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Love Island hunk reveals link to ‘cheeky’ new girl Helena Ford and tips her to be a hit in the villa
LOVE Island beauty Helena Ford has wasted no time making her mark on the new series.
Just days into the show she snuck to the Hideaway with Harry Cooksley despite him being partnered with Shakira Khan.
The early visit to the snug room certainly proved air hostess, 29, certainly isn’t scared of going for what she wants.
And a Love Island 2024 hunk has tipped her to go far in the series, claiming she ticks all the boxes that producers look for.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun, Munveer Jabbal said: “I actually know one of the girls in there, Helena Ford, from years back. So it’ll be good to see how she gets on.
“It’s been a few years since I’ve seen Helena, so I don’t know what she’s like now, but I think she suits it.
“She’ll do all right. They obviously look for certain type of people that are quite outgoing, a little bit cheeky. And I think Helena fits that description, so I think she’ll be more than okay.”
The show’s boss, Mike Spencer, was certainly impressed by Helena after meeting her on a flight a few years ago.
He called her “really, really fun”.
Meanwhile, Munveer, who found himself in a friend couple with Patsy Field last year, is in a very happy place a year after his villa experience.
He went public with stunning girlfriend Maddie seven months after being dumped rom the show.
Now, the 31-year-old Surrey lad has spoken about their relationship for the first time in an exclusive interview with The Sun.
“I did go on a few dates post Love Island,” said Munveer. “I quickly realised that these aren’t the type of girls that I want to be with long term. I eventually met my current girlfriend.
“I found a lot of good qualities. We shared the same values and morals and that kind of stuff. Comes from good stock, good family. It just felt right.
“Even though I wasn’t expecting to jump into something, that connection felt genuine when I compare it to the other initial dates that I went on.”
Like many modern day love stories, Munveer and Maddie got to know each other through Instagram.
She sent him a request and Munveer wasted no time sliding into her DMs.
Sparks quickly flew but both parties approached the hard launch with caution.
It wasn’t until December that the private pair went Instagram official, and the joint posts since have been few and far between.
Slowing things down went against Munveer’s natural instincts.
He admits: “To be honest with you, I fall in love so quickly.
“I’ve always been like that. When I’m set on someone, I’m like 100 miles per hour. I think that’s my kryptonite, my downfall.”
Unlike many villa romances, Munveer and Maddie aren’t rushing to move in together even though they already spend plenty of time with one another.
“We definitely talk about those things,” says Munveer.
“It’s probably a bit too soon. There’s been where she comes and doesn’t leave for two or three weeks. The flat is literally upside down, which is always fun.
“But I think long-term, you look at your potential partner and you want those things. To be able to live together, buy a house together, all the rest of it. I wouldn’t go into something lightly without knowing these things.”
Love Island legend ditches her underwear and reveals intimate tattoo in sexy dress at Parklife Festival
FORMER Love Island star Anna Vakili has pulled out all the stops – and tan lines – and flashed a saucy bit of skin in a slashed dress.
The reality TV contestant dared to bare in a figure-hugging cut-out number at Manchester‘s Parklife Festival.
The brunette bombshell showed off her intimate tattoo in the revealing black cut-away dress as she enjoyed her day out.
Held at Heaton Park, the Love Island star, 34, looked high-fashion at the two-day event where acts including 50 Cent, Charli XCX and Rudimental performed.
The podcaster wore her long dark highlighted hair slicked back into a chic ponytail with gold hoops earrings.
Wearing natural glossy make-up, the star looked more red carpet primed than down-and-dirty festival ready.
Reality star Anna was joined at the music spectacular by reality stars Matilda Draper and Demi Sims at SHEIN‘s VIP party.
She was joined by her sister Mandi who looked equally glam in a strapless blue mini dress and trainers.
They mingled amongst fellow Love Islanders including Nicole Samuel, Jessy Potts, Kaz Crossley and Matilda Draper.
Also on hand were Towie’s Frankie and Demi Sims looking dressed to impress.
Vakili shot to fame after appearing on Love Island in 2019 – but she failed to find love in the villa.
She has since been in an on-off relationship with boyfriend Cowslick.
However, they’ve recently split shortly after getting back together.
Earlier this year, she revealed that she’d dropped out of the last series of All Stars Love Island at the last minute.
She explained that even though she went through the whole process to appear on the ITV2 show – including multiple meetings and STD and drug testing – it wasn’t for her again.
