players have also helped to raise more than £29billion for Good Causes.
SYLVIE van der Vaart has revealed she’s giving her marriage to hubby Rafael
another shot.
The couple announced they’d split after the football ace hit his wife during a
furious bust-up at a New Year’s Eve party.
However, model Sylvie has revealed: “We want to give it another try.”
Speaking to German mag Gala, she added: “I am so happy. I still love him so
much.”
It’s claimed Rafa will be keeping his newly-purchased bachelor pad, presumably
to give the couple some breathing space as they ease themselves back into
married life.
Two weeks ago, Sylvie said their seven-year union was over after the former
Spurs midfielder reportedly struck her in front of party guests.
The Dutchman was quick to apologise for his behaviour, branding himself
“foolish” and an “idiot”.
He continued: “I'm very sorry. It should never have happened.”
Sylvie responded by saying she’d forgiven her husband but confirmed their
marriage was finished.
She said: “We have unfortunately drifted apart over time. It was a gradual
process that was not easy to stop. Even though it sounds weird, we still
love and respect each other.”
ALEXANDRA Burke spent the night with Hollywood star Jeremy Piven after the
pair attended a star-studded party in London last Wednesday.
The 24-year-old former X Factor winner was seen turning up to designer Tom
Ford's party at Loulou's nightspot in Mayfair in the back of a cab with
47-year-old Mr Selfridge star Jeremy.
However when they were spotted he jumped out of the cab and headed into the
party, leaving Alexandra to kill some time before joining him ten minutes
later.
Grin ... Jeremy makes peace sign in back of cab
GREG BRENNAN
A source told Heat magazine: “They were both sitting in the back seat. To
avoid being seen Jeremy went into the club first, and Alex joined him about
ten minutes later, having driven round the block a few times.”
After partying until 2am the couple were then seen arriving back at Jeremy's
hotel just 30 minutes apart.
Date night ... Jeremy and Alexandra at the Tom Ford bash
Dave Benett
The source added: “The party had cleared out by 2am and Jeremy and Alex were
the last two standing; they were really enjoying each other’s company.
Jeremy left soon after to avoid being seen and went back to the Corinthia
hotel. And lo and behold, Alex was seen arriving there just half an hour
later.”
Secretive ... Alexandra goes solo in the car
GREG BRENNAN
Another insider has told Heat that Alexandra could be just the kind of woman
Jeremy needs - and he could be her key to success in the US.
They said: “Alex is totally his type, and she could be the one who finally
tames him. Jeremy could really help her career in America, too. He’s
respected in Hollywood and has amazing connections.
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/4747604/alexandra-burke-spends-night-with-jeremy-piven.html#ixzz2ICvr
LINDSAY Lohan is allegedly making money by going on dates with rich men as a
professional escort girl.
Lindsay's father Michael has made the shocking revelation in US gossip
magazine Star - and says her mum Dina is "pimping her out."
In the current issue of the glossy publication he says: “She is getting paid
to date rich men, Dina is pimping her out – it’s disgusting!”
Another source added: “The dates last for days, and the guys pay for
everything – hotel, travel costs, food, whatever – as well as jewellery and
other gifts.”
However it seems whilst Lindsay is reportedly stepping out with the wealthy
males, that's as far as it goes.
Waking up ... Lindsay in bed during the scene
Star claims that one of her most high-profile clients is Prince Haji Abdul
Azim of Brunei who allegedly paid her $100,000 to join him in London for a
New Year’s celebration.
And another rumoured 'client' is Spanish-American painter Domingo Zapata.
An insider said: “Domingo let Lindsay live in his penthouse at the Bowery
Hotel in NYC for free and at his L.A. pad at Chateau Marmont. They’re both
super-swanky. No way Lindsay could’ve afforded either of them for such long
periods of time on her own.”
Big Brother had told the rest of the house they must overthrow their supreme
leader in order to win a luxury shopping budget this week.
