3 hours agoNew York StateComments Off on Gemma Collins reveals her ambitions to become a Dame after charming King Charles and Queen Camilla
GEMMA Collins has opened up about her ambitions to become a Dame after charming King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Speaking as she launches her new Ladies’ Day Ascot campaign with betting giants Paddy Power the reality TV queen, who is pictured being fed grapes on a regal chaise longue by fellow ambassador ex England footballer Peter Crouch, thinks she’s due an honours one day.
Racing PostGemma Collins has opened up about her ambitions to become a Dame after charming King Charles and Queen Camilla[/caption]
PAGemma previously met the King and Queen Camilla in 2023 when she attended The Animal Ball[/caption]
Gemma, 44, revealed: “Of course I’d love it to be made a Dame, but I don’t think it’s going to happen just yet.
“One day that is the dream. It would just be the best thing that could ever happen.
“After years of entertaining the public, I believe that I should get the title Dame Gemma Collins and it’s just so funny because I’m sure this is what Charles’ mum would have wanted.”
Gemma previously met the King and Queen Camilla in 2023 when she attended The Animal Ball, but confesses that the Royals sought her out and invited her.
She said: “I love the royals. King Charles requested for me to meet him back in 2023. Clarence House called me because they wanted to get in touch with a British icon who is the mood of the nation.
“I dressed in Valentino and went to Lancaster House, in London. “Charles was great fun, and very funny, I called him King of the Planet because I really admire him for all the work he does for the animals .
“Personally, I think he’s very down to earth. Obviously they’re super posh because they’re the Royal family. Camila was lovely. We had a good old chat.”
Gemma, known as The GC to fans, feels she could play a role of agony aunt to Charles amid his fallout with youngest son Prince Harry.
Gemma explained: “I think Charles does need to mend his relationship with Prince Harry, life is too short. We do not know what’s around the corner.
“I didn’t know I was gonna get stopped in my tracks with viral pneumonia a couple of weeks ago.
“So I just think we’ve got one life, life is short and we all need to forgive in our hearts.
“There is so much sadness in the world at the minute. You can really feel the energy. I just think life is short. We do not know if we’re going to wake up tomorrow.
“And honestly, like so much time is wasted on pettiness.
“I think the king is so cool and the nation would love to see him reunite with Harry. He’s like the naughty child. You never know the truth, but I hope they can repair and heal.”
Gemma is delighted to be working with Paddy Power ahead of Royal Ascot’s Ladies Day next Thursday. It comes after she was their guest of honour at Cheltenham Races in March.
She said: I’m loving working with Paddy Power. And they’re really fun and I’ve just been so lucky like the campaigns we’ve been doing are just such a vibe.
“It all started when Paddy Power invited me to Cheltenham, as I’ve gotten older I like to say yes to a lot more things. I’m so happy they called because I literally shut it down.
“People just didn’t expect to see me in Cheltenham and women should be able to go to these horse races too.
“I feel like some women are just meant to be there to be dressed up, but it’s really cool for women to have a little flutter on the horses, why should men have all the fun?
“Horse-racing is really blokey, but I’m here to shut that down. Women rule the world.
“Everyone can get the Royal treatment at Ascot. Paddy Power does things differently, they’re full of mischief and entertainment.”
She added: “I met Peter Crouch – he was very nice, tall and gentlemanly.”
She said: “I love David Beckham. I loved his Hugo Boss campaign and I was breathless without pneumonia. I think he deserves this knighthood so much. He deserves everything good coming to him. He’s so down to earth.
“Funnily enough, I see his mum Sandra a lot in Epping. I don’t disturb her. She goes to the same cafe as me. I just look at her and think, ‘God, you must be walking on cloud nine, having such an amazing son.’
“I love the fact he’s got into country life. I always remember him queuing when the Queen passed away. It shows respect on such a level and he is a great role model to young boys, young men and children growing up today.”