Looking for serious love, she told fans that she decided against it saying ‘the kind of man I want to settle down with wouldn’t really want a woman that’s going on Love Island’.
Anna recently posted a photo in a hospital gown, and revealed she’d completed her first round of egg freezing.
The pharmacist admitted that although appearing on the 2019 series changed her life for the better financially, returning to the show would be “greedy”.
“The guy that I would want to marry now, would look down on that ‘why you on there snogging different guys in a bikini’.
“I’m a 34-year-old woman.”
It comes after Anna spoken candidly about a series of botched procedures she had in the hope of getting her ‘perfect’ body.
She also revealed how much money she has wasted and what she has had done including three BBLs [Brazilian Bum Lift] and a boob job.
Along with her sister Mandi, the pair host the popular podcast Sisters In The City.
Victoria Beckham and Mollie King pay sweet Father’s Day tributes with heartfelt messages as celebs follow suit
HAPPY Father’s Day wishes have been shared from a number of celebrities including Victoria Beckham and ex-The Saturdays singer Mollie King.
In amongst the sweet tributes there were also some poignant ones as many remembered people they had lost.
Victoria Beckham, 51, shared a video and photo montage of husband David, 50, with their four children — Brooklyn, 26, Romeo, 22, Cruz, 22, and Harper Seven, 13.
She wrote next to the post: “Happy Father’s Day to the best daddy there is! You always lead with love and our four beautiful children are a reflection of that. We all love you so so much!!”
Victoria then tagged all of her children in the heartfelt post.
The video shared by the fashion designer sees David sitting beside Brooklyn, Cruz and Harper, all snuggled up on a sofa.
They’re enjoying drinks while singing Sherry by The Four Seasons, and all look in great spirits.
David attempts to sing too low at one point in the clip, leading Brooklyn to break out into laughter.
Most notably included in the post was their eldest son Brooklyn, who is rumoured to be feuding with his parents.
One person commented: “I always thought he was a very present father, with strong life values, loving but authoritative but also strict. Together you raised four “healthy” young adults and I think that in your world it is not easy unfortunately. Good job!”
A second person penned: “Happy Father’s Day to your wonderful husband,” and a third said: “No matter what is happening with Brooklyn you will still protect him at all cost! Nothing but respect for you.”
Also sharing their love was ex-The Saturdays singer Mollie King, 38, who posted a loving tribute to her partner, Stuart Broad, 38, with whom she shares Annabella, two, and baby Liliana, born in January.
She wrote: “Just when I thought I couldn’t love you more, you became the most incredible dad to our little girls. Watching you with them makes my heart burst – you’re so loving and so much fun, they completely adore you!
“They’re the luckiest to call you their Daddy, and I’m the luckiest to do this with you. Happy Father’s Day.”
She then reflected: “And to my own Dad, who I miss and think about every single day – thank you for being the best Dad we could’ve ever asked for.
“It breaks my heart that you never got to meet Liliana, but I know my girls are carrying your love with them. Happy Father’s Day, Dad! Missing you as always xxx”
In 2022, Mollie shared that she had lost her dad, Stephen, had died of a brain tumour, just days after she gave birth.
She wrote: ”Heartbroken beyond words. In August, my family’s world was shattered when my Dad was diagnosed with a brain tumour.
”Last week, we had to face the day we hoped would never come and say goodbye. Dad, we love you with all our hearts and we will miss you every single day.
”You have been our hero and it’s impossible to think of our lives without you.”
Former Hollyoaks star Gemma Atkinson, 40, also took to Instagram to celebrate her baby daddy, Gorka Marquez, 34.
Sharing a number of adorable photos and videos of the Strictly pro with their two children, Mia, five, and Thiago, who is almost two, she wrote: “Happy Father’s Day Gorks!
“This day and everyday you’re the best dad. Always up for adventures, cuddles and laughs even when you’re mid tour and absolutely shattered you still make the effort to be home with us.
“A great example to Mia & Tio of hard graft and determination, whilst keeping family first. We love you!”
The Spanish star will be playing football on Sunday evening in Soccer Aid to raise money for UNICEF.
According to reports, the dancer has been using his time to recruit newly single TV and radio host Paddy McGuinness to the BBC show.
Emmerdale actress Amy Walsh, 38, posted some sweet photos and videos to wish her husband Toby-Alexander Smith, 34, a happy Father’s Day.
