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Major Premier League TV change with broadcasting giant to lose all coverage next season

ALL Premier League matches outside of the 3pm blackout will be shown on UK television starting from next season.

Previously, domestic fans were often left frustrated by not being able to watch certain games.

Gary Neville, Sky Sports pundit, speaking into a microphone at a soccer match.
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Sky Sports will show 215 live matches per season under the new agreement[/caption]

In particular, several Sunday 2pm kick-offs involving teams that had played in Europe on Thursday night would not be shown.

Under the new four-year TV deal, which kicks in at the start of next season, this will not be the case.

The £6.7bn agreement will see Sky Sports show 215 live matches per season, more than ever before.

Sky purchased four of the five packages made available.

This will see them broadcast matches during the Friday night, Saturday 5:30pm, Sunday and Monday night slots.

In addition to this, Sky Sports will show all 10 final day matches for the first time.

TNT Sports, meanwhile, purchased one package – enabling them to show 52 matches.

These will primarily come in the Saturday 12:30pm slot, although TNT will also have the rights to two full mid-week rounds of games.

BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK

Graham Potter holding a Premier League microphone.
Getty
Matches will no longer be shown on Amazon Prime Video[/caption]

The bumper new TV deal package has seen Amazon Prime Video squeezed out.

Under the previous agreement, the streamer would show 20 games each season.

Prime will continue to show Champions League matches, however, with two years remaining on their current deal with Uefa.

Prem highlights, meanwhile, will continue to be shown on Match of the Day, with the BBC having retained the rights.

Next season will usher in a new era for the show, with long-time presenter Gary Lineker having departed the Beeb.

Lineker will be replaced on a rotating basis by Gabby Logan, Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates.

Photo of Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan, new Match of the Day presenters.
PA
Next season will usher in a new era for Match of the Day[/caption]

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Eighties rock star seriously ill in hospital as he quits band’s tour

AN EIGHTIES rockstar has quit his band’s tour after being left seriously unwell in hospital.

The keyboard player for an iconic Scottish pop-rock group has now pleaded with music fans to “share your love” during his time of need.

Ricky Ross of Deacon Blue performing at Edinburgh Castle, singing into a microphone while playing keyboard.
Alamy
An Eighties rocker has been forced to pull out of his band’s tour[/caption]
Deacon Blue performing on stage.
Getty
James Prime, second right, is ‘serious ill’ in hospital[/caption]
Portrait of an older man in a gray jacket.
News of the Dignity hitmaker’s ill health came on the band’s page on X

James Prime, 64, juggles his time in Chocolate Girl band Deacon Blue with lecturing at a university.

Yet now both of the Dignity hitmaker’s careers are under threat due to an undisclosed illness.

The band posted an update on the Kilmarnock-born musician’s “serious” condition on X.

A typed out message of black text onto a white background read: “Dear friends.

“We wanted to share some news with you about our brother Jim.

“Unfortunately he is seriously ill and undergoing care in hospital.

“We would like you to join us in wishing him well and to share your love with him.”

It added: “We spoke to Jim yesterday about Deacon Blue’s plans for the rest of the year, and he encouraged us to continue with love in our hearts and with his full blessing that the show’s go ahead, even if it means replacing the irreplaceable James Miller Prime for the time being.

“Together with Jim’s family, we want to thank all the nurses, doctors and ICU staff for their ongoing care, professionalism and compassion.

“With love Ricky, Lorraine, Dougie, Gregor, Lewis and Tom.”

The band will next take to the stage in Aberdeen.

They will then pick the tour back up in September, with shows in Liverpool, Brighton, Birmingham and Leeds to name a few.

The lengthy run of gigs wraps on October 11 in Glasgow.

Fans on social media were quick to react to the medical blow and one put: “Sending love and best wishes xxxx.”

Deacon Blue - top hits

DEACON Blue have delighted fans with their hits since the Eighties - here we take a look at some of their success

Ricky Ross, James Prime, Lorraine McIntosh, Dougie Vipond, Gregor Philp and Lewis Gordon currently make up the Deacon Blue roster.

Past members include Graeme Kelling, Ewen Vernal, Mick Slaven, Scott Fraser, Taj Wyzgowski, Ged Grimes and Chris Henderson.

Their first album Raintown achieved moderate success upon its 1987 release, peaking at number 14 in the UK.

Their back catalogue has included a whopping 16 top 40 hits including I’ll Never Fall In Love Again and Real Gone Kid.

Other top tunes include Chocolate Girl and Dignity.

Despite going on hiatus in 1994, they reformed in 1999 and have been making music ever since.

