FURIOUSLY sketching a ­yellow family on the back of a piece of paper, cartoonist Matt Groening had just ­minutes to impress a room full of waiting TV executives.

The small-time comic strip maker had been given a shot at coming up with the next big animated series to fill a slot on American sketch series The Tracey Ullman Show.

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Little did he know that the rushed ­doodle of a dad slumped on the sofa, a mother with towering hair and three kids — one loud, one weird and one mute — would soon take the world by storm.

Now, more than 35 years on, The ­Simpsons is on the brink of ­celebrating its 800th episode.

In a rare interview, Matt, 71, told how inspiration for the family could not have come from closer to home.

While receiving an Honorary Cristal Award at the Annecy International ­Animation Film Festival this week, he joked: “It’s a little-known fact that my parents’ real names were . . . Itchy and Scratchy.

“No, seriously, I have a real father called Homer, a real mother called Marge, real siblings called Lisa and Maggie and a real grandfather called Abe.”

Contrary to popular opinion, that does not mean that Matt based cheeky ­practical joker Bart on himself.

Instead, he thinks of himself more like Bart’s nerdy and ­awkward best friend ­Milhouse.

The idea for the cartoon may have been simple, but Matt has never run out of steam.

Now in its 36th series, The Simpsons is currently on episode 790, with the ­milestone instalment due to air soon.

Actress Yeardley Smith, who has been the voice behind Lisa Simpson since the start, revealed that the cast had already ­gathered for a table read to test out the script for the 800th show, which is believed to be the finale of the current run.

She was joined by Dan Castellaneta (Homer), Julie Kavner (Marge), Sabrina Carpenter’s aunt Nancy Cartwright (Bart), Harry Shearer (Ned Flanders), Hank Azaria (Moe and Chief Wiggum) and ­Pamela Hayden (Milhouse).

Matt teased: “Our main motivation is to surprise ourselves.

“We figure that if we can surprise ourselves, we will probably surprise the audience as well.

“We have parodies of cinema and ­references to books, TV shows and ­personal autobiographical anecdotes.

“As it goes on, we become known for different kinds of jokes.”

One constant that fans love though is the celebrity cameos.

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Huge names who have featured over the years include Ringo Starr, George Harrison and Paul McCartney, Gordon Ramsay, Elon Musk and former Prime Minister Tony Blair.

And the writers also famously have a spooky knack for ­predicting the future.

From Donald Trump becoming President to the creation of Apple’s FaceTime, ­viewers heard it from Springfield first.

But even with hundreds of episodes under his belt, Matt has no plans to shelve the series any time soon.

In fact, he even hopes it lives on long enough to catch up with the timeline of another hit Groening production, Futurama.

Matt joked: “The Simpsons will still be on air in the year 3000!

“Unfortunately, critics will say the show has really been going downhill in the last one thousand years.”

Here, we take a dive into The Simpsons’ history books to look at its famous cameos and ­amazing predictions.

The predictions

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IT’S not just the gags that have fans hooked, but the fact the hit series has long had an uncanny habit of predicting major future events.

Through the show’s 36 series, a number of storylines have been manifested into real life after first making their appearance in the form of cartoon animation.

In 2000, Bart To The Future saw Lisa Simpson becoming US President, but a billboard in the background of one shot had a billboard ad for “TRUMP 2024”.

Another episode in 1993 predicted COVID-19, when a flu spread through Springfield residents, while the EBOLA outbreak was ­predicted in a 1997 scene.

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Elsewhere, the cartoon predicted the 2013 HORSE MEAT scandal, in its ­episode aired in 1994, which saw schoolkids unknowingly served horse meat for lunch.

In a 1995 episode titled Lisa’s Wedding, people were seen using SMART WATCH-like devices to communicate – an entire two decades before Apple launched their wearable gadget, while technology similar to FACETIME also featured.

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And in 1998, Homer appeared to figure out the mathematical equation behind the HIGGS BOSON ­discovery, 14 years before ­particle ­physicists ­confirmed the concept.

A 2012 episode, Lisa Goes Gaga, saw the young character watching singer LADY GAGA at the Super Bowl – ­suspended from the air in the same ­manner as the star’s real-life 2017 show.

