2 days agoNew York StateComments Off on First look at harrowing Hollyoaks abuse plot as son violently attacks his dad in brutal scenes
HOLLYOAKS has shared a first look at a harrowing abuse plot which sees a son violently attack his dad.
The soap is highlighting child to parent abuse (CPA) in a dark storyline.
Channel 4 / Lime picturesHollyoaks has shared a first look at a harrowing abuse plot[/caption]
Channel 4 / Lime picturesIt centres on father and son Ste and Lucas Hay[/caption]
Viewers saw Lucas Hay (Oscar Curtis) violently lash out at dad Ste (Kieron Richardson) amid a tense argument.
After Lucas’ brain tumour operation, he had been concerned about boyfriend Dillon (Nathaniel Dass).
However, Ste insisted Lucas focus on his own recovery, rather than ask about his boyfriend.
While in the village, Ste spotted Dillon attempting to steal cash from Liberty Savage’s market stall.
Dillon rocked back and forth on the ground, while declaring that he needed more spice.
Upon seeing Ste, Dillon blamed him for his poor mental state.
Ste apologised for keeping Lucas and Dillon apart and for referring to Dillon as “just an addict”.
Realising it could help both Dillon and Lucas’ recovery, Ste invited him to live with the family.
But Lucas was left confused later on after Ste broke the news to him.
Ste explained how he’d told Dillon to break up with Lucas – as well as keep away during the operation and recovery.
Left furious, Lucas raged: “What kind of a dad does that? None of this is okay. You’ve messed with my whole life, Dad.”
The pair’s argument soon got more heated as they pushed each other.
This saw Lucas then get violent by punching dad Ste in the stomach.
Lived experience organisation PEGS (Parental Education Growth Support) have consulted with Hollyoaks on this storyline.
Michelle John, Founding Director of PEGS, said: “We’re proud to support Hollyoaks in bringing awareness to Child to Parent Abuse, taking a vital step towards this important issue being more widely recognised and spoken about.
“CPA is often hidden or misunderstood, and it’s vital that we start more conversations about what families are really experiencing behind closed doors.
“Being such a popular programme, we know that the Hollyoaks storyline will help parents who are experiencing abusive behaviours to feel more confident in asking for support from those around them.
“We’re also confident it will provoke these much-needed conversations among the wider public, and we thank the production team and the actors for their commitment to portraying the storyline in a sensitive and realistic manner.
Darkest soap storylines
Over the years the likes of EastEnders, Emmerdale and Coronation Street have all tried to try outdo each other with their outlandish plots in a bid to keep us tuning in each week. But here are some of the darkest that had fans in shock…
EastEnders: Tony grooming Whitney (2008-2009) – Tony King first appeared in Albert Square in 2008 as the boyfriend of Bianca, played by Patsy Palmer. But it was quickly revealed he was a paedophile who had been grooming vulnerable Whitney, Bianca’s adopted stepdaughter from a previous relationship, since she was 12. The shocking storyline attracted more than 200 complaints within a week of it beginning. Whitney waited until her 16th birthday to reveal the truth to a horrified Bianca, who called the police.
Emmerdale: Holly’s drug addiction and shock death (2010-2016) – In 2010, Holly Barton (played by Sophie Powles) became Emmerdale’s first teenage drug addict. The shocking storyline saw her taking cocaine on a night out before developing a deadly heroin habit. Parents John and Moira desperately tried to help get their daughter clean but when Holly returned in 2016, following a four-year absence, she quickly relapsed. Fans were left stunned and heartbroken when distraught Moira found Holly dead in her bed from a heroin overdose.
Hollyoaks: Luke’s rape (2000) – Actor Gary Lucy was just 17 when he took on this groundbreaking storyline, which saw his character Luke Morgan become soap’s first male rape victim. Luke had endured a long-running bullying campaign by football rival Mark Gibbs – who raped him after Luke stood up to him. Luke was left suicidal following the brutal attack, before opening up to his brother Adam. Gibbs was sentenced to eight years in prison. Gary won the Best Actor gong at the British Soap Awards in 2000 for his performance.