She wrote: “We are so unbelievably grateful to have you! To the best daddy in the world. We love you so much! Couldn’t have chosen better. You really are the BEST daddy to our Bonbon.”
Adding his own poignant message, singer Jake Quickenden, 36, wrote: “Happy Father’s Day, a day I find tremendously hard but now so filled with love, becoming a dad is my favourite thing ever ( it’s extremely hard).
“When I lost my dad I was so lost for a long time, he was a character. I’ve never heard a bad word spoken about my dad, all his mates would tell me he would fill a room with his smile and laughter, I’ve bumped into nurses that looked after my dad when he was ill and they all day the same, how much of a nice guy he was.
“I miss him so much. He was also a great dad, he pushed me in sport, he encouraged me to follow my dreams. He taught me respect and manners something now I’m passing on to my kids…. He was my pal but I wouldn’t cross him he had the dad look down to a T….
“Something I’m working on ( Leo just laughs at me when I give him a look lol ) I miss my dad everyday not just Father’s Day, but I know this day hits harder for some, so I’m saying you’re not alone it hurts, let it hurt it’s just love you never got to give. Have a nice day.”
Jake tragically lost his dad Paul to bone cancer in 2010, and his brother Oliver, aged just 19 to osteosarcoma in 2012.
Major bank to axe key bank account perk for thousands of customers within days
A major bank will axe a key bank account perk for thousands of customers in a matter of days.
Halifax, part of Lloyds Banking Group, is getting rid of “Extras” for Rewards current account holders.
The bank currently charges a £3 monthly fee to run this bank account and customers are given freebies in return for hitting certain targets.
For example, customers can get £5 paid into their bank account or a free cinema ticket if they either spend £500 on their debit card each month or hold a balance of over £5,000.
Halfiax has plans to close down this service come September, meaning customers who meet these targets will no longer get a reward.
To prepare for this, Halifax has told customers that from June 17 they will no longer be able to add Reward Extras to their account or renew an existing Reward Extras offer.
But it is not all bad news as the bank is axing the service to make way for a number of new features.
Currently, Halifax charges a £3 monthly fee to run this bank account and customers are given freebies in return for hitting certain targets.
For example, customers can get £5 paid into their bank account or a free cinema ticket if they either spend £500 on their debit card each month or hold a balance of over £5,000.
But the bank has plans to close down this service come September, meaning customers who meet these targets will no longer get a reward.
This includes fee-free debit card spending abroad and a £100 interest free arranged overdraft to existing and new eligible Reward account customers.
Rewards customers are currently charged a 2.99% fee for using their debit card abroad.
That means customers are currently charged an extra £2.99 for using their debit card to pay £100 abroad.
This change will come into effect on August 1.
Customers who meet the requirements will also be allowed to enter into a £100 overdraft and not face any interest.
OTHER BANK CHANGES
The Co-operative Bank announced it would be increasing the monthly charge on its Everyday Extra package bank account in July.
Currently, customers pay a monthly fee of £15, totalling £180 a year.
But starting from July 1, this fee will increase to £18 a month—an extra £36 annually.
Elsewhere, Lloyds recently hiked the cost of its Club Lloyds account from £3 to £5.
The packaged account provides extra benefits including a Disney plus subscription, cashback rewards, and access to linked savings accounts with preferential interest rates.
Skipton Building Society also recently lowered the interest on a total of 92 types of savings accounts.
How do I switch bank accounts?
SWITCHING bank accounts is a simple process and can usually be done through the Current Account Switch Service (CASS).
Dozens of high street banks and building societies are signed up – there’s a full list on CASS’ website.
Under the switching service, swapping banks should take seven working days.
You don’t have to remember to move direct debits across when moving, as this is done for you.
All you have to do is apply for the new account you want, and the new bank will tell your existing one you’re moving.
There are a few things you can do before switching though, including choosing your switch date and transferring any old bank statements to your new account.
You should get in touch with your existing bank for any old statements.
When switching current accounts, consider what other perks might come with joining a specific bank or building society.
Some banks offer 0% overdrafts up to a certain limit, and others might offer better rates on savings accounts.
And some banks offer free travel or mobile phone insurance with their current accounts – but these accounts might come with a monthly fee.
Morrisons & Sainsbury’s told to make major change to stores as government warns supermarkets ‘stop promoting’ product
SAINSBURY’S and Morrisons have received a stern warning from the government in relation to a popular product.