And in 2019, Mr Burns attended an exclusive gathering for celebrities, which was spookily similar to rapper P Diddy’s ­infamous scandal-hit “white parties”.

The celebrity cameos

THE Simpsons is not short on memorable characters.

But that hasn’t stopped some of the world’s most recognisable stars from wanting to have their moment being reimagined in yellow.

The Beatles’ RINGO STARR was the first of the group to make an appearance in 1991, where he appeared as himself to encourage family matriarch Marge to pursue a career in the arts.

He was soon followed in series five’s Homer’s Barbershop Quartet by GEORGE HARRISON, in 1993, and SIR PAUL McCARTNEY in 1995, who ­convinced Lisa to go vegetarian.

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SIMON COWELL first appeared in the series in 2004 as a brutally honest telly talent judge, while Space X tycoon ELON MUSK landed in a spaceship in an episode in 2015 and TONY BLAIR met with Homer in a 2003 episode that featured an animated version of the Queen.

Needless to say, Her Majesty did not guest star.

While Coldplay’s CHRIS MARTIN sang in an animated concert as part of the series in 2010, telly chef GORDON RAMSAY made his appearance in 2011.

And comedian RICKY GERVAIS cropped up not once but twice, starring in 2006 episode This Is Your Wife, and lending his voice to ­Season 22’s Angry Dad: The Movie in 2011.

There’s been no shortage of pop stars either, with BILLIE EILISH recording alongside Lisa in an animated short in 2022.

Other big chart names who have featured include TOM JONES, STING, ELTON JOHN, MERYL STREEP and DOLLY PARTON.

BEYONCE hired all of the suites of one of London’s poshest hotels for her Cowboy Carter tour – leaving Sydney Sweeney and Julienne Moore out in the cold. 

An insider said Sydney, 27, and Julienne, 66, were supposed to have two of the £25,000-a-night pads when they flew into London this week to promote their new film Echo Valley. 

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Beyonce hired all of the suites of one of London’s poshest hotels for her Cowboy Carter tour – leaving two Hollywood stars out in the cold[/caption]

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Sydney Sweeney was supposed to have one of the £25,000-a-night suites when she flew into London this week[/caption]

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Actress Julienne Moore was also left without a suite after the blunder[/caption]

But an error at the hotel, which we are not naming, meant it clashed with Beyonce’s 12-night stay – with bosses fumbling to find the Hollywood actresses a place to stay. 

A source said: “Sydney and Julienne were supposed to be staying in the suites but Beyonce had booked out every single one. 

“Her whole family and team have taken over the penthouse suites and she moved in last week for her Cowboy Carter tour. 

“It was only when Sydney and Julienne were on their way that the error was picked up. 

“It was the talk of the hotel because they had to cancel on Sydney and Julienne and find them somewhere else to stay. 

“Sydney ended up in the Peninsula 15 minutes away, while Julienne was put up in Raffles – which is close to where she was booked in originally. 

“Beyonce was totally unaware all of this was happening but it caused a meltdown at the hotel because someone dropped the ball at their end. 

“It was a total nightmare.” 

Sydney and Julienne were seen together at the Echo Valley premiere which was held at the BFI on London’s Southbank on Tuesday. 

Julienne later flew to New York and yesterday was seen promoting the film alone in the Big Apple. 

Beyonce, 43, will play her penultimate show in London’s Tottenham stadium tonight before her final show on the UK leg of her Cowboy Carter tour on Monday. 

She will then fly across the channel to play three shows in the Stade de France before heading to the US for the final leg, including two massive shows in her hometown Houston, Texas. 

Her twins, Rumi and Sir Carter, turned eight yesterday and on Thursday night Beyonce asked the 50,000 strong crowd to wish them happy birthday. 

As Rumi joined her on stage alongside her other daughter Blue Ivy, 13, Beyonce said: “Mummy loves you.” 

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Julienne was put up in Raffles – which is close to where she was booked in originally[/caption]

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CHARLI XCX and RAYE have found the perfect warm up for Glastonbury – supporting Dua Lipa in London.