A second put: “Thinking of you all, but especially Jim. Love and solidarity. xx” as a third wrote: “Gutted to hear this… praying Jim pulls through. One of my keys hero’s and such a huge talent. Thoughts are with the band and Jim’s family.”

One then added: “Get well soon Jim. You’ll be missed.”

BAND COMEBACK

Recently, the band looked completely different before they headed out on tour.

Ricky Ross, James, Lorraine McIntosh, Dougie Vipond, Gregor Philp and Lewis Gordon currently make up the roster.

Past members include Graeme Kelling, Ewen Vernal, Mick Slaven, Scott Fraser, Taj Wyzgowski, Ged Grimes and Chris Henderson.

Their first album Raintown achieved moderate success upon its 1987 release, peaking at number 14 in the UK.

But their second record, When The World Knows Your Name, shot straight to number one.

Its lead single Real Gone Kid was even nominated for a Brit Award in the British Single of the Year category.

But Deacon Blue were beaten by the soft rock band Fairground Attraction, with their track Perfect.

Despite going on hiatus in 1994, they reformed in 1999 and have kept making music ever since.

Deacon Blue performing on stage.
Getty
They are known for tracks including Perfect and Chocolate Girl[/caption]
James Prime of Deacon Blue performing on stage.
Getty
Fans were quick to send James their get-well wishes[/caption]
Photo of Deacon Blue in London in 1993.
The band released first album Raintown in 1987
Rex

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Moment terraced home EXPLODES sending ‘earthquake-like’ shockwaves down street leaving man seriously injured

THIS is the shocking moment a terraced home exploded sending “earthquake-like” shockwaves down a residential street.

Emergency services were called to a suspected gas explosion at a property on Eden Street in Alvaston, Derby, at 7.24pm on Tuesday.

Security camera footage of a house explosion.
BBC
This is the shocking moment a terraced home exploded in Derby[/caption]
A terraced house exploding, sending shockwaves down the street.
BBC
CCTV showed debris and dust flying into the air as the blast tore through the house[/caption]
Aerial view of a house damaged by a gas explosion.
Splash
The aftermath of a suspected gas explosion at a house on Eden Street in Alvaston[/caption]

Dramatic footage captured on nearby CCTV showed debris and dust flying into the air as the blast tore through the house.

A man was taken to hospital and the extent of his injuries is unknown.

One dog with injuries was also rescued overnight and is being treated by vets.

Derbyshire Police asked people to avoid the area.

Residents went from enjoying a normal Tuesday night to being at the heart of a serious incident.

Some have no idea when they will be allowed back again.

Harrison has lived in the street, just doors away from the explosion, for nine years.

She described the terrifying ordeal saying she thought the explosion happened in their house.

“I’ve never heard anything like it before,” Harrison said.

“We’d just had tea and I was with my daughter sorting the kitchen out. I’m so lucky she was with me at the time.

“The bang went off and I just didn’t know where to run.”

Mary Stocking, 76, of Lincoln Avenue, said: “I heard something last night but I didn’t think anything of it.

“I just thought it could be anything but I feel a bit naive now.

“You just never think these sorts of things will happen so close to home.”

Another local, Gill Jennings, said the explosion “made the ground shake” from her home on Nunsfield Drive nearly half a mile away.

She said: “We were sitting at home watching TV. I’d put the kettle on and I just remember feeling a shake underneath my feet followed by a bang.”

Two fire engines, a command support vehicle and officers went to the scene.

They were supported by police, building control officers, emergency planning officers and representatives from utilities.

London Road and Shardlow Road have now reopened.

A spokesman for Cadent, the gas distribution network, said: “We were called to attend an explosion in Eden Street, Alvaston, at 7.38pm last night.

“At the moment it is too early to speculate on the cause.

“We are currently working closely with the emergency services, but our priority is to make the area safe.”

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “The investigation into the cause of the explosion will begin later today as crews continue to work to make the area safe.

“Eden Street will remain closed until further notice.”

Derbyshire Police said: “A joint police and fire service investigation into the cause of an explosion at a property in Derby is due to start today.

“We were called to the incident in Eden Street at 7.24pm on Tuesday. One man has been taken to hospital with serious injuries.

“A dog with some injuries was also rescued from the property.

“An investigation into the cause of the explosion will be begin later today. Eden Street remains closed.”

Aerial view of firefighters examining a house damaged by an explosion.
LNP
A man was taken to hospital and the extent of his injuries is unknown[/caption]
Emergency responders at the scene of a gas explosion.
Splash
Emergency services, including police, fire, and ambulance, responded at around 7.30pm[/caption]
Aerial view of a house damaged by a suspected gas explosion, with emergency responders on scene.
SWNS
Derbyshire Police asked people to avoid the area[/caption]
Damage to a house roof after a suspected gas explosion.
BPM
One dog with injuries was also rescued overnight and is being treated by vets[/caption]

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Pay rise for thousands on Universal Credit TODAY as benefits hiked – check how much more you will get

THOUSANDS on Universal Credit will receive a pay rise from today.