The two major chains have been instructed to stop “promoting” the item as they could be in breach of the law.
According to the BBC, the two supermarkets received a letter instructing them to remove any adverts which displayed heated tobacco products.
Heated tobacco differs from cigarettes and vapes as it uses an electrical current to directly warm up the tobacco.
This produces a vapour which can be inhaled.
Smoking advertisements were banned in 2002 by the then-Prime Minister Tony Blair.
The ban covered any products which could be “smoked, sniffed, sucked or chewed”.
Since the heated tobacco products produce a vapour – not a smoke – advertising laws are much murkier.
Speaking about the letter, a spokesperson for Sainsbury’s said: “We offer a range of age-restricted products under our strict Think25 policy, including this heated tobacco device which is advertised.
“This is an alternative to cigarettes and is fully compliant with current legislation. We recognise the deeply complex and emotive nature of this topic.
“We remain in close contact with the Government and industry partners and are planning our transition to ensure we also comply with planned incoming legislation.”
A spokesperson for Morrisons said: “We only received a letter at the end of May.
“We are just in the process of reviewing it and will respond back to the Department for Health and Social Care in due course.”
The Department of Social Care have been approached for comment by The Sun.
Previously, a Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) spokesperson told the BBC: “In May, we wrote to supermarkets reiterating that the Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act 2002… applies to all tobacco products currently on the market, and formally requested they stop advertising and promoting heated tobacco products in stores.
“All tobacco products are harmful to health.”
The proposed Tobacco and Vapes Bill will tighten existing advertisement laws and has received the backing of prominent Labour politicians, including Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Baroness Meron.
So far, the bill has passed in the House of Commons and awaits the approval of the House of Lords.
Another key component of the bill is a proposed ban on the sale of tobacco to people born on or after 1 January 2009.
It is hoped that this will create a “smokefree generation”, driving down cancer rates and other health problems.
The news comes after the government decided to permanently ban disposable vapes.
The move was aimed to prevent young people from buying the single-use devices and becoming addicted to tobacco.
Traders who continue selling the product face a £200 fine and repeat offenders face prison time.
Meet the glamorous Soccer Aid WAGs… from Emmerdale star to lads mag legend and boxer’s wife who terrifies her husband
IT’S one of the most anticipated – and entertaining – matches in the football calendar.
This weekend England takes on the World XI in this year’s Soccer Aid for UNICEF.
The annual charity event, which kicks off at 7:30pm on Sunday at Old Trafford, has raised over £106million for the humanitarian organisation through ticket sales and generous public donations since it was founded by singer Robbie Williams in 2006.
Harry Redknapp‘s England squad is hoping to claim a seventh win against their opponents – coached by Peter Schmeichel and Robbie Keane – in the charity clash.
And as is customary, both teams will be cheered on from the sidelines by their glamorous other halves. Here we take a look at the line-up of wives and girlfriends.
Zara McDermott
Former Love Island star Zara is expected to attend the match to support new love Louis Tomlinson.
And she might be relieved to hear there won’t be any awkward run-ins with her ex Sam Thompson, as he’s been forced to pull out due to injury.
Zara, 28, and ex-Made in Chelsea star Sam, 32, split in December last year, after five years together.
She was first linked to the One Direction singer, 33, in March and they’ve since been spotted cosying up on dates.
The couple recently enjoyed a holiday to Costa Rica, with a source telling The Sun: “Louis and Zara are going from strength to strength.”
In March Zara’s friends voiced their concerns about Sam, who they claimed was a “loose cannon” who “never wanted to let her go” following their break-up.
But Sam – raised more than £1.5m for Unicef by running and biking 260 miles from Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge ground to Old Trafford – has also moved on and is reportedly dating another former Love Island stunner, Samie Elishi.
Tianna Chanel Flynn
Stunning American real estate agent Tianna is the wife of Line Of Duty actor Martin Compston, 41.
She also has several acting credits to her name, having appeared in How to Get Away with Murder and Secret Diary of an American Cheerleader.
The couple wed in Martin’s native Scotland in 2016 and have since welcomed a son together.
Martin opened up about meeting his wife at a bar during happy hour, when she was working there as a hostess.
He admitted she didn’t have a clue who he was, while he was “a right few [drinks] in”.
“She was kind of forced to put up with me and my pal for several hours,” he told the Scottish Daily Express. “It’s just amazing that we walked into that bar on that day and I think about it and go, ‘If I didn’t, then…’ You know, she’s my wife and we have a kid together now.”