Coronation Street: Evil Richard Hillman (2001-2003) – Just a mere mention of ‘Richard Hillman’ is enough to send a shiver down the spines of soap fans. He is often ranked one of the most evil soap villains and it’s not hard to see why. The smooth-talking financial adviser bashed his ex-wife Patricia over the head with a shovel. In a bid to keep his mother-in-law Audrey quiet, he set fire to her house. And when Maxine caught him trying to murder Emily Bishop, he took a crowbar to her head. He made his exit from the cobbles in 2003 when he drove Gail Platt, played by Helen Worth, and her family into the canal. They survived, but he didn’t.
“Families experiencing CPA are not looking for blame to be placed upon their children, and this storyline reflects the need for early intervention, support and understanding as well as highlighting the complex emotions and challenges many families face.”
While Kieron Richardson, who plays Ste, previously said: “This storyline is one that as a parent is conflicting, as you would do anything for your kids.
“We often think of parents disciplining children, but what happens when the dynamic is reversed? It’s uncomfortable, it’s emotional, and it’s real.
We’ve worked closely with experts to make sure this is portrayed truthfully, and I hope it encourages the kind of conversations that might help families going through similar situations feel seen and supported.”
Channel 4 / Lime picturesDillon and Lucas are both going through recovery[/caption]
Channel 4Oscar Curtis has played Lucas since 2023[/caption]
Geoffrey KnottRichardson Hitchins challenged George Kambosos to a $50,000 bet[/caption]
Geoffrey KnottIt sparked a brawl on stage[/caption]
Geoffrey KnottHitchins trainer Lenny Wilson grabbed a chair[/caption]
And the American champion brought $50,000 (£42,500) cash on stage with him at their press conference to challenge Kambosos to a wager.
He said: “As far as George Kambosos, a lot of people want to say that – you know when they fight me a lot of guys game plan to go forward, hit him in the shoulder, break him down.
“That’s every guy’s f**cking game plan. I think that George Kambosos is at this level because obviously he’s got boxing skills. That’s what f***ed Teofimo up.
“Teofimo came at him as if he was just a regular guy and you know he ran into his face.
“Saturday night I’ll be right in front of him all night long and if he’s confident in himself, they say I’m easy work. I know for sure I’m confident in myself, I’ve been saying it since the face off.
“I want to bet $50,000. His dad said he got the bet, so hold up, he said bring the money. The money’s here, hold up.”
After Hitchins produced the cash – Kambosos alleged it was “fake” money causing the two camps to clash on stage.
And Kambosos’ dad and trainer Jim is said to have attacked Hitchins’ trainer Lenny Wilson in defence as security were forced to intervene.
Kambosos, 31, has only lost to Devin Haney and Vasiliy Lomachenko and stepped up to super-lightweight to beat Jake Wyllie in March.
Unbeaten Hitchins, 27, meanwhile won the title against Liam Paro in December to spoil an all-Aussie title bout against Kambosos.
Kambosos, the challenger again, said: “As you know, I love that underdog role, but there are no maybes, I’m doing this. There’s no fake stuff.
“I’m going to this home in a familiar place where I’m 2-0 already. This is the trifecta. Like Lenny said, the talk is finished and we don’t need to sit and talk.
“I’m coming here as the underdog and I’m coming here to win this fight. You have seen it before and I’m here to win this fight; whatever it takes there is no plan B.
“He’s the one who is making statements and saying he’s going to knock me out.
“We have our plans and have worked extremely hard in training camp and who knows maybe I will learn from him and run the whole fight.
“You know I can box and fight and dictate the fight to do whatever it takes. I can get knocked down and get back up again to win a championship fight.
“I’ve seen it all at the highest level and have been at the pinnacle and he isn’t. When you fight the best and beat the best and lose to the best you’re still here.