I’m told Dua has approached Charli and Raye to open her two huge Wembley Stadium shows next weekend.

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And it’s looking promising as insiders tell me the deals were close to being confirmed last night.

A source said: “These two Wembley shows are monumental for Dua and she wants to give her fans an extra treat.

“Her team has approached Raye to open Friday’s show, while Charli is in talks to perform on Saturday.

“Dua, Raye and Charli are all super supportive of each other and it would be amazing to have these three British female powerhouses playing Wembley.

“With Glastonbury the week after, this is the perfect warm-up for Raye and Charli too as they’ll be playing to almost 80,000 fans at Wembley Stadium.

“The deals are still being thrashed out but fans off to see Dua should expect to see these two on the stage.”

It’s a coup for us music fans, we’re being spoilt for choice when it comes to huge gigs this summer.

And while the Brit Awards is moving to Manchester, London is proving to be the hottest city in the country when it comes to music this summer.

Our capital is the only place fans can catch Coldplay, Oasis, Beyonce, Kendrick Lamar, SZA and Billie Eilish.

And the stats speak for themselves, with more than 3.6million fans heading to the city this summer to watch their favourite acts.

‘Best in the world’

I’m told 40 per cent of stadium ticket sales this summer were for artists who all started their careers in venues that held less than 1,000 people, acts such as Dua, Kendrick, Lana del Rey, Imagine Dragons and Post Malone.

And ladies are doing it for themselves as female-led stadium shows account for 40 per cent of sales.

Mayor of London, and self confessed Taylor Swift superfan, Sadiq Khan told me: “Our capital’s music scene is the very best in the world and this summer we have another incredible line-up of performances featuring some of the globe’s biggest artists.

“From headlining acts at stadiums and festivals to upcoming stars at grassroots venues, London’s music scene has so much for fans to enjoy, and we’ll continue to do all we can to support our venues.”

Sophie dazzled at the Hall

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IT WAS murder on a very fancy dancefloor for Sophie Ellis-Bextor as she performed a huge sold-out show at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

The concert was Sophie’s biggest ever headline show in the capital, with the singer performing her new single Taste from upcoming album Perimenopop, which is out on September 12.

This year marks Sophie’s 25th anniversary as a solo star, and she said: “I’ve been singing for 30 years now and throughout my career I’ve been lucky enough to happily play with many music genres, but my heart beats the fastest for pop.”

Of her eighth record, Sophie added: “This album is a celebration of that relationship.

“In fact, it’s a celebration of lots of things, including being the age I’m at and still having so many adventures and so much fun.”

Paddy’s duet dream for Soccer Aid party

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THEY defeated the World XI last year after a five-year losing streak – but Paddy McGuinness hasn’t got his mind on taking home the trophy again ahead of Soccer Aid tomorrow.

The Radio 2 DJ tells me he’s got bigger fish to fry, like convincing football legend Wayne Rooney to have a go on the karaoke machine he’s bringing to the after-party.

Paddy, who has been part of the England XI line-up for 15 years for the charity match, which will be broadcast live on ITV tomorrow at 7:30pm, said: “Obviously, I’d sing Islands In The Stream with Wayne – it’s a classic.

“There are singers on the team – we’ve had some A-list stars over the years and everyone gets involved.

“But, to be honest, when the karaoke machine comes out, that’s when the professional singers have to step aside and let the rest of us have our moment.”

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Paddy is joining Dragons’ Den’s Steven Bartlett, former Olympian Sir Mo Farah, adventurer and TV presenter Bear Grylls, and former footballers Gary Neville and Joe Hart in the England XI team.

They will be up against a team that includes boxer Tony Bellew, Strictly’s Gorka Marquez and Baby Reindeer’s Richard Gadd.

This year, Paddy revealed that the training schedule had been cut down from five days to two, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been taking it seriously at home in preparation for his moment in goal.

He said: “I keep myself fit and healthy.

“I’m going to be back in goal, so I’ve been doing a lot of yoga and stretching, and I’ve always loved combat training. I do karate.

“One year, I stopped Usain Bolt from scoring a goal with a karate roundhouse kick to the ball.

“He was already celebrating with his arms in the air, it was a real close one.