Martin had a promising football career before he took up acting, having played for Aberdeen as a teenager.
Danniella Carraturo
Singer Tom Grennan, 30, will be supported by his wife of a year, Danniella.
The brunette beauty, from Ireland, is a Pilates instructor who regularly shows off her stunning physique on Instagram.
Danniella and Tom tend to keep their personal life pretty private, but during his tour of Australia he revealed how the couple met.
He told the Kyle & Jackie O Show they initially met in a lift before bumping into each other again in a hotel smoking area.
But the Little Bit of Love crooner wasn’t particularly smooth when it came to making his move.
He said: “I leant in for a kiss, and she was like, ‘What the hell are you doing?’”
But he clearly upped his game as they tied the knot in Majorca last year.
Rachael Bellew
Former boxer Tony Bellew will be supported by his childhood sweetheart and wife-of-seven-years Rachael.
The couple first met when Tony was just nine years old, but their relationship turned romantic when they reconnected while the boxer was working in a nightclub aged 18.
They share three sons – Corey, Cobey and Carter.
Strong-willed Rachael is allegedly part of the reason her husband took a step back from boxing in 2018.
Tony, 42, revealed that she was fed up with him always looking for his next fight – and was furious that he watched boxing during their honeymoon.
He recalled: “If I don’t stop after this then she is going to divorce me and I have only been married four or five months.”
Thankfully, he headed his wife’s warning and the couple are still happily married.
But he did admit before matches that the only person he is scared of is Rachael, joking: “I’m more frightened of my missus than you. I wouldn’t f***ing dare cross her. I wouldn’t mess with her.”
Rachael headed to Australia to support him in I’m A Celeb in 2023 and will be pitch side this weekend.
Melanie Vaz Lopez
Dragon’s Den star Steven Bartlett tends to be tight-lipped when it comes to his personal life, but he has been dating French influencer Melanie for several years.
She too is a businesswoman and has built brands in the beauty and wellbeing sectors, as well as being trained in Reiki healing.
Stunning Melanie has also published a recipe book of vegan dishes and runs nutrition guide Booty Academy.
The couple first got together in 2016 but split after a year because Steven was too focused on work to commit.
But he realised his mistake and in 2022 he jetted to Bali to win her back.
“Getting myself into a loving relationship with a wonderful woman has totally been my greatest achievement,” he gushed to The Sun.
“I wasn’t sure if that was going to be possible for me, because what I learned about love at a young age was not very good. It was quite toxic.”
Janine Viljoen
South African rugby star Bryan Habana will be supported by his stunning wife Janine.
The couple have been married since 2009 – and while he was playing all over the world, she doggedly built up her own fitness business.
And 14 years of marriage haven’t dulled the Springbok’s love for his wife. He posted in May: “To the Lioness of our tribe… The real MVP… The one that makes our house a home… Thank you for being the most incredible mother to our two boys.
“For carrying the load when I’m not around.. for always putting us first.”
Janine is reported to have a degree in Sports Science which has bolstered her reputation in the fitness business.
The couple share an 11-year-old son, Timothy Jacob.
Kimberly Crew
Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart will be watched from the sidelines by his wife Kimberly.
The couple began dating in 2009 but like to keep their private life out of the spotlight.
In 2015 they married in a stunning ceremony in Florence, Italy.
Kimberly, who was often seen cheering on her husband at matches, is believed to have worked as a beautician.
In 2014 the couple welcomed their son, Harlow, who they don’t share photos of on social media.
Joe is sure to be looking for his wife on the sidelines when back on the pitch this weekend. He told The Telegraph back in 2013: “I notice everything. It’s weird. I notice the fans, the banners, where my family and friends are sitting. I feel very aware and involved.”
Sheree Murphy
Australian footballer Harry Kewell, 46, will be supported by his TV presenter wife Sheree Murphy, 49.
Brit Sheree is known for her acting roles in soaps Emmerdale and Hollyoaks, and for presenting Yes Chef! on BBC1.
The couple met in 2009 after they ran into each other at Majestyk nightclub in Leeds while Harry was playing for Leeds United.
After two years together they had a spontaneous wedding in Las Vegas and have since welcomed four children – son Taylor, 24, and daughters, Ruby, 22, Matilda, 17, and Dolly, 13.
But his high profile hasn’t made things easy for their marriage, as he has been the target of other women’s amorous attentions.