“This warrior is still here back at his favourite home grounds to do the trifecta in a Matchroom show and I never lost in America or a Matchroom show.”
Geoffrey KnottHitchins defends his IBF title[/caption]
2 days agoNew York StateComments Off on From souvenir stamps to different surnames: Five ways your passport could stop you boarding your flight
MILLIONS of Brits will be heading abroad in the next few months to make the most of the summer holidays.
However, thousands of families are also being caught out by a number of strict rules in place, which has seen them banned from their flight.
GettyStamps in your passport are just one of the ways you could be breaking the rules – and be banned from boarding your flight[/caption]
Most of the confusion comes down to not knowing all of the passport rules in place.
So we have explained the five ways that people are being forced to miss their holidays, all because they made a mistake with their passport.
Fake souvenir stamps
Some holiday destinations offer a souvenir in the form of a novelty stamp.
Places such as Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin,The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum in Japan, Machu Picchu and Ciudad Mitad del Mundo in Ecuador (where the equator runs through) are just some of the places offering the fake stamps.
However, don’t be tempted to put the stamps in your actual passport, and instead ask for them on a piece of paper instead.
One woman said she was stopped from entering Thailand after getting a stamp in Machu Picchu.
Another was banned from her flight to the US because of a Hello Kitty stamp in Taiwan.
Someone person on Reddit said they struggled to get a visa for India because of a novelty stamp, while another said they were banned from entering Malaysia for similar reasons.
While some places might not might the stamps, it is best not to risk putting them in your passport.
Novelty stamps are a huge risk to have in your passportAlamy
Strict anti-trafficking rules mean that border staff are required to ask for any documents that prove they are related to you, or you have permission to take them out of the country.
For example, if they are your children but you do not share their surname, you will need something like a marriage certificate alongside your passport.
Mum Eddi Fiegel was nearly banned from boarding their Eurostar home with their daughter from Disneyland Paris, as she was not married to her partner – so had a different surname to her.
And a family missed their Christmas holiday to South Africa because their son had a different name to the mum, and the dad wasn’t travelling with them.
An alternative option is a consent letter, sharing permission from their legal guardian although this may not be accepted in all countries.
Any minor damage (depending on country)
When it comes to damaged passports, the UK government cite the following as damage:
you cannot read any of your details
any pages are ripped, cut or missing
holes, cuts or rips in the cover
cover coming away
stains on the pages (for example, ink or water damage)
Any passport that falls under these rules will need to be replaced.
Indonesia is known for having some of the world’s most restrictive rules with a number of travellers banned from travelling to Bali.
One man said there was a “minuscule tear on the photo page, barely visible to the naked eye” while another person was told it was “too dirty” to be allowed.
Any tiny tears or spills on a passport is likely to get you banned from a holiday to Bali.
Vietnam is also just as strict, with the UK Foreign Office warning: “Your passport must have no damage.
“British nationals have been denied entry and exit due to passport damage.”
AlamyBali (pictured) along with Vietnam have some of the strictest rules[/caption]
Incorrect expiry date
One of the most common mistakes thousands of Brits are still making is having the correct expiry date on their passports.
Pre-Brexit rules allowed UK passports to have a validity of 10 years and nine months (rolling over unused months from the previous passport).
If you have a different start date to an expiry date, you might run into trouble, so make sure to add 10 years to your start date to find your correct expiry.
You will also need a few extra months on it depending which country you are travelling to.
AlamyMake sure you have enough empty blank pages to leave room for entry and exit stamps[/caption]
Not enough blank pages
If you are a frequent traveller, you might find your passport is getting a bit full.
For Europe, every country requires one full page, while countries including Germany, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Finland, Netherlands and Portugal require two pages.
One person on Reddit said they were told to get a new passport as they only had “three [blank] pages scattered about,” while another said they had to get an emergency passport in Bangkok after needing a full blank page to go to Laos.
One of the strictest is South Africa, which requires three blank pages.