Some on the benefit have had to wait until now to get the new bumper rate which officially came into effect on April 7.

Universal Credit Capability for Work questionnaire.
Alamy
Universal Credit rates rose by 1.7% in April[/caption]

From this date, Universal Credit rose by 1.7%, in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) level of inflation in September 2024.

However, people have had to wait to get the higher rate due to the way the benefit is assessed.

Universal Credit is, typically, paid monthly but is based on your circumstances in your last assessment period.

The new uplift does come into effect until after the first full one-month assessment period, which started on or after April 7.

If you’re someone who had their assessment period start after April 7, you would have seen your benefits rise as early as May 13.

But if your assessment period was before this, you will have had to wait longer to get the pay rise.

And some people have had to wait until today to receive the new 1.7% higher rate.

This is when you should have received a pay rise based on your assessment period:

  • March 28 to April 27 – increase applied in June, you’ll get it in your payment on June 1
  • March 29 to April 28 – increase applied in June, you’ll get it in your payment on June 2
  • March 30 to April 29 – increase applied in June, you’ll get it in your payment on June 5
  • March 31 to April 30 – increase applied in June, you’ll get it in your payment on June 6
  • April 1 to April 31 – increase applied in June, you’ll get it in your payment on June 7
  • April 2 to May 1 – increase applied in June, you’ll get it in your payment on June 8
  • April 3 to May 2 – increase applied in June, you’ll get it in your payment on June 9
  • April 4 to May 3 – increase applied in June, you’ll get it in your payment on June 10
  • April 5 to May 4 – increase applied in June, you’ll get it in your payment on June 11
  • April 6 to May 5 – increase applied in June, you’ll get it in your payment on June 12 (today)

NEW UNIVERSAL CREDIT RATES

Here is a full list of the new benefit rates for 2025-26:

Universal Credit standard allowance (monthly)

  • Single, under 25: £316.98 (up from £311.68)
  • Single, 25 or over: £400.14 (up from £393.45)
  • Joint claimants both under 25: £497.55 (up from £489.23)
  • Joint claimants, one or both 25+: £628.10 (up from £617.60)

Extra amounts for children

  • First child (born before April 6, 2017): £339 (up from £333.33)
  • Child born after April 6, 2017 or subsequent children: £292.81 (up from £287.92)
  • Disabled child (lower rate): £158.76 (up from £156.11)
  • Disabled child (higher rate): £495.87 (up from £487.58)

Extra for limited capability for work

  • Limited capability: £158.76 (up from £156.11)
  • Work-related activity: £423.27 (up from £416.19)

Carer’s element

  • Caring for a severely disabled person at least 35 hours a week: £201.68 (up from £198.31)

Work allowance increases

  • Higher work allowance (no housing): £684 (up from £673)
  • Lower work allowance (with housing): £411 (up from £404)

OTHER UNIVERSAL CREDIT NEWS

Councils across England have started dishing out help after receiving funding through the Household Support Fund (HSF).

And some are distributing support to those on benefits including Universal Credit.

Middlesbrough Council has started issuing payments worth up to £120 to those in need.

Meanwhile, households in Reading are in line to receive £125 vouchers in the coming weeks if they receive free school meals, which are paid to families on benefits including Universal Credit.

Each council in England decides who is eligible for a portion of funding individually.

However, in most cases you’ll qualify for help if you’re struggling to cover essential bills like energy and food.

Some local authorities are giving out help to those on benefits like Universal Credit, while others are assessing people’s eligibility purely based on income and not factoring in benefits.

Contact your council to find out what help is on offer. You can find what council area you fall under by visiting www.gov.uk/find-local-council.

Are you missing out on benefits?

YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to

Charity Turn2Us’ benefits calculator works out what you could get.

Entitledto’s free calculator determines whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credit and Universal Credit.

MoneySavingExpert.com and charity StepChange both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto’s data.

You can use Policy in Practice’s calculator to determine which benefits you could receive and how much cash you’ll have left over each month after paying for housing costs.

Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

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Nepo-baby daughter of A-list actress and Hollywood director wows at exhibition – can you guess her famous parents?

THIS nepo-baby looked incredible as she appeared at an exhibition in London last night.

And it’s no surprise, as the actress has grown up with very famous Hollywood parents.