They were told they must complete eight objectives before Frankie finished
giving a speech about his regime.
And the housemates, led by leader of the revolution Rylan Clark, managed to do
just that, before sending Frankie and his bodyguards Neil "Razor"
Ruddock and Ryan Moloney to languish behind bars.
Having a blast ... Big Brother gives leader of the revolution Rylan Clark explosives
The celebs were told they had to tear down all the propaganda posters, deface
Frankie's flag, wreck the banners and retrieve all their banned items from a
locked box.
They also had to plant explosives on a statue of Frankie, before detonating
them and then throwing a lasso over the its remains to topple it.
Finally they had to throw a net over Frankie and his bodyguards as they came
out of the Diary Room.
ALESHA Dixon revealed a whole lot of leg as she arrived at the Britain's Got
Talent auditions today.
The singer, 34, showed off her incredible pins in a black full-length gown —
which featured two thigh-high splits at the front — as she rocked
up at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff.
The former Strictly Come Dancing winner looked stunning in the sleeveless
dress, which she accessorised with a statement belt, big, dangly earrings
and a pair of black strappy high heels.
Home from his holidays ... Simon Cowell
Wenn
Fellow judges Simon Cowell, David Walliams and Amanda Holden joined Alesha in
the Welsh capital for the first of this year's BGT auditions.
The telly talent show's boss, Simon, jetted into the UK this week after
spending Christmas in the Caribbean.
And his break appeared to have paid off, with the 53-year-old looking more
laidback than ever as he arrived in a pair of shades, jeans and one of his
trademark V-neck tops.
New look ... Amanda Holden reveals darker hair-do
Splash
Meanwhile Amanda looked much more glam, showing off a new darker hair-do as
she bravely arrived on the red carpet in a tiny yellow dress.
Mum-of-two Amanda, 41, must have been freezing in the knee-length summery
number, which she teamed with a pair of animal-print heels.
Smart ... David Walliams looks dapper in suit
Splash
Funnyman David, 41, put Simon's casual attire to shame, arriving in a very
dapper suit and tie.
And much more sensibly than Amanda, he covered up in a nice big coat.
TAYLOR Swift tried to get a date with Bradley Cooper to help get over ex Harry
Styles.
The 23-year-old singer - who split from One
Direction star Harry
Styles earlier this month - reportedly begged pal Jennifer Lawrence to
set her up with her 38-year-old Silver Linings Playbook co-star at a Golden
Globe Awards party on Sunday.
But sources say the heartthrob wasn't interested.
A source told gossip website RadarOnline.com: "Bradley has absolutely no
intention of getting together with Taylor.
"First of all, her reputation precedes her. Bradley is very wary of
dating someone who is a bit of a serial dater like Taylor.
Exes ... Taylor Swift and Harry Styles
Flynet
"He thinks she's far too young for him and wants to date someone his own
age, not 16 years younger because he's ready for something serious. It was a
little awkward for Bradley.
"Jennifer came to him and told him that Taylor was interested in getting
together. He had to politely decline, knowing full well that Jennifer and
Taylor are friends.
Superstar ... Taylor Swift on stage
"It was an ambitious move from Taylor, but she's going to have fixate on
someone else as Bradley's just not that into her."
Hangover star Bradley
recently split from his on/off girlfriend Zoe Saldana, 34.
Taylor is famed for writing tracks about her exes - which include Conor
Kennedy, Taylor Lautner, Jake Gyllenhaal and John Mayer - but while many
fans guess as to who the subjects of her songs are, she rarely tells.
Speculation
is rife that Harry could be the subject of her next track.
Taylor has been open about using her failed relationships as subjects for her
tracks.
Off ... Bradley Cooper and Zoe Saldana
She said: "Well, it's not like it's in fine print but music is absolutely
everything that I am and everything that I stand for.
"It's not my fault if someone gets into a relationship with me and then
cheats and I write a song about it."