“It was like, ‘I didn’t know Paddy could put his leg over his head!’”

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WILL SMITH has admitted he needed some A-list encouragement to write his new album Based On A True Story.

On Capital XTRA Breakfast, he said: “Jay Z said, ‘Don’t even make music if you’re not going to be honest.’

“That was the deep push for me.”

Jord’s hair of importance

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MARIAH CAREY has been demanding loads of dressing rooms for Capital’s Summertime Ball tomorrow but there will be an even bigger diva at Wembley Stadium for the sold-out show – Jordan North.

The Capital Breakfast show host is even more of a primadonna than the Fantasy singer, according to his hilarious co-host Sian Welby, with Jordan.

In an exclusive chat, she said: “Jordan is the biggest diva.

“He’s got his makeup and, in an interview, he’s so busy looking at the cameras, checking his hair out that he gets lost in the interview.

“He has his own barber come into the studio and he wears a cape. And then two days later, he wants a fresh trim.

“He would have a barber following him around if he could.

“He’d have special lighting.

“He’d have a tanning booth.”

Sian said that working with her male co-hosts is amazing, adding: “It’s like having brothers – we can rip the p**s out of each other.”

And she reckons they have hit their stride as a trio, with their show broadcast nationally.

She added: “I’m usually self-deprecating but the combo of me, Chris Stark, and Jordan is just the right timing and the right mix of personalities.

“I feel like we’re in some sort of golden era of radio.”

Tim’s a fall guy

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JAMES frontman Tim Booth took their 1990 hit Sit Down to heart at the Summer Sessions festival after falling off the stage.

The Manchester born singer took a tumble while performing at the event at Plymouth Hoe.

Ever the professional, Tim carried on singing – much to the amusement of the crowd.

One fan told me: “One moment Tim was singing and greeting fans, the next he’d gone ar*e over tit.

“He had jumped down from the main stage onto a smaller platform towards the barriers.

“As he jumped to the floor he looked like he rolled his ankle and dropped straight to the ground.

“It took him a couple of attempts to get off the floor, but he continued singing the whole time.”

What a trooper.

TENS of thousands of carers will get a benefit cash boost of £293.50 next week.

Some 90,000 will get the one-off extra payment between 18 and 19 June, but it’s only available to those claiming either Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance in Scotland.

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The Scottish Government hands out these extra payments, called Carer’s Support Allowance, to unpaid carers twice a year.

It gives extra financial support to people who are taking care of someone who is unwell or vulnerable.

Carer’s Allowance has replaced Carer Support Payment. Both are worth £83.30 a week, and you normally get paid every four weeks.

The extra money is automatically paid into the same bank account as the one you normally get your benefit paid into.

You should be sent a letter from Social Security Scotland before the payment is made.

If you haven’t got a letter, or haven’t been paid, by 30 June, call Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222. 

The next Carer’s Allowance Supplement will be paid in December.

You are eligible for the help if you were claiming either one of the two benefits on 14 April, 2025.

To be eligible for Carer Support Payment, you must:

• Be 16 or over
• Usually live in Scotland
• Provide care for 35 hours or more a week for someone who gets certain disability benefits
• Not earn more than £196 a week or £10,912 per year

What if I don’t live in Scotland?

You can still claim Carer’s Allowance if you don’t live in Scotland – you just won’t get the Carer Support Payment element.

The benefit is paid to those caring for someone else (who is on benefits) for at least 35 hours a week.

You don’t have to be related to the person you care for, or live with them, to be eligible.

If you claim Carer’s Allowance you also receive National Insurance credits, which contribute to your NI record.

This is a really important, as your NI record is used by the government to calculate how much state pension you can get.

You need 35 full years of NI contributions to get the maximum amount, which is £230.25 a week.

What if I’m not a carer?

If you’re not a carer but are struggling, check if you qualify for any benefits.

You can use a benefits calculator to help check 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.

Your local council may have a Household Support Fund scheme for low income households.

The government has supplied a £742million pool of cash to  councils in England to dish out to struggling families.

Depending on the help that your council is offering, you could get free cash and even supermarket vouchers.