Racing PostGemma, known as The GC to fans, feels she could play a role of agony aunt to Charles amid his fallout with youngest son Prince Harry[/caption]
GettyGemma shared her thoughts on David Beckham’s Knighthood news[/caption]
3 hours agoNew York StateComments Off on I’m an interiors expert – four hacks to get the Love Island ‘look’ in your home
LOVE Island is officially back on our screens, which means we’ll all be spending the summer watching contestants compete in their quest to find true love.
While the show is ready to turn heads with new twists and more drama, and plenty of coupling up, there’s one thing that remains loyal — the iconic look of the Villa.
ITVStars stay in the iconic Villa in Sant Llorenç des Cardassar[/caption]
ITVAnd experts have revealed how you can recreate the Villa look at home[/caption]
ITVAnd it won’t cost a fortune to make your space look like a real villa bombshell[/caption]
ITVThere are four easy ways you can incorporate the look[/caption]
As always, stars in the 2025 series are staying in the swanky Villa in Mallorca, on the east coast of the island in Sant Llorenç des Cardassar.
But it had undergone a makeover for the tenth year anniversary to make sure it’s bigger than ever with glam touch-ups.
This year, there is a new, supersized hideaway, walk-in wardrobes, an exercise bike and a steamy hot tub beside the huge pool.
A purple theme has also been added and extended through to the fire pit, while the rooms have been touched up with gold furnishings.
Even though you might not be able to install a built-in hot tub or pool in your own garden, there are still ways you can ‘crack on’ and add a touch of Love Island luxury to your home.
Interior experts have revealed that there are a few clever design choices that will serve up a vibe that’s trendy and timeless.
And they are surprisingly easy for anyone who loves the popular ITV show.
Paint and interiors expert Lucy Steele from Valspar Paint shared her four tips for helping your space look like a real villa bombshell.
Go bright or go home
Lucy has said that an essential tip for nailing the Love Island look at home is by pairing bright whites with pops of bold colour.
She explained: “The interior of the Villa uses lots of brilliant whites as an easy backdrop for the bursts of fun colours throughout the space.
“Regularly using bold pinks, blues and butter yellows in the colour scheme of the Villa makes for a fun and playful aesthetic.
“If you already have neutral walls at home, you can achieve this by using the iconic colour trio to paint feature walls.
“Or simply coat doorframes and mirror frames for an instant refresh.”
Firepit drama
No Love Island-inspired garden would be complete without the legendary fire pit.
So if you want to recreate the look of the Villa in your own space, then you definitely need to pick up one of these.
Lucy said: “This is an absolute must for the home, and it’s actually fairly cheap to recreate.
“In more basic styles, you can get a fire pit for as little as £20 in standard retailers like B&Q.
“For a full-on Love Island garden vibe, add string fairy lights, sun loungers, and a splattering of colour-blocked cushions in the same blue, pink and yellow colour scheme.
“You may also want to coordinate the colour of your outdoor furniture with natural wood and whites.
“An easy way to achieve this cohesive look without splashing the cash is by painting your existing garden furniture with exterior paint, helping you stay loyal to the look.”
ITVThe experts say every Love Island fan should have a fire pit in their home[/caption]
Pop art inspo
This is a fairly new one, but pop art goes perfectly with the theme of the Love Island Villa.
Lucy advises: “Pop art was introduced to the design of the Villa fairly recently, and it works perfectly with the colour scheme throughout.
“Pop art prints are relatively low cost, or you could DIY your own to give your space a cheeky, flirtatious edge.
“Pop Art is a great way to add the Love Island look to your casa at a low cost.
“And it can also be easily changed in the future to new and exciting art pieces.”
The five colours that are becoming outdated in 2025
IT'S important to make sure that when you update your space, you create a look that won’t quickly become outdated.
With that in mind, interior designers have revealed the five colours that are beginning to fade now that we are halfway into 2025.
Interior pro Paulina Wojas from Stunning Chairs has said that 2025 is all about creating warm, inviting places.
