'We have a big game lying ahead on Sunday away to AS Vita,' said Stellies head coach Steve Barker.
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Stellies look to finish the job against Vita in Kinshasa
Rediscovering Childhood with Broccoli and Rice Casserole Cheese Whiz
The Broccoli and Rice Casserole Cheese Whiz is especially popular during the holidays and at potluck dinners, where its hearty ...
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Katie Price lands new panto job with famous BFF after being branded ‘a disgrace’ for last year’s £60k pay cheque
KATIE Price has shared the first look at her in panto with pal Kerry Katona – after being branded a “disgrace” by fans for her previous role.
The 46-year-old and Kerry, 44, are set to play the wicked stepsisters in a production of Cinderella later this year.
![EDITORIAL USE ONLY / NO MERCHANDISING Mandatory Credit: Photo by ITV/REX/Shutterstock (441667dh) Katie Price [Jordan] and Kerry Katona [Katona] Photocall for 'I'M a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here' TV Programme - Jan 2004](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/3faf4713-0510-44b5-bc1c-b315e0eb5ad9.jpg?strip=all&w=621)
In new snaps posted on social media the ladies – who met during I’m a Celebrity in 2004 – can be seen in character for the first time.
Katie told fans she’d bagged the role alongside Kerry earlier this year.
Revealing the news on her podcast, Katie said: “I’ve signed up to another panto! Cinderella!
“I’ve signed up for Cinderella and I’m one of the ugly sisters – and guess who is the ugly sister I’m doing it with – it’s Kerry Katona!”
Katie continued: “So Kerry got me the gig because she has been working with them for six years.
“And she was like ‘why don’t you come and do this panto’, and she said it was for the ugly sisters and I said ‘oh are we ugly then?’ and she said we can still be really pretty.”
Last year double bankrupt Katie landed a £60k payday for playing The Wicked Fairy Carabosse in Sleeping Beauty.
But some fans were less than impressed with her performance.
A video of her dancing out of time for the opening night, prompted critical comments from fans.
“Maybe, just maybe Katie Price could learn the routines. She was an absolute disgrace.
“Clear to see how hard the other cast members have worked .. very clear she thinks she can rock up making zero effort!!!” one wrote.
“lol you hardly had any words, did no rehearsing and bippo acted you off the stage. Good work you can’t sing or act – your family must be so embarrassed” another moaned.
I’m former tennis star who reached final at Roland Garros, then I quit to become a surgeon
A FORMER tennis star who dreamed of becoming the next Simona Halep is now a surgeon.
The 28-year-old impressed as a youngster but quit tennis at an early age.
Injuries were ever-present throughout her career so the former star was never able to live up to her potential.
Ioana Ducu quit the sport in 2017 after several shoulder injuries, one of which required a seven-hour operation.
Now Ducu is set to be on the other end of the knife as she is a resident surgeon at the Floreasca Emergency Clinical Hospital in Bucharest
The Romanian works the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology and reportedly aims to focus on arthroscopy and sports traumatology.
Ducu once wanted to follow in the footsteps of her compatriot Halep, who won two grand slam titles including Wimbledon.
But despite winning the junior French Open at Rolland Garros in 2014, she failed to adapt at senior level.
Ducu’s highest world ranking was 830 and she won only one tournament, the Doubles at ITF Sharm El Sheikh.
Speaking as a hopeful junior, Ducu said she wanted to emulate Halep’s success on court.
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Tennis stars’ new careers
PLENTY of tennis stars have stayed involved in the sport since retiring.
But others pursued very different careers. Here are some of the best…
- I reached French Open and Wimbledon finals as a teenager but I quit to become a nun
- I won Wimbledon mixed doubles with my sister but got fed up with English weather so now run luxury B&B
- I was tipped for stardom aged 12 but retrained to become high-flying lawyer
- I earned £9m and won French Open before setting up bistro with Brazilian model girlfriend
- I’m last Frenchman to win Roland Garros, now I’m singer with six albums hitting No1 in charts
- I’m former world No1 but quit aged 29 – instead I went on to play professional poker and golf
- I was destined for the top but swapped lobs for labs as award-winning Harvard physicist
She said: “Simona Halep is my favourite athlete. I watch her every chance I get and try to steal as much as possible from her. I like her technique, we are similar in many ways.