Standard passports have 34 pages, so you might want to pay extra for a 54-page passport if you plan on travelling a lot.
2 days agoNew York StateComments Off on How Israel decapitated Iran’s military & nuke programme in just ONE NIGHT as years of planning revealed by IDF insiders
ISRAEL’S audacious blitz of Iran that killed top generals and targeted its nuclear sites took years of planning, IDF sources have revealed.
APSmoke rises above Tehran after an attack by Israel[/caption]
Incredible images appear to show Mossad commandos inside IranSmoke billows from a building in Tehran after the Israeli air strikeAFP
Israel dealt a major blow to Iran’s chain of command – with Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, the second-highest commander after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei among those eliminated.
Revolutionary Guard chief Hossein Salami and Gen. Gholamali Rashid, deputy commander in chief of the armed forces were also wiped out.
Their inglorious deaths came as Israel unleashed an unprecedented attack, dubbed Rising Lion, on Iran‘s nuclear sites – with blasts first heard in Tehran around 3.30am local time (1am BST).
Missiles pounded Iran’s main nuclear enrichment site, the Natanz atomic facility, and the regime’s ballistic missile arsenal.
At least six of Iran’s top nuclear scientists were killed during the sweeping assault.
Iran has already fired around 100 drones at Israel while vowing bloody revenge and warning strikes were a “declaration of war”.
Retired IDF general Miri Eisin today said Israel has been planning to blitz Iran for at least a decade – and this exact plot would have been months in the making.
Eisin, who advised Benjamin Netanyahu’s PM predecessor Ehud Olmert, told The Sun: “[The attack] is years in the making.
“But this is something which evolves, meaning it isn’t that the specific plan that is still being enacted today is necessarily the one that they started thinking of years ago.
“But Israel has been planning as a plan to attack the nuclear and projectile facilities for many years because of the Islamic regime’s threat.
“That plan evolved over the years, meaning you’re always looking at what happens in the Islamic regime, the new nuclear sites, the new capabilities that they built, and you have to adapt all of the time.”
Israel’s decision to strike comes after a senior diplomatic source in Jerusalem told The Sun Iran was “much closer than anyone can be comfortable with” in developing a nuclear weapon.
Fears have been rising internationally about Iran’s nuclear programme as its progress has become more and more cloak and dagger in recent years.
The UN watchdog this week confirmed the country is breaking its obligations for the first time in 20 years.
Their daring mission paved the way for Israeli forces to hammer 100 targets using 200 war jets – eliminating military chiefs and scientists and striking atom sites.
Which Iranian military chiefs and scientists have been killed?
ISRAEL has dealt a major blow to Iran's command chain - wiping out several of its top brass.
Key nuclear scientists have also been eliminated in Israel’s overnight strikes.
Those killed include:
Generals
Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, chief of staff of the armed forces and the second-highest commander after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Gen. Hossein Salami, commander in chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps
Gen. Gholamali Rashid, deputy commander in chief of the armed forces
Ali Shamkhan, key adviser and confidant of Khamenei
Amir Ali Hajizadeh, commander of the IRGC Aerospace Forces
Nuclear scientists
Fereydoun Abbasi, the former head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran
Dr Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, theoretical physicist and president of the Islamic Azad University in Tehran
Eisin, who served in the IDF for 20 years and has a background in military intelligence, said a combination of different security and intelligence capabilities would have spent months tracking senior commanders.
Speaking from Tel Aviv, she said: “You have to find them and you’re attacking them all at the exact same time.
“So it’s putting together that intel picture of where they are and knowing that at that specific time you’re getting all of them.
“In addition, you have to gather intel on all of the different nuclear sites and air defence sites and projectile sites. Those are three different elements.
“It’s the intel of knowing where they [commanders] are, and then it’s the operational decision of doing it, because you understand that they’re all where you want them to be simultaneously.
“It is very complex.”
An IDF source, speaking to The Sun in Israel earlier this year, said its forces had been working for months to clear the path for a major strike on Iran.