If you’re struggling with your energy bills, see if there are any grants to help you clear any arrears.

British Gas and Octopus Energy offer financial assistance to customers in difficulty, with some schemes wiping as much as £2,000 off unpaid energy debts — depending on your situation.

THIS is the embarrassing moment a man sits down on a crystal-studded ‘Van Gogh’ chair for a picture – only for it to buckle beneath him.

The two senseless visitors caused “serious damage” to the valuable artwork, the Italian art gallery revealed.

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Aman and woman can be seen waiting for security to leave the room at Maffei Palace in Verona[/caption]

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The chair instantly breaks apart, with the man left reaching his arms back towards the walls for support[/caption]

The chair, designed by Italian artist Nicola Bolla, is adorned with hundreds of Swarovski crystals making it “extremely fragile and delicate”, according to local media.

In the shocking CCTV footage, a man and woman can be seen waiting for security to leave the room at Maffei Palace in Verona, before posing for the snap that ended in disaster.

The two senseless visitors caused “serious damage” to the valuable artwork

While the woman appears to hover over the chair to avoid placing her weight on it, the man daringly decides to take a seat.

The chair instantly breaks apart, with the man left reaching his arms back towards the walls for support.

The pair then surreptitiously scurry out of the room, leaving the artwork in a crooked state.

Following the incident, the museum released a statement on its social media accounts.

It read: “Every museum’s nightmare has become reality, even in Palazzo Maffei.

“Waiting for the surveillance officers to come out, some visitors took an “in effect” photo. 

“The result? An irresponsible gesture caused serious damage to Nicola Bolla’s “Van Gogh” chair, a very delicate work, covered entirely with hundreds of Swarovski crystals.”

The museum explained that thanks to “restorers who did a fantastic job”, along with Italian law enforcement, “the piece is shining once again”.

It added: “We are sharing this episode not only for the sake of reporting, but to start a real campaign to raise awareness about the value of art and the respect it deserves.

“A heartfelt thank you goes to the police, our security department and the restaurateurs, whose valuable work allowed the recovery of the work.

“And a special thank you to all of you who walk through the museum halls every day with care, attention and wonder.

“Because art is not just for seeing. It is to be loved. It is to be protected.”

It comes as a tourist recently smashed two priceless statues after jumping a railing around the Terracotta Army in the Chinese city of Xi’An.

BARRY Sanders has revealed he suffered a terrifying health scare.

The legendary NFL running back had a heart attack last June.

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Barry Sanders revealed that he suffered a heart attack last year[/caption]

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Sanders is considered by many to be the greatest running back of all time[/caption]

The Hall of Fame Detroit Lions player publicly announced the health scare when it happened, but only detailed it as heart-related.

However, he further revealed that his “health scare” was a heart attack.

“I couldn’t believe it, honestly,” Sanders said in The Making of a Heart Attack.

“I thought it was like heartburn, but it just kind of persisted.” 

Sanders explained that he woke up with a burning feeling in his chest on the day of his heart attack.

He was on a recruiting visit with his son and decided to leave the visit early and go to the emergency room.

It was there that he learned his enzyme levels were “really high and getting higher.”

Sanders then got a heart catheter procedure, which revealed he had a heart attack.

“Of all things, I don’t know why, that just never entered my mind,” Sanders told CBS.

“I’m learning through this process that there aren’t necessarily any warning signs, unless you do what we’re encouraging people to do, which is to go the doctor, get tested for LDLC levels, or bad cholesterol.

“That’s the only way to find out if you have high cholesterol. It’s not something you’re going to be able to feel.

“You don’t have to fit a certain physical profile.” 

Sanders shares more about his experience in his upcoming documentary while sitting down with four others who suffered from heart attacks or strokes.

“It’s really been an education, for me, learning about how frequent this happens all over the US,” Sanders said.

“Conversing with these other individuals who are part of this documentary who have very insightful, gripping stories about the journey that they’ve been on.

“It’s just really amazing. I think it will get a lot of people’s attention.” 

It has been a year since Sanders’ heart attack, and thanks to medications, dieting, and exercise, his health has improved.

“It’s definitely made me healthier and happier,” Sanders said.