“I hope that at some point I can also reach her performances. It takes a lot of work but I hope I will be able to go as far as possible.”
Anthony Joshua on track to sell nearly half a MILLION tickets in career with Dubois fight set to make British history
ANTHONY JOSHUA is on track to reach half a MILLION ticket sales ahead of his record-breaking next fight.
AJ challenges for Daniel Dubois’ IBF heavyweight world title on Saturday at Wembley Stadium.
And a never-before-seen 96,000 are set to pack out the national football stadium to witness the Battle of Britain.
It means the record set by Tyson Fury in 2022 – when 94,000 watched his knock out of Dillian Whyte – is set to be smashed.
Joshua first won the heavyweight title in 2016 after knocking out Charles Martin.
He then had two defences before attempting to add the WBA strap in a unification with Wladimir Klitschko.
It marked AJ’s first fight in a stadium as 90,000 watched him triumph in round 11 following a classic with Klitschko.
From there, he faced Carlos Takam in another defence before beating Joseph Parker for the WBO belt.
Both were at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium as 78,000 came out on each occasion.
Joshua returned to Wembley in 2018 to KO Alexander Povetkin with 80,000 in the house.
ANTHONY JOSHUA VS DANIEL DUBOIS: All the information you need ahead of huge world title fight at Wembley
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But then his career went on the road, starting with a disastrous US debut.
AJ was due to face American loudmouth Jarrell Miller until the Yank disgracefully failed a series of drug tests.
In stepped overweight outsider Andy Ruiz Jr to spring a sensational upset in seven rounds in New York.
But Joshua won back the unified belts six months later in Saudi Arabia – his first fight in the Middle East.
With the titles back around his waist, the Londoner found himself at Wembley again.
But this time in front of a tiny crowd of 1,000 inside Wembley Arena amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The select few watched Joshua KO Kubrat Pulev with a thunderous right hand.
But following failed talks to fight Fury, a mandatory title defence was called against Oleksandr Usyk.
A crowd of 66,000 filled Tottenham’s £1billion stadium but it was heartbreak for AJ.
He was dominated over 12 rounds to surrender the straps once more.
And unlike against Ruiz, he was unable to avenge the loss when he rematched Usyk in Saudi a year later.
Joshua’s popularity and confidence looked to be at an all-time low as his run back to the top kicked off.
For the first time since 2016, Joshua was back at the O2 Arena as he cruised past Jermaine Franklin.
He then knocked out Robert Helenius four months later to light up the O2 again.
Joshua was soon back in Riyadh twice more to stop Otto Wallin in six rounds and flatten ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou in two.
With four wins on the spin, there is hope Joshua, 34, is not only back to his best but maybe better than ever.
And he clearly has the British public back in belief again after the record 96,000 crowd was announced.
It means Joshua has shifted 488,000 tickets in his superstar career.
And he now has the chance to join an elite heavyweight club with Muhammad Ali, Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield as three-time champ.
Joshua vs Dubois fight predictions
THIS weekend Wembley will witness one of the biggest all-British fights of all-time.
But who will emerge victorious under the famous arch? Some of the biggest names in boxing have been having their say…
Oleksandr Usyk: “My favourite is Anthony Joshua but I am very bad at predictions. But I will predict Anthony Joshua.”
Dillian Whyte: “I just think that it’s one of those fights where it is a genuine 50/50 fight in my opinion.”
Joe Joyce: “I was initially edging with Joshua but I don’t know, Dubois is coming on.”
Frazer Clarke: “As heavy-handed as Dubois is and as good a fighter as he’s becoming, I still have to go for Joshua.”
Francis Ngannou: “Even though Joshua lost against Usyk twice and Dubois fought Usyk and almost knocked him down and almost won, I would still give this to Joshua.”