“It’s not nice when any girl comes up to your fella and comes on to them, whether they’re in the public eye or not,” Sheree said in 2015.
“My husband has never been the sort to go out and live it large, so I’ve always been quite lucky and haven’t had that many bad experiences.
“But I’ve had a few rows with a few girls who have hit on him right in front of me, although that was more back in the day.”
Gemma Atkinson
Gorka Marquez, 34, is swapping his dancing shoes for football boots – and his gorgeous fiancée Gemma will be there to cheer him along.
The actress, 40, met the Spaniard while competing on Strictly Come Dancing and the couple started dating in 2018.
They share two children – Mia, five, and one-year-old Thiago – and have been engaged since 2021.
Gemma is known for her work in Hollyoaks and Emmerdale, and was a lad’s mag favourite in the early 2000s.
The couple are waiting to tie the knot until their children are older and can be fully present.
Gemma said: “We’d like Thiago to be involved now so we’re going to have to wait another year or so.
“When we first got engaged we said we’ll get Mia walking down the aisle and then Thiago came along… and there’s no time!”
Soccer Aid 2025 announce late call-up for Brazil legend, 53, just hours before kick-off
BRAZIL legend Rivaldo has been announced as a stunning late addition to the Soccer Aid 2025 lineup.
The 53-year-old legend, who last graced the pitch professionally back in 2015, is making a sensational return for the charity event.
His addition was announced 9:30pm on Saturday evening, less than 24 hours to start of the game which is schedule to kick off at 7:30pm tonight.
Wearing the blue and black kit of the Rest of the World team, Rivaldo’s return is one that adds to the growing importance of the game.
Fans are already buzzing with excitement at the thought of seeing the Ballon d’Or winner back on the field.
Brazilian Rivaldo, whose dazzling footwork and lethal finishing made him one of the greatest players of his generation, has kept a relatively low profile in the football world since his retirement.
But now it seems the urge to play again – especially for a cause like Soccer Aid — has proved too strong to resist.
One fan on X said: “I swear, if a similar announcement of Totti appears on here, last minute, I will lose my head. You’ve been warned.”
Then another one read simply: “This is so cool as a real legend will be playing.
The stage is set for a thrilling evening, as Rivaldo prepares to line up alongside global superstars like Usain Bolt, David Beckham, and Michael Owen.
With all eyes on the legendary striker, Soccer Aid 2025 is set to be one for the history books.
BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK
England ended their SIX-YEAR wait for a win at Soccer Aid 2024 at Stamford Bridge which raised £15million.
Let’s just hope that Rivaldo’s fitness holds up and he can help raise more the charity game.
But the big question is, can he still deliver that signature Brazilian flair?
World XI team and coaching staff
Here is a look at the full team for the World XI for Soccer Aid 2025...
Team:
- Tony Bellew (Former boxer)
- Leonardo Bonucci (Former footballer)
- Tobi Brown (YouTube star)
- Martin Compston (Actor)
- Richard Gadd (Actor)
- Bryan Habana (Former rugby star)
- Dermot Kennedy (Musician)
- Kaylyn Kyle (Former footballer)
- Gorka Marquez (Dancer)
- Nadia Nadim (Footballer)
- Livi Sheldon (Gladiators star)
- Edwin van der Sar (Former footballer)
- Nemanja Vidic (Former footballer)
- Harry Kewell (Former footballer)
- Big Zuu (YouTube star)
- Noah Beck (Actor)
- Carlos Tevez (Former footballer)
- Billy Wingrove (Football freestyler)
- Robbie Keane (Former footballer)
- John O’Shea (Former footballer)
- Maisie Adam (Comedian)
- David Trezeguet (Former footballer)
- Nicky Byrne (Singer)
- Kheira Hamraoui (Former footballer)
- Asim Chaudhry (Comedian)
Manager:
- Peter Schmeichel (Former footballer)
‘Need to cut him’ – Fans call for UFC star Rodolfo Bellato to be AXED after controversial ‘dive’ leads to no-contest
UFC fans have called for Dana White to axe Rodolfo Bellato for seemingly pretending to be knocked out by an illegal upkick from Paul Craig.
The pair’s rescheduled light-heavyweight showdown in Atlanta ended in a No Contest this morning after the Brazilian was deemed unable to continue after being kicked in the face.