“Being the kind of athlete that I was, I would see people walking and I would wonder, like, ‘What kind of workout is that?’

“But there’s a thing called a heart healthy workout, where you’re just getting your heart rate up a little bit over a certain period of time, and that’s just really good for your heart.

“There was just a certain ignorance that I had about things like that. But all of it has been a learning process.”

Sanders is encouraging people to visit attackheartdisease.com/test to make sure their hearts are healthy.

A BELOVED Mexican chain restaurant and Taco Bell rival is making a major change to its operations that will be rolled out in just days.

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is deviating from its usual model, launching its first ever full-service restaurant next week.

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Fuzzy’s is making a major change, launching its first full-service location in days[/caption]

Founded in 2003 in Fort Worth, Texas, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is a fast casual chain with a focus on Baja-style Mexican cuisine.

Well-known for its tacos, burritos, and margaritas, the restaurant chain operates over 100 locations across the country, primarily in The Lone Star State.

The chain’s traditional spots feature a walk-up format where guests order at the counter and pick up their food at a designated window once it’s ready.

Fuzzy’s is taking strides to depart from its traditional restaurant format, piloting a full-service model where diners are seated and order from a server, dubbed a “Tacotender.”

The new location will be called Fuzzy’s Tacos and Margs.

Not only will it offer a tableside experience for guests, but also a revamped menu with dishes like the Texas Brisket Taco, Cali-Style Steak Taco, Ultimate Nachos, and Sonora Relleno.

Guests will see new margaritas like the Paloma ‘Rita and Watermelon ’Rita, as well as frozen alcoholic drinks such as the Fuzz Driver and Double Rum Daiquiri. 

The new full-service location will debut in the Houston suburb of Sugar Land, Texas, and is expected to open on Monday, June 16.

Fuzzy’s will hand out free tacos for a whole year to the first 50 customers in line on opening day, and the first 100 will receive a free Fuzzy’s Taco Shop shirt.

“We’re excited to pilot this new model that puts hospitality front and center while simplifying the overall experience for our guests,” Fuzzy’s president Patrick Kirk said in a statement, per National Restaurant News.

“Sugar Land is helping us find that sweet spot between fast casual and full-service, with a streamlined menu, bold new taco creations, and a margarita lineup that puts our bar front and center.”

The new spot is owned by the NGA Group and operated by brothers Andrew and Miro Nazarian, who signed an agreement to open three full-service Fuzzy’s locations by the end of 2025.

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop will evaluate how these locations perform before scaling the full-service model.

TACO TRANSFORMATION

Fuzzy’s was acquired in 2022 by Dine Brands Global, the parent company behind Applebee’s and IHOP.

The Mexican chain has struggled in recent years, experiencing a 12% sales decline across all its restaurants in the first quarter, per an earnings release, as well as a drop in its store count.

The chain finished the first quarter with 115 locations, compared to 128 during the same time in 2024.

Fuzzy’s has also faced challenges with intensifying competition in such a saturated food market, although the chain has a loyal fan base to back it up.

“Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is by far better than Taco Bell,” praised one fan on X, as another called it a “better version” of the latter chain.

The move to roll out the new full-service restaurant model is an effort to accomodate consumers’ shifting preferences and comes amid several other initiatives to boost Fuzzy’s performance. 

For example, Fuzzy’s rolled out a happy hour promotion at all of its locations in May, featuring options $5 and under, including a $4 house margarita.

The beloved chain also upgraded its online ordering site and partnered with third-party delivery services “to increase market visibility and reach our guests where they are and how they want to order,” Dine Brands CEO John Peyton said in an earnings call.

Dine Brands Global’s other chains are similarly rolling out changes.

For example, Applebee’s confirmed a huge change to how you pay for your meal in a major shakeup to 460 locations.

Plus, Applebee’s and IHOP previously revealed a massive collaboration with “exclusive items” – and 15 more restaurants are on the way.

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Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is frequently pitted against Taco Bell[/caption]

AARON Rodgers made an eye-opening retirement declaration when speaking about his eventual decision to sign a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The 41-year-old Rodgers penned a one-year, $13.6 million deal with the Steelers last weekend.