Click here for more fight predictions for Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois
Thimbles: Game of Chance and Cunning at all Times
Thimble is a seemingly straightforward game with an intriguing history that dabbles between quaint amusement and nail-biting wager. We are still determining where it came from, though its appearance in taverns, markets, and royal courts suggests a winning meld of strategy with random fortune. If someone sees a remote cousin of the shell game in […]
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Looking for a cheap autumn adventure? I’ve bagged a free family day out with National Trust – here’s how you can too
AUTUMN is here and with it comes an amazing offer to take the family to visit one of the UK’s incredible UK heritage sites for free.
I’ve just bagged a family day pass at a National Trust site, thanks to a little-known offer that often pops up at this time of year.
And it gets even better because my nearest National Trust estate, Calke Abbey in Derbyshire, is the perfect place to get in the Halloween spirit.
This is because it always decorates its darkest tunnels for the spooky season and also has an impressive pumpkin display in its garden.
If you’re looking for frightful fun for free, you can claim your family pass online, just by popping it in your basket on the National Trust website.
I’ve used the free passes before and it’s always a brilliant way to get a day out for next to nothing.
But you’ll need to be quick to claim as the free passes, which cover two adults and three children, won’t take long to be snapped up by other bargain hunters.
There are a few things you need to look out for if you want to use this offer.
First of all, there are some sites that are exempt, so you need to check the list of where you can’t use your pass before you set off with the car all loaded up with kids!
There are 200 houses, gardens and even castles included, so you should be able to find something not a million miles away to visit.
The National Trust only operates in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, so if you’re in Scotland, you’ll have to head over the border to use your pass.
Some places also need you to book in advance and you can do this on the National Trust website by selecting the free member ticket option and use the code AUTUMN24.
Just make sure to have your day pass ready to scan when you arrive.
If you happen to miss out on the free online offer, there’s a cheeky little way you can sometimes get around it.
A lot of local newspapers often print a pass inside their pages around the same sort of time, so you can just buy a participating paper for a couple of quid instead.
Or you could ask your local library to save its copy of the local paper once it’s no longer being read and it’s gone on the recycling pile, so you get the pass that way.
The single-use pass covers a family of five, but obviously you can use it as a single adult or a couple as well.
It runs out on October 18, so it won’t be valid over the half-term holidays.
That being said, it’s worth checking out what your selected site is doing in the run-up to Halloween.
Because there may be events running over the weekends beforehand, so you might get some extra activities thrown in free if you time it right.
Last year, my favourite National Trust place to visit was Tattershall Castle in Lincolnshire, which was the perfect backdrop for bats, spiders, pumpkins and lots of spooky props.
It was definitely a top haunt for Halloween and one we’d return to next time we’re in that neck of the woods.
So if you fancy seeing what the National Trust has to offer near you, why not pick up a pass and head down to get your fix of fresh air, history and family fun?
To download your free autumn pass and for more info on any of the National Trust sites, see nationaltrust.org.uk.
What's it like to visit a National Trust site?
EARLIER this year, travel writer Hope Brotherton visited Birmingham’s Back to Backs after they were named the country’s number one hidden gem attraction. Here’s what she thought…
“Located on the corner of Hurst Street and Inge Street, the Back to Backs are hidden behind a wooden shop front that houses a tiny reception area where visitors check into their guided tour.
“My family and I were then led through to a brick courtyard where we were introduced to John, our informative and friendly tour guide.
“For the 90 minutes, John expertly guided our small group through two interconnected houses, which showcased what life would’ve looked like for working-class families in the 1860s and 1930s.
“Each of the eight rooms we explored were tiny, showing visitors just some of the cramped conditions families lived in 150 years ago.
“All of the rooms were decorated with everyday objects, including tins, scales and other artefacts from the past, with John pointing out the most interesting or relevant items, including an old tin of Bird’s Custard, which was produced in the city’s Custard Factory.
“According to our tour guide John, some of the former residents even worked in the Back to Backs with their tools on display, including the likes of a locksmith and a jeweller from the Jewellery Quarter.
“Birmingham Back to Backs also houses the only collection of work by a Caribbean tailor in the UK.
“George Saunders operated a successful tailor’s shop from the Back to Backs for many years, even leaving some of his items to the National Trust to preserve this last living link to the houses.