Emerald Green – “While this colour is still loved for its luxe vibe, its declining popularity could be due to it being oversaturated”.
Camel – “This could be due to Camel’s brown-yellow undertone that may be too warm for a clean aesthetic, and 2025 interior trends favouring more muted, earthy tones such as taupe and olive.”
Burgundy – “A prominent trend this year is open, airy spaces with organic elements, which could explain burgundy’s declining demand”.
Scarlet Red – “While its vibrant hue is desirable for maximalist interiors, scarlet red’s intensity can become overpowering, resulting in colour fatigue.
Teal – “While this aquatic shade is still desirable and perfect for coastal, Greek-inspired interiors, the low number of teal sales could be due to changing preferences and trends shifting towards warmer colour palettes.”
I’ve got a text… it says you need neon!
According to the experts, anyone looking to bring the vibe of the Villa into their home needs to bring in touches of neon.
Lucy explains: “Neon lights are an absolute must-have to achieve the Love Island look at home.
“Think playful phrases, a neon heart above your bed, or a cheeky cocktail sign for the garden.
“Neon is glam, Insta-ready, and surprisingly affordable.
“Plus, it’ll give your space that unmistakable glow.
“It’s perfect for setting the mood for your next pre-coupling party!”
ITVNeon signs are a ‘must have’ if you want to receate the villa vibe[/caption]
3 hours agoNew York StateComments Off on Netflix reveal huge list of movies and TV shows being axed next month – with some children’s favourites in the mix
NETFLIX has revealed a huge list of movies and TV shows it plans to axe next month, and there are some children’s favourites in the mix.
The Secret Life Of Pets and The Secret Life Of Pets 2, which are popular with the younger crowd, will no longer be available to watch.
ReutersNetflix has revealed a huge list of movies and TV shows it plans to axe next month, and there are some children’s favourites in the mix[/caption]
And there are a series of horrors getting the chop too.
Resident Evil: Vendetta, Black Knight: The Man Who Guards Me and The Walk will no longer be available to watch on the streaming service.
And hit 2022 release Elvis is also being given the boot.
But if you’re keen to cast your eye on some of the titles being axed before they go, you still have time to do so.
Netflix will start getting rid of the various TV shows and films from July 1 through to July 7, meaning the cull will take place over a week, with different titles going on different days.
3 hours agoNew York StateComments Off on Abu Yusupov dead at 39: Undefeated boxer stabbed to death after altercation in train station
THE BOXING world is mourning the tragic loss of Abu Yusupov.
The Russian was tragically stabbed to death in Berlin on Tuesday following a dispute with a group of people, it’s been claimed.
Boxer Abu Yusupov has died aged 39 after being stabbed in BerlinINSTAGRAM@ABU_DER_WOLFThe undefeated Russian was stabbed in the neck after a dispute with a group of people at Gesundbrunnen train station[/caption]
INSTAGRAM@ABU_DER_WOLFThe Chechen succumbed to his injuries in the hospital[/caption]
According to Tagesspiegel, the 39-year-old was stabbed in the neck with a knife during the altercation at Gesundbrunnen train station.
Police are said to have tried to resuscitate the Chechen before an ambulance transported him to the hospital.
But the undefeated Yusupov tragically succumbed to his injuries.
News of Yusupov’s passing travelled fast and sparked scores of tributes from fight fans worldwide.
One wrote: “Rest in peace to a true fighter, both in the ring and in life.
“Your strength, heart, and friendship will never be forgotten.
“You may be gone, but your spirit will keep swinging with us forever.”
Another wrote: “Rest up.”
INSTAGRAM@ABU_DER_WOLFTributes have poured in for the late Abu Yusupov, who leaves behind a wife and three children[/caption]
And another wrote with a praying ah da emoji: “RIP.”
One remarked: “We would like to express our deep sympathy and condolences to the bereaved. R.I.P. Champion”
Another said: “May he rest in peace.”