They told how three air campaigns in Iran have eliminated strategic aerial defences which were “the main obstacle” protecting the rogue nation’s nuke facilities.
The insider said the IDF has also worked to significantly downgrade the threat posed by Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthi – effectively leaving Iran isolated.
Iranian weapons systems are blown up by dronesAFPA building a that was hit by an Israeli strike in Tehran[/caption]
ReutersFire burns in a building damaged in an Israeli blast[/caption]
Vitally, this allowed Israeli aircraft to get to Iran’s borders without fear of being blasted.
The overnight attack is just the first phase of what is set to be two weeks of action aimed at ran’s atom threat.
IDF Brigadier General Effie Defrin today confirmed it will be a “long campaign” against Iran – but that the military was “well prepared” to continue until achieving its goal.
Eisin said the IDF will be continuing to gather intel and launching pre-emptive attacks.
She said: “It isn’t that we destroyed everything that Iran has. It’s the beginning of the campaign.
“I think that we will continue to attack. They will try to attack us.
“We have our defence systems, but it isn’t over. We’re still right at the beginning of this.”
Israel hoped to coordinate an attack with the US after enraged Donald Trump gave Iran 60 days to thrash out a nuclear deal – a deadline that passed on Wednesday night.
Trump had warned Israel not to undermine talks with Tehran that could jeopardise his administration’s efforts.
But Nadav Shtrauchler, who previously advised Netanyahu, said the PM wanted to cement his legacy.
He The Sun: “Eliminating Iran, the head of the snake, is his life mission.
“He sees them as the immediate threat and as today’s Nazis.
“He said that he will not stop until he strikes the head of the snake.
“And after so many years of planning it started with a very strong offensive opening.
“He planned it and waited for the right timing and I’m sure it was not an easy decision to go without the US – but it had come to a place that we had to do it.”
The US has publicly distanced itself from the Israeli operation and Trump today urged Iran to make a deal before it’s too late.
Writing on Truth Social, the president said: “I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal.
“There has already been great death and destruction, but there is still time to make this slaughter, with the next already planned attacks being even more brutal, come to an end.
“Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left.”
Commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Hossein Salami was killedGettyIranian Armed Forces Chief of Staff Major General Mohammad Bagheri was eliminatedAFP
Royal Ascot officially kicks off on June 17, ending on June 21.
Those still hunting for the perfect outfit should look no further than the Maxine Spot Chiffon Jumpsuit from Phase Eight.
Although you’ll see high fashion throughout all of Ascot, Ladies’ Day (June 19) is its own thing entirely.
This elegant Phase Eight jumpsuit is perfect for race day glamour with a contemporary twist.
The floaty one-piece is quickly becoming a must-have for race day wardrobes, with one shopper raving that they ‘can’t wait to wear it.’
The jumpsuit retails for £149 and is available in petite and regular lengths in sizes from 6 to 20.
Boasting latte-toned spots, the print is timeless and easily dressed up with accessories.
The chiffon fabric adds movement and a sense of occasion, while the wrap-style bodice and tie belt help to cinch the waist in, and the wide-leg silhouette flatters in all the right places.
One fan gave the chiffon jumpsuit a glowing 5-star review, writing:
“I love Phase Eight jumpsuits; they fit my proportions perfectly, and this one is no exception.
“Lovely for a summer wedding paired with the Olivia jacket, which will take me from the service to the reception and evening with ease. I can’t wait to wear it.”
A second happy shopper noted: “I bought the outfit for a wedding, and I also brought the matching hat. It feels and looks more expensive than it actually was.”
While a third buyer shared: “A beautiful jumpsuit, everything I expected from Phase Eight, great fit, and it’s very comfortable to wear, I bought it for a family wedding, worth every penny.”
Yes, Ascot’s official dress code allows for jumpsuits, provided they fall within the guidelines (having straps, skirts falling below the knee, etc).