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Aaron Rodgers spoke to reporters about his decision to join the Pittsburgh Steelers during Tuesday’s media availability after a mandatory minicamp session[/caption]

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Rodgers joined the Steelers after being linked with the team for several months.

The four-time NFL MVP was cut by the New York Jets in March and contemplated retirement or playing a 21st season in the NFL in 2025.

While the Steelers expressed interest in Rodgers, other NFL teams, including the New York Giants, were suitors for the veteran quarterback.

However, it seems that Rodgers was never going to sign with the Giants, or any other team, for that matter, and chose retirement instead.

During the Steelers’ first day of mandatory minicamp, Rodgers told the media that “it was here [to play in Pittsburgh] or not play.”

The comment was eye-opening since Rodgers did have free-agent discussions with the Giants.

And he heaped praise for Giants head coach Brian Daboll during the offseason.

The Giants, however, are coming off a disaster 3-14 campaign.

But Rodgers’ retirement declaration could just be nothing more than pleasing the Steelers and their fans over his confidence about being a player for the team.

The Giants instead signed veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston to short-term contracts and drafted Jaxson Dart in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Wilson started 11 games for the Steelers last season and led the team to the playoffs.

But Pittsburgh was one-and-done in the postseason and chose not to retain Wilson.

Rodgers signed a one-year, deal worth a maximum amount of $19.6 million.

He will lead a Steelers quarterback room of veterans Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson, and rookie Will Howard.

Rodgers has already taken a liking to the sixth-round pick Howard.

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“Will’s a good kid. We’ve got to talk a little bit. I thought he did really well today,” Rodgers said during Tuesday’s post-practice media availability.

“You know, he seems pretty bright.

“Not too big for him.

“Going through the progressions really well.”

CHIPOTLE is giving away a free item for just one hour on Friday, but you have to have to have a special feature to claim it.

The popular fast food chain is marking Friday 13 with a free flash giveaway, and is bringing out its first-ever collection of a novelty ite to celebrate.

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Chipotle is giving away a free item for just one hour on Friday, but you have to have to be tattooed to claim it[/caption]

Chipotle is celebrating Friday 13 in tatted style, and is holding a special buy-one-get-one-free deal for a very small window of time.

The deal allows you to get buy-one-get-one-free on Chipotle items.

The deal is being held at select Chipotle locations between 3pm and 4pm for people who have permanent tattoos.

The deal also stands for those with temporary tats and drawn-on designs.

This exclusive giveaway is happening at 13 Chipotle restaurants across the country.

In the tattoo community, Friday June 13 is considered a special day, where lots of shops sell a  “flash sheet” of small, pre-designed affordable tattoos.

THANKS TO A MEME

Chipotle is celebrating the art of tattoos, and is borrowing from a popular online meme about itself to do so.

The internet joke that someone is “tatted like a Chipotle bag” has made its way into real life.

The joke refers to people having tattoos that are mainly text-based.

This is said to make their arms look like a Chipotle bag, with lots of images close together.

It first came to prominence during the 2019 men’s professional football‘s championship game.

This was when a singer’s tattoos were compared to the artwork found on a Chipotle bag.

On top of this, Chipotle has launched its first-ever range of temporary tattoo designs.

The company will drop the brand new collection featuring elements of the iconic brand.

The 13 tattoo collection will feature designs like black forks, Chipotle ingredients, and a slogan that reads “Chipotle is my life”.

ACCESSIBLE BONUS

Even if you don’t have any type of tattoo, there is still something free to be enjoyed from the deal.

During the allotted time window, you can show up to one of the participating Chipotle restaurants and try out one of the new temporary tattoos.

Trying one out with get you a free BOGO entrée.

It is important to note that the temporary tattoo sheets will only be given out to orders -laced at the drive-thru window.

Stephanie Perdue, Vice President, Brand Marketing said: “On the biggest day of the year for tattoos, we are honoring our bold superfans who have artwork reminiscent of the designs on Chipotle’s takeout bags.

“Fans who aren’t ready to embark on their permanent tattoo journey can try out our 13 new temporary designs and enjoy a BOGO entrée.”