Scottish submission specialist Craig struck a postured-up Bellato – who had one knee on the canvas – with the kick seconds before the end of the first round.
Bellato initially looked like he’d been knocked out by the strike as he lay on the canvas with his arms sprawled out.
But replays showed the Dana White‘s Contenders Series contract winner was still conscious as he theatrically fell to the mat.
Bellato seemingly regained consciousness very quickly and, in an apparent daze, tried to protect himself by scooting his back to the cage wall.
The former LFA champion was deemed unable to keep fighting, resulting in the contest being ruled a No Contest.
MMA fans weren’t convinced Bellato was genuinely hurt by the upkick and took to X to call for the UFC to cut the 29-year-old for play-acting.
One wrote: “Rodolfo Bellato faked a brutal KO just to try and get a cheap win over Paul Craig.
“What a complete embarrassment!!! The UFC needs to cut him immediately.”
Another said: “Cut his a** immediately!
And another said: “I told my son right away he was obviously faking, thinking Craig would be disqualified. Absolutely insane.”
One remarked: “Bro protested and faked being concussed all in the space of five seconds. Embarrassment to the sport.”
Another chimed in: “Yeah, Dana should fire this guy immediately. Who does that?”
One stunned viewer said: “That dive by Bellato was top tier.”
Craig addressed the narrative that Bellato flopped in his post-fight press conference, saying: “A few people messaged me regarding this.
I don’t want to think any fighter is looking for an easy way out in this sport.”
Paul Craig on Rodolfo Bellato's apparent playacting
“And they’re saying that it looked a bit floppish, like he was maybe hamming it up.
“I don’t want to think any fighter is looking for an easy way out in this sport. We’re all fighters.
“We’re all in the UFC, the pinnacle of our careers, and we’re looking to put on a performance.
“But I can see where people are looking at and think it looks a bit ‘floppishly’, ‘he’s maybe taking a dive.’
“I don’t really think that, but I’ll need to watch it back. It’s raw at the moment.”
The 3 essential tasks gardeners should be doing this month to avoid £1000 fine during a hosepipe ban
GARDENERS are being warned of a potential hosepipe ban this summer, after UK temperatures soared throughout spring.
According to the Met Office, 2025 saw the sunniest spring since records began, with temperatures reaching 29 degrees in early May.
However, although Brits across the country have enjoyed revelling in the unusually balmy weather, the heat has led to a drought in the northwest of England.
The high temperatures have also led Thames Water to share a warning to customers about potential restrictions to water usage.
The chief executive of the water company, Chris Weston, said that whilst he doesn’t think they will run out of water, they may have to curb customer usage.
He added that Thames Water has “learned its lesson” after the company almost ran out of water in 2022.
“I am confident that we won’t run out of water,” he told a committee of MPs.
“I am not confident that we won’t have to restrict usage because that will depend on what the weather does and what rainfall happens between now and the summer.”
This could mean gardeners could be banned from using their hosepipes for watering the garden.
What happens during a hosepipe ban?
When a Temporary Usage Ban, or hosepipe ban is put in place by a water company, customers are not allowed to use hoses for watering flowers, washing cars, or for water fights.
Instead they are encouraged to use watering cans or buckets for any outside tasks that require water.
If you breach the ban, you could face a fine of up to £1000.
How to preserve water ahead of a hosepipe ban
To conserve water, ahead of a potential ban, there are three essential task that gardeners should do.
Firstly, you can use water butts to collect rainwater.
You can also try watering plants in the morning or late in the evening, when the water doesn’t get evaporated as quickly.
In the home, you can help to conserve water by having quicker showers, and making sure the tap is turned off when you brush your teeth.
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Keep out of the heat if you can.
If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter.
Cool yourself down.
Have cold food and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes.
Keep your living space cool.
Close windows during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down. Electric fans can help if the temperature is below 35 degrees. Check the temperature of rooms, especially where people at higher risk live and sleep.
When did the UK last have a hosepipe ban?
Back in June 2023, South East Water implemented a hosepipe ban that affected parts of Kent and Sussex.
The ban was lifted in July, after a rainy period of weather.
In 2022, five water companies imposed hosepipe bans on a total of 19 million people, after a long period of hot weather.
The longest hosepipe ban in the UK was in 1976, when restrictions where in place for 98 days, from June to October.
An exceptionally hot summer led to extreme drought which affected most of southern England.
During the ban, water use was limited to essential activities such as drinking, cooking and washing.