For the Royal Enclosure, jumpsuits should be full-length and have straps of one inch or greater. In the Queen Anne and Village Enclosures, jumpsuits are also welcome as long as they’re smart and appropriate for a formal day event.
Ascot is famous for its formal dress codes, especially in the Royal Enclosure.
This means dresses above the knee are a no-go, as are strapless numbers or anything sheer.
Modest looks that are tailored and elegant are encouraged.
Although rules have relaxed in recent years, smart daywear is still essential. No formal dress code applies during the Jumps season.
Do you have to wear a hat to Ladies Day at Ascot?
While each enclosure will have its own dress code, it is generally a rule of thumb for ladies to wear a hat, headpiece or fascinator at all times.
For men, it varies, but in the Royal Enclosure, men must wear a black, grey, or navy top hat with morning dress.
Online at Ascot, it is stated: “If your National Dress does not include a hat or headpiece, then you do not need to wear one. Religious headdress is permitted in place of a hat or headpiece.”
2 days agoNew York StateComments Off on Brit tourist missing in Brazil after suddenly vanishing from his AirBnb – leaving belongings and passport behind
A BRIT tourist has disappeared in Brazil with his passport and belongings left untouched at his AirBnb.
Denis Kopanev, 33, who works as a financial analyst in London, was last spotted on CCTV leaving the rental on Monday.
Jam PressDenis Kopanev, 33, has disappeared while travelling in Brazil[/caption]
Jam PressHis loved ones have not heard from him since Monday[/caption]
Jam PressHis last known location was very close to his AirBnb[/caption]
Denis, who is Russian with British citizenship, was staying at the trendy neighbourhood of Gávea in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s capital city.
He was supposed to travel to São Paulo the following day to meet an American friend.
The pair had planned to visit Fernando de Noronha – a volcanic archipelago about 215 miles off Brazil‘s northeastern coast.
But Denis’ family and friends have not heard from him since Monday.
The last location shown on his phone is the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon – close to his AirBnb in Rio.
He never checked out of the property and his passport and belongings were found in the room.
His disappearance was registered at the local police station on Wednesday.
Denis’ best friend Benone Moura said the analyst loves Brazil and visits the country often – his last visit being six months ago.
Benone considers his disappearance to be out of character.
He said his friend, with whom he last spoke on Sunday, never travelled without letting loved ones know beforehand.
His family has been in contact with the British Embassy.
A report has been filed, but the family are yet to receive any news.
Denis’ disappearance is being investigated by the Rio de Janeiro Whereabouts Discovery Unit (DDPA).
He was last seen on CCTV wearing a beige jacket and trousers, a dark baseball cap and a white shirt.
It comes as Brit tourist Ashton Jones, 29, was found in a hospital undergoing emergency brain surgery after vanishing on a night out in the Thai capital of Bangkok.
Doctors there believe Ashton, who suffers from epilepsy, was attacked.
Ashton’s family in Cwmbran, Wales, were “worried sick” when they learnt the news.
His cousin Sophie told The Sun: “It’s heartbreaking because we’re all really close.
“We’re shocked and going out of our minds because we don’t know what’s going on.
Denis was meant to meet a friend in São Paulo on TuesdayJam Press
However, they may well have to act swiftly to complete a deal, with Sky Sports reporting that Tottenham have held talks with Brentford over a deal for Mbeumo.
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The report adds that Mbeumo is said to be more keen to consider a move to Tottenham following the appointment of Frank.
Byran Mbeumo has attracted interest from Manchester United and Brentford (Picture: Getty)
Frank brought Mbeumo to Brentford from French club Troyes in 2019, with the Cameroon international spending two seasons in the Championship before helping the Bees get promoted to the top-flight.
The 25-year-old enjoyed his best season in a Brentford shirt last season and has 70 goals in 242 total appearances for the club.
Spurs may struggle to compete with United when it comes to wages, however, with Amorim’s side willing to pay Mbeumo a whopping £200,000-a-week.