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Chipotle is celebrating Friday 13 in tatted style, and is holding a special buy-one-get-one-free deal for a very small window of time[/caption]

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On top of this, Chipotle has launched its first-ever range of temporary tattoo designs[/caption]

TIKTOK star Avery Woods has dropped $3,675,000 on a stunning Calabasas, California mansion that features city views and a private patio.

Avery, 30, rose to fame from blogging her life as a wife, mother and nurse on TikTok and YouTube.

Instagram/averyywoods

Avery Woods showing off the stunning view of her $3.7 million home[/caption]

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The house has hardwood floors and a wood-beamed ceiling[/caption]

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Avery and her husband, David, inside their kitchen[/caption]

She has shared updates on her family’s move from Mesa, Arizona to Calabasas, California.

The U.S. Sun can exclusively reveal Avery and her husband, David, purchased the four bedroom, six bathroom mansion for $3,675,000.

According to the Mortgage Deed obtained by The U.S. Sun, the couple took out a mortgage in the amount of $2,940,000 to be paid by June 1, 2055.

Both of their names are listed on the deed.

HOME SWEET HOME

According to the real estate listing, the single family home is 4,116 square feet.

The stunning home has hardwood floors, vaulted wood-beamed ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows throughout.

The living room features a fireplace, while the kitchen has stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, an island with seating, walk-in pantry, a wine refrigerator and breakfast nook.

The Woods family can enjoy city and mountain views from the dining room.

Avery and David’s suite features a spa-style bathroom, fireplace, and access to a a private patio.

The outside features a panoramic view of the city and mountains, putting green, saltwater pool, jacuzzi, fire pit and beautiful landscaping that boasts fruit trees and a garden.

Avery has shared many videos inside her home, including one of her and her husband taking a video with the Los Angeles view behind them and the caption, “First of many memories out here.”

In another video, she reveals to their children Ziggy, 6, and Stevie, 4, that they have purchased the home.

Avery has also posted enjoying a barbecue outside of the house and the jacuzzi.

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The house features a putting green[/caption]

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Avery and her family having a barbecue at the mansion[/caption]

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Avery and her daughter, Stevie, enjoying the home’s jacuzzi[/caption]

Tiktok/averyywoods

David and Avery telling their children they will be living in the home[/caption]

Tiktok/averyywoods

The house has floor-to-ceiling windows and wood beams[/caption]

Tiktok/averyywoods

The living room has a cozy fireplace and hardwood floors[/caption]

HOME REMODEL

Avery and David are in the process of renovating the home.

In a get ready with me video, Avery says, “Hi you guys. We just got back from the new house because we had our first meeting with the interior design team and contractors.

“I have no idea what I’m doing! I obviously know my style and what I like when I look at it but I am not an expert when it comes to construction and design.

“I feel like interior designers kind of know the longevity of style. They can help you navigate.

“We are going to knock down a couple of walls and change a little bit of some things.

“I’m able to design my dream home, take some time with it. When it comes to investing in real estate you just can’t put a price on that view, it’s never going to lose value.

“It felt right and the other homes just didn’t. It felt like the right move for us. It is a very big project.”

She revealed they should officially be moved into the new house the first week of August.

SAD TRAGEDY

The house updates come after Avery took a weeks-long social media break.

Avery’s fellow TikTok influencer and good friend Emilie Kiser suffered a horrible tragedy when her 3-year-old son Trigg was pulled unconscious from the family’s pool.

After spending days in the hospital fighting for his life, he tragically passed away from the accidental drowning on May 18.

Avery went silent on social media, but returned on June 2 with a touching tribute to her beloved friend.

In a GRWM video, she wore a pendant with the name Trigg inscribed on it.

She captioned the video, “Been awhile since I put makeup on so thought I’d get ready for our anniversary, missed you.”

Emilie has been silent on social media as her family mourns the tragic loss.

The 26-year-old, who lives in Arizona with her family, is also mom to a 2-month-old son named Theodore with her husband, Brady Kiser.

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Avery returned to social media and paid a sweet tribute to her friend’s late son[/caption]

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Emilie’s son Trigg passed away in May after an accidental drowning[/caption]