The WBC also paid tribute, writing: “WBC mourns the passing of Abu Yusupov
“Undefeated Chechen boxer Abu Yusupov (9-0-1), 39, was fatally stabbed in Berlin, Germany.
“In his most recent bout last January, he defeated Giorgi Kandelaki by decision.
“Abu is survived by his wife and three young children.
“His story of perseverance and love for boxing will forever be etched in our sport.
“The entire WBC family and its President, Mauricio Sulaiman, send our deepest condolences to Abu’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
The late Yusupov made his professional debut back in 2020, scoring a 39-second knockout of Benjamin Kunz.
He’d go on to register eight more wins, six of which came by way of stoppage.
His last outing took place in January and saw him register a decision victory over Giorgi Kandelaki in a six-round affair.
Berlin police are currently investigating the tragic circumstances which led to Yuspov’s passing.
3 hours agoNew York StateComments Off on I was celebrating baby scan when my world fell apart – I woke up covered in blood & glass… with my family gone forever
IT WAS supposed to be a celebration of new life, but the day of Robin Du Plessis’ baby scan became one that would haunt her forever.
Clutching the envelope containing the gender of their unborn baby, her fiancé Willem was driving Robin and their daughter Shylo, just hours after their ultrasound.
SuppliedRobin Du Plessis welcomed her daughter Roane in February but it was with a heavy heart[/caption]
She had lost her partner Willem and her daughter Shylo on a day that played out like a ‘terrible dream’Supplied
They had been to visit Robin’s mother, who was organising their surprise gender reveal party, to deliver the envelope with their unborn baby’s sex on it.
In August last year, their car was involved in a terrible crash that claimed the life of Willem and their daughter Shylo.
Robin, 31, says: “It was such a horrific accident and I can’t believe we have lost them both.
“I then had to give birth to our daughter Roane on my own, and I’m bringing up my two boys without Willem.
“When their little sister grows up, I’m going to tell her all about her amazing dad and little sister.
“I will make sure they are never forgotten.”
In the days leading up to the tragedy, the couple were thrilled to be expecting again, and were looking forward to their upcoming gender reveal party.
Robin, who lives in South Africa, says: “I was 16 weeks pregnant, and more than anything I wanted to have a gender reveal party.
“I’d never had one before, even though I’d already given birth to three children, but this pregnancy was going to be my last baby and I wanted to do something special.”
The couple had met in June 2020, and Robin says she felt an ‘instant spark’ between them.
“After a few months we decided to go for a drink together one night after work, and from then on we became a couple,” she recalls.
“He was my soulmate. My Mr Right. I felt a depth of love that I’d never felt for anyone before. And he felt the same about me. It was as though we didn’t need anyone else but each other.”
The couple welcomed their daughter, Shylo, a couple of years later in 2022.
“Willem was the most amazing dad,” she says. “He doted on Shylo and he was amazing to my two boys from a previous relationship.
“I couldn’t believe my luck in finding him. It was as though it was meant to be. We were crazy about each other.
“We spent night after night outside our house with a campfire, just talking and looking up at the stars. And talking about our future together as a family.”
Robin has described Willem as her ‘soulmate’ and says he was a wonderful fatherSuppliedSuppliedShe held her daughter Shylo for 45 minutes while she took her final breaths[/caption]
The couple had been trying for another baby when Robin sadly suffered a miscarriage in 2023.
“I was convinced that something had been wrong for me to have lost it like that,” she says.
“It had never happened to me before, and I’d been distraught over it.
“So when I found out I’d fallen pregnant again, the following year Willem was thrilled, but I was so anxious in case it happened again.
“I was scared, but he was convinced it was going to be alright.”
Day of disaster
Robin told her mum that she wanted a gender reveal party and she said she would organise it.
So at 16 weeks pregnant, on August 30, 2024, the couple drove over to the hospital to have a scan.
Robin says: “We’d brought the kids with us.
“I lay on the scanning table and the doctor ran the scanner over my stomach.