Two women in contrasting dresses at the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition Preview Party.
This nepo-baby looked incredible as she appeared at an exhibition in London last night
Splash
Helena Bonham Carter and Nell Burton at the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition Preview Party.
Splash
She has very famous Hollywood parents[/caption]
Nell Burton and Helena Bonham Carter at the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition Preview Party.
Getty
Nell pictured beside her famous mother[/caption]

The 17-year-old was snapped in London at the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition Party.

And she looked absolutely stunning as she posed in a sweet pink dress beside her famous mother.

But can you guess who she is? Or who her famous parents are?

The young lady in question is Nell Burton, the daughter of Hollywood director Tim Burton and A-list star Helena Bonham Carter.

Nell made her first movie appearance as a toddler, as a Baby at Dock in the movie “Alice in Wonderland”, directed by her father Tim.

Her mother, Helena, played the Red Queen, starring opposite Johnny Depp as a Mad Hatter and Mia Wasikowska as Alice.

Nell was then seen as a Little Girl at the Train Station in the 2012 fantasy comedy “Dark Shadows”.

She also made an appearance as Girl at Park in the biographical drama “Big Eyes”, about the life of the painter Margaret Keane.

And she appeared as Unnamed classmate in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.

Tim and Helena met for the first time when he cast her to play in his 2001 movie “Planet of the Apes”, during which the two began their relationship.

Sweeney Todd actress Helena, 59, and Tim, 66, went on to have an unconventional marriage.

The couple famously lived together in adjoining houses in Belsize Park, North London, before knocking them together.

They had two children Billy, 22, and Nell, 17, but split in 2014.

They remained friends after the split with Helena branding the director “very generous”.

She said at the time: “You go through massive grief — it is a death of a relationship, so it’s utterly bewildering.

“Your identity, everything, changes.

“Luckily I’ve kept both houses. He was very generous.”

Helena is now with writer and academic Rye Dag Holmboe, who at 37 is 22 years her junior.

And Tim is with Bond girl and model Monica Bellucci, 66, who presented him with a lifetime achievement award at the Lumière Film Festival in Lyon in 2022.

Nell’s older brother has also made appearances in several of their father’s movies.

Tim Burton with his children and dog at the Rome Film Fest.
Getty
Both children have made appearances in their father’s films[/caption]
Two women in contrasting dresses at the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition Preview Party.
Splash
The pair were visiting a London arts exhibition[/caption]

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Major change impacting over 1.5million drivers could be confirmed TOMORROW – and saves you £200 a year

A HUGE change to motor laws could save drivers up to £200 – if Parliament approves it tomorrow. 

The major overhaul is expected to affect 1.5 million drivers across the UK.

Smiling young man driving a car.
Getty
A proposed change to motoring laws could save drivers hundreds of pounds[/caption]
Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons.
AFP
The Government is planning to slash VAT when charging Electric Vehicles[/caption]

On Friday, MPs will meet in the House of Commons to discuss slashing VAT when using electric charging points. 

The bill – named The Exemption from Value Added Tax (Public Electric Vehicle Charging Points) Bill – will be read for the second time in parliament tomorrow. 

Currently, motorists pay 20 per cent VAT when charging their electric vehicle, which means the new law could save drivers hundreds of pounds. 

According to data from Zapmap, EV drivers spend £1,690 on charging their cars per year. 

With the bill proposed by Labour, that cost could fall by a staggering £211 per year.

Daniel Kunkel, the CEO at sustainable energy company GRIDSERVE, said: “Removing VAT from public charging would be a significant move towards levelling the playing field and making EV ownership easier for everyone, no matter where they live.

“The current disparity between the 20 per cent VAT on public EV charging and the per cent on home charging puts a disproportionate financial burden on those without home charging facilities, which could affect more lower-income households.”

It is hoped that the move will encourage more drivers to give up diesel and petrol cars for good, as the Labour government continues to pursue its Net Zero goal. 

The UK has a legally binding obligation to hit the target by 2050, after the then-Prime Minister Theresa May signed the commitment into law. 

The plans to slash VAT costs for drivers come just days after Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered her spending review

In her speech, the Chancellor said she would be injecting a staggering £300 billion into public services. 

The defence sector and the NHS were the biggest beneficiaries, with the National Health Service receiving a huge £29 billion cash boost.

A staggering £39 billion will be injected into the housing sector, in a major drive to build social and affordable housing. 

The controversial Winter Fuel Payment cuts are being rolled back too, with three-quarters of pensioners being eligible for the seasonal payment once again. 

In a bid to support their Net Zero mission, the government also announced that construction would begin soon on a £14billion Sizewell C nuclear power plant – which will provide electricity for six million homes and create over 10,000 jobs.

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