“At the end of the tour, we were led back to the brick courtyard where we were shown how the laundry rooms operated and given the chance to take photos.”
Meanwhile, these are the best UK attractions with free annual pass upgrades.
And these are the best free days out in the country.
Kanye West’s wife Bianca Censori goes braless in see-through top as they shop with rapper’s kids in Tokyo
KANYE West’s wife Bianca Censori ditched her bra in a daring see-through top as the couple went shopping in Tokyo.
The A-list duo were accompanied by two of Kanye’s kids – Saint, eight, and Psalm, five.
Music star Ye, 47, dressed head to toe in black wearing a hoodie and Armani shades, while Bianca, 29, caught they eye in a plunging nude vest top and grey three-quarter length leggings.
The Australian architect scraped her black hair back into a ponytail and wore large dangling earrings.
Kanye’s boys carried baskets around the low-key store and looked happy to be spending quality time with their famous dad.
The rap icon has recently performed two concerts in Asia, one at the Wuyuan River Sports Stadium, Hainan, China, and another at Goyang Stadium, Goyang-si, South Korea.
The huge setlists varied greatly at both shows, but were packed with hits including All Falls Down, Black Skinhead and I Am a God.
All four of Kanye’s children Saint, Psalm, North, 11, and Chicago, six, joined him on stage at the Korean gig.
They walked onto the stage holding hands for Kanye’s track Everybody and spent the duration of the song waving at the crowd and soaking up the electric atmosphere.
Meanwhile, Bianca’s risqué fashion choices have courted controversy for years.
She was recently pictured in Los Angeles without underwear in a see-through rain mac, while other daring wardrobe choices like a black leather leotard have left little to the imagination.
The U.S. Sun exclusively reported that Kanye’s ex and the mother of his children, Kim Kardashian, is increasingly worried about their kids being around Bianca due to her revealing ensembles.
A source said that Kim feared that “it’s no longer a healthy environment” for her four children to be in and wants to sit down with Kanye and Bianca to discuss some “ground rules.”
Meanwhile an insider recently told Ok! Magazine that Kanye is “forcing” Bianca to dress the way she does.
The source also claimed that Bianca is stuck in a “toxic marriage” with Kanye, who has been the centre of countless scandals in recent years.
Fresh blow for Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice as money-spinning business suddenly and mysteriously disappears
GIOVANNI Pernice has been dealt a fresh blow as his money-spinning side business has mysteriously disappeared.
The under-fire former Strictly Come Dancing professional quit the show earlier this year following a complaint by actress Amanda Abbington.
It sparked a probe being launched by BBC bosses, with the findings yet to be disclosed.
But now it’s been revealed Giovanni‘s unisex fragrance VITA has mysteriously disappeared from the market.
Launched last year, the scent was described by the 33-year-old as “an intoxicating scent that captures the sensuality, vitality and energy of Sicily”.
The official website for the fragrance now informs potential customers that the online store “is currently unavailable”.
Its Instagram account also appears to have been deleted from the social platform.
According to Companies House, GP VTA Ltd – the company behind the scent – had four directors when it was incorporated in June 2023.
However, today Italian native Gio is the sole director, after two directors resigned just this month.
Another director had left their role from the company in December 2023.
The Sun has contacted Giovanni’s rep for comment.
Meanwhile, it was recently revealed how Giovanni had signed up to the Italian version of Strictly Come Dancing.
Announcing the news, he told delighted fans: “Hey guys !!
“I’m delighted to announce that from next week I will be joining the cast of @ballandoconlestelle – the Italian Dancing with the Stars.
“I can’t wait to get started and to get back to dancing for all of you! Thank you for all of your continued support!”
Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.
I’m a pest prevention pro & here’s how to keep mice OUT of your home this Autumn – including a free tip you must follow
WITH the weather taking a turn, Brits could find themselves at risk of letting unwanted visitors enter their homes.
And if the thought of a mouse crawling over your kitchen side makes you squirm, then fear not, you’ve come to the right place.
It turns out that mice often try to make their way inside homes at this time of year in search of warmth, food and shelter from the cold.
But these furry friends, who sneak in through the most unsuspecting cracks and holes, can cause significant problems.