“The heartbeat was strong and clear. It was so tempting to ask what we were having, but we asked the doctor to write it on a piece of paper whether it was a boy or girl, and we sealed it up.
“There was no way we were going to spoil the surprise at our reveal party.”
In total shock I looked at Willem, and he had blood coming out of the side of his mouth
Robin Du Plessis
On the way back from the hospital, the couple called in at Robin’s mum’s house and handed over the envelope so that she could organise the right colour for the reveal.
“We’d brought her some shopping too, and we told her about the scan and how it had gone,” Robin says.
“We talked about who we were going to invite, but I was leaving it up to her to organise. I couldn’t wait.
“After a while we said our goodbyes, and we all got in the car to drive home.
“We lived about an hour from mum, and it was dark driving on the highway.
“Everyone was tired, and we just couldn’t wait to get home.”
The family were about halfway home in an area called Dalmas at around 9pm when they saw some headlights in the rear view mirror.
“There was a car heading towards us,” Robin says.
“It looked like it was coming up fast behind us. We didn’t even have time to say anything before I felt a massive bang.
You can also always speak to your GP if you’re struggling.
You’re Not Alone
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“The next thing I knew I found myself on the road behind our car.
“Dazed and confused, I looked around. There was shattered glass everywhere.”
The car behind the family had crashed into the back of them but the driver had fled the scene.
“I crawled around to the front of the car,” Robin says.
“Willem, one of my boys, and Shylo had also been thrown out of the car on impact.
“My other son was the only one left in the car.
Just 45 minutes later, Shylo took her last breath in my arms
Robin Du Plessis
“In total shock I looked at Willem, and he had blood coming out of the side of his mouth.
“He wasn’t moving. I knew that he was gone. The boys were ok, with just cuts and bruises.
“But Shylo lay there motionless. Not my baby too.
“I knew there was nothing I could do for Willem, but Shylo was barely alive. I cradled her in my arms, tears pouring down my face.”
Tragic last breath
A couple of passers-by stopped by the wreckage and called an ambulance, but for Shylo it was too late.
“Just 45 minutes later, Shylo took her last breath in my arms,” the mum recalls.
“The ambulance arrived two hours later, and they couldn’t revive her. I’d lost both my husband and my beautiful daughter, just like that they were gone.
“It just seemed like some terrible dream.”
The ambulance took Robin and the two boys to hospital where they were checked over.
“I didn’t know if my unborn baby had survived,” she says. “But they did a scan and the heartbeat was still there.
“Willem had been right about one thing, when he had told me this baby was going to be ok.”
Dazed and confused, I looked around. There was shattered glass everywhere
The boys had X-rays and scans too and luckily it showed they had no broken bones.
While she and her baby were unharmed, Robin struggled with the heartbreak of losing her family while trying to carry on with her pregnancy.
She says: “I didn’t know how I was going to be able to carry on without Willem and Shylo. My soulmate and my daughter were gone.
“I went through the rest of my pregnancy in my blur.
“My bump was growing, but Willem wasn’t there to see it.
“I just felt numb through it all. What should have been such a happy time was so empty for me.
“I could feel the baby kicking, and wanted to share it with him so badly.”
Robin delivered their daughter Roane in February this year.
“Willem should have been there by my side,” she says.
“He would have loved to have had another daughter. He’d been so excited about this baby, and he’d never even gotten to know she was a girl.
“I wish with all my heart that he’d been able to meet her. But I’ll make sure she always knows how special her dad and sister were.”
SuppliedRobin says that she will make sure that Shylo and her dad’s memories are kept alive[/caption]
3 hours agoNew York StateComments Off on At least three people have been shot at the homes of Minnesota Democrats in overnight attacks by a gunman posing as cop
AT least three people have reportedly been shot at the homes of Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota in a series of attacks overnight.
Law enforcement have issued a shelter in place order in and around Brooklyn Park as they hunt for a gunman believed to be impersonating a police officer.