As a result, John Stewart, a technical expert from sustainable pest prevention specialist Pelsis UK, has shared his top tips to prevent unwanted pests from entering your homes this Autumn.
He warned that mice become a particularly pressing issue during the colder weather, as he said: “Mice are among the most problematic pests, particularly during the winter when they move indoors in search of a safe environment.
“Once they’ve found a suitable space with access to food and water, they can quickly establish themselves, making it essential to address any potential issues as soon as possible.”
Not only are mice a bit of a nuisance, but they also pose significant health risks as they can carry diseases that are transmittable to humans and pets.
If that wasn’t bad enough, they can also cause substantial structural damage by gnawing on wires, insulation, and even wooden beams, which can lead to dangerous electrical fires and pricey repairs.
But fear not, as John has shared his advice on the preventive measures you must take before mice come in from the garden.
John stressed the importance of recognising the early signs of a mouse infestation, as he advised: “Look for droppings, gnaw marks and shredded materials that may indicate nesting activity.
“Common hiding spots for mice include attics, under kitchen units, and behind appliances.”
John warned that if you suspect mice have already infiltrated your home, it’s important to act fast to prevent further damage.
He recommended: “Homeowners have several options for dealing with rodents, whether they prefer humane live-catch traps or traditional traps for quicker results.”
Help! I have mice or rats in my garden...
WHETHER you can hear them they're scurrying around your house, or underneath your decking, there's one reason you have mice...
Fabulous’ Associate Editor, Rebecca Miller, is a gardening enthusiast. She explains why it’s not uncommon to have mice, but you should be concerned if you have rats.
“Our gardens are homes to various animals, from birds to hedgehogs to squirrels. But there’s one animal no one wants to find – mice or rats.
“Mice can be destructive, and rats are just downright scary, and send everyone into a panic.
“But mice are common all across the UK – and one or two in the garden is not cause for alarm.
“Wood mice and field mice will easily get in your home since they are small enough to squeeze in almost anywhere. However, they are more likely to shelter in garages, sheds, and outhouses because they provide easier access to the outside world.
“You’re also more likely to see mice inside during the autumn and winter months.
“As for rats, they are generally considered vermin and can spread potentially serious diseases. They tend to set up home beneath decking, in sheds or greenhouses, and compost heaps.
“Rats are mostly nocturnal so you may not see them when you’re in your garden, but there are some signs to look out for: tunnels or ‘runs’, droppings, gnawed wood, or teeth marks in crops.”
When it comes to humane solutions, such as indoor repellents, which can deter rodents without harming them, John added: “These devices emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant to rodents but inaudible to humans.”
But if you want to ensure that mice stay well away from your home, you’ll need to follow John’s simple, but free advice.
How quickly can a mice infestation multiply?
IF you want to keep mice out of your home, here's everything you need to know...
Rapid Reproduction:
- Breeding Age: Mice can start reproducing as early as 6 weeks old.
- Gestation Period: The gestation period for mice is approximately 19-21 days.
- Litter Size: A female mouse can give birth to a litter of 5-12 pups.
Exponential Growth:
- Frequency of Litters: A single female mouse can have up to 10 litters per year.
- Population Explosion: Under optimal conditions, a pair of mice can lead to a population of over 100 mice in just a few months.
Ideal Conditions:
- Shelter and Food: Warm environments with abundant food sources accelerate population growth.
- Survival Rate: High survival rates of young mice contribute to rapid infestation escalation.
Control Measures:
- Early Detection: Quick identification and intervention are crucial to prevent a full-blown infestation.
- Professional Help: Engaging pest control services can effectively manage and eliminate the problem.
By understanding their rapid reproductive cycle, you can better appreciate the urgency of addressing a mice infestation promptly.
He suggested that homeowners cut off food sources, as he explained: “Mice and rodents will always take advantage of easily accessible food supplies.
“To prevent an infestation, it’s essential to secure all food products.
“Store food in sealed containers and keep them in high cupboards, out of reach of mice.”
Not only this, but he also explained what you need to do with your bins, as he concluded: “It’s also important to ensure that rubbish bags are placed in secure bins.”