Fox 9Brooklyn Park shelter-in-place after multiple shootings, suspect may be impersonating police[/caption]
BPPDThe shelter-in-place order from Brooklyn Park Police was issued in the early hours of Saturday morning[/caption]
The first shooting was reported in Champlin just after 2 am local time at the home of State Senator John Hoffman.
Two people, a man and a woman, are reported to have been shot at the residence but their identities have not been confirmed, per BNO News.
This was followed by another shooting about eight miles south in Brooklyn Park at the home of another Democratic lawmaker who has not been named.
They are believed to be a state representative and at least one man was shot there.
At 5:30 am an alert was sent to residents by Brooklyn Park Police saying: “Police are looking for a suspect in multiple targeted shootings who is armed and dangerous.
“Suspect is white male, brown hair, wearing black body armor over blue shirt and blue pants and may misrepresent himself as law enforcement.”
The shelter in place order is currently being enforced in the three mile radius of Edinburgh Golf Course.
It is believed the suspect is wearing armor and could still be impersonating law enforcement.
Residents are urged to call 911 and stay away if they see the suspect.
No official statement has been made by law enforcement.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has confirmed that he has been briefed on the situation.
Taking to X, Walz said: “I’ve been briefed this morning on an ongoing situation involving targeted shootings in Champlin and Brooklyn Park.
“The Minnesota Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement are on the scene.
“We will share more information soon.”
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.
3 hours agoNew York StateComments Off on Atletico Madrid ‘make Andy Robertson top target’ and Liverpool star could instantly become Trent Alexander-Arnold rival
LIVERPOOL could be set to lose a second top star to a Madrid rival after Atletico Madrid reportedly made Andy Robertson their top target.
The Reds are already reeling from the loss of right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid and could now be forced to deal with the loss of left-back Robertson in the same window.
GettyAndy Robertson has been made a top target by Atletico Madrid[/caption]
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Spanish giants, neighbours to Alexander-Arnold ‘s new employers Real, have internally identified him as an ideal candidate for them.
3 hours agoNew York StateComments Off on Surprising £1 item helps to remove oil from the surface of your paddling pool – you don’t have to do any work
THE temperatures are rising and the Sun is shining which means Brits will be digging out their paddling pools from garden shed and garages.
But after washing it and filling it up with water, it can still be unsuitable to play in for kids as oil can collect on the surface.
GettyPadding pools could collect oil on surface from sunscreen and sebum[/caption]
GettyTennis balls are the cheap and easy way to absorb oil from the pool surface[/caption]
However, you don’t need to refill your paddling pool every time that happens.
instagramLauren Goodger showed off her curves as she filmed Towie[/caption]
instagramThe reality star sizzled in her sexy swimwear[/caption]
Lauren was one of the original cast of Towie – seen here in 2010Rex
Towieis back with a brand new series on ITV2 and ITVX later this year, and the cast are busy filming it now.
Lauren has been keeping fans up-to-date with how filming is going, and shared some sizzling swimsuit snaps.
Taking to her Instagram Stories she posted two pics of her looking incredible in her one-piece.
The beachwear showed off her curves, and her impressive tan.
Lauren wrote on one of the snaps: “Feel so much better with a tan.
The cast flew out earlier this month to shoot the new series.
Our show insider said at the time: “It’s gearing up to be one of the show’s most extravagant overseas shoots to date.
Lauren’s relationship with Mark Wright played out on the original series of TowieRex
“Fans are being promised big moments, bold fashion, and plenty of unexpected twists.
“The cast themselves are already in prep mode – from glam squad bookings and outfit fittings to storyline planning.
“There’s a real buzz building around this trip, and it’s clear the team are treating it as a major tentpole in the Towie calendar.”
The Sun revealed how the new series involves a production team of over 95 people, which makes it one of the largest international operations the show has ever undertaken.
The show is being filmed in a five star luxury resort that has only just opened.
Series 36 is due to air later this year as it makes a return to ITV2 and ITVX.
