Speaking to ITV about going on the famous reality show, he said: “I’m the first person to bring the vibe up.
“I’m always dancing, I’m always the one who wants to go out.
“My go-to dance move is what I call the Dad Dance, I’m gonna bring dad jokes and dad dancing to the Villa.”
Who is George Fensom fighting on the Misfits 17 boxing card?
George is set to fight HS Tikky Tokky on the Misfits 17 boxing card, scheduled for August 31, 2024, in Dublin.
This event is part of the Misfits Boxing series, which features crossover fights between social media personalities and other public figures.
George, known from Love Island, will face off against the popular TikTok star in a cruiserweight bout.
What is George Fensom looking for in a partner?
Speaking about his ideal partner, George said: “I want them to be passionate about something, whether it’s a job or enjoying trips to the zoo on Saturdays.
“I prefer a girl who is naturally good looking, and someone who has even more banter than me- although I don’t believe that’s physically possible.
“I think those three qualities make for a perfect mix in a partner.
Revealing who his ideal woman is, the hunk said: “I’m going to go with a little sweetheart called Megan Fox, if you’ve seen Transformers.
“The second would be Anne Hegerty from The Chase, I wouldn’t crack on with her but I’d have a laugh with her.
4 weeks agoNews TopicsComments Off on ‘Run don’t walk girlies!’ Shoppers cry as M&S launches mega sale with blazers slashed from £70 to £7, perfect for work
FASHION fans are racing to M&S to get their hands on mega sale items which have blazers slashed from £70 to £7.
The supermarket is currently doing its end of season sale, which has seen huge discounts across their super stylish outfits.
GettyM&S has launched it’s mega sale which currently has huge discounts[/caption]
tiktok.com/@beccymulliganOne clothes fan found a blazer which was discounted from £69 to £6.99[/caption]
From blazers to shoes, M&S has added slashed prices with more than 50 per cent off on some of the items.
And many shoppers are taking to TikTok to share their discounted shopping hauls.
One popular item in particular is their blazers section.
Fashion fan Elliie Pearce took to her social media account to share how she found an oversized grey blazer reduced from £69 to £6.99.
“You’re coming home with me for £6.99,” she wrote.
The clothes lover also found a beige blazer for £8.49, and pin striped khaki one for £7.99.
Many fashion fans rushed to the comments section of Elliie’s video to share their thoughts.
One wrote: “The fact you’re reminding me that I paid 70 whole pounds for that khaki striped blazer that’s now £7.99. Can you not?”
Another tagged her friend and wrote: “We need to get there immediately.”
A third added: “Picked up the exact same three blazers.”
A fourth said:”Picked up the grey one the other day.”
Marks & Spenceris taking a daring leap with the launch of a distinctive new store as part of an experimental project.
This fall, the iconic British retailer will debut its first-ever outlet focused exclusively on clothing. For nearly a century, M&S has been celebrated for its dual offerings of apparel and fresh food.
While the company has operated standalone food stores since 1987, it has never before introduced a store dedicated solely to clothing—until now.
tiktok.com/@beccymulliganFashion fans are getting their hands on M&S mega end of season sale[/caption]
tiktok.com/@beccymulliganShoppers couldn’t believe the discounts that some of the blazers had on them[/caption]
A recent surge in fashion sales has motivated M&S to test this innovative concept.
Located at London’s Battersea Power Station, the store is set to open in November. It will feature a curated selection of women’s and men’s fashion, emphasizing high-end lines and beauty products.
M&S CEO Stuart Machin remarked that the trial store will “showcase the finest of M&S clothing and beauty at outstanding value.”
Shoppers can expect to find items such as lingerie, £99 cashmere sweaters, and pieces from the stylish Autograph collection.
The new M&S outlet in Battersea is anticipated to generate approximately 30 new jobs, with the recruitment process starting in September.
Why Everyone Is Loving M&S
Deputy Fashion Editor Abby McHale revealed to Fabulous why M&S is the shop of the moment. She explained:
“M&S has really pulled it out of the bag this season, there is so much good product to be excited about.
“A brand once known for its ‘frumpy fashion’ that notion is long gone with it now being one of the leading high street stores for womenswear.
“Its handbag range in particular is super strong with them selling 170% vs plan, with lots more designer dupes for just a fraction of the price.
“The brand is now also the #1 for style perceptions, compared to the #3 spot it had last year, this comes from a really strong design team focused on modernising the brand, not only taking into consideration how the pieces look, but how easy they are to wear also.
“Price is also a big factor with you being able to get many good quality pieces all for under £30.
“After having a sneak peak of the upcoming collection there are so many more amazing pieces that are dropping over the next few months to keep your eyes on.
“Think leopard print dresses, colourful co-ords, embroidered boho jackets, plus lots of swimwear and amazing accessories, as well as great wardrobe staples that will last year on year.”
4 weeks agoNews TopicsComments Off on Hotel safety expert reveals scary reason why guests should never ask for one hotel room key
A TRAVEL security expert has revealed why Brit holidaymakers should always ask for two room keys when staying at a hotel.
Checking into a hotel is an exciting time; however, the holiday buzz can cause many travellers to drop their guard.
GettyA travel safety expert has revealed why guests should always ask for[/caption]
Carolyn Pearson is a business woman who is dedicated to making travel safer
Security expert Carolyn Pearson is a businesswoman who is dedicated to making travel safer.
As the CEO and Founder of Maiden Voyage, she shares safety tips, tricks, hacks and advice with holidaymakers, including why travelling with two hotel room keys is important.
She told Sun Online Travel: “When you get to your hotel make sure to ask for two room keys at reception, especially if you’re travelling solo.
“This is so other holidaymakers will think you’re staying with somebody else, giving you an extra layer of safety.”
After guests have checked into their rooms, Carolyn previously recommended doing a “sweep of the room” before getting too comfortable.
She suggested casting a keen eye over areas like the bathroom, shower and under the bed.
If you are staying in a hotel room that only has key cards, you’ll want to make sure your door has a double lock.
Carolyn added: “This double lock is important because hotel key cards can be overridden by a master key.
“If your hotel room doesn’t have a second lock, or a latch, then use a rubber door stop, an alarmed door stop, or a door jammer.
“I always travel with a door jammer because there are some hotels that I really like, but they don’t have a second lock.”
The rubber door stop prevents unwanted visitors from entering your hotel room while you’re sleeping.
While some holidaymakers have recommended using items like towels and rubber bands to secure hotel room doors, Carolyn didn’t think these makeshift locks were as safe.
She added: “I personally wouldn’t use the towels or rubber bands, because you shouldn’t be relying on them to perfectly fit into and around doors.
“Just get a rubber doorstop for £3, I think that’s enough and it will secure the room.”
Despite the safety benefits of a door stop, Carolyn also noted other factors travellers should consider before firmly securing their room.
She said: “It’s important to do a personal risk assessment before you prepare your room for the evening.”
For example, if you have a heart condition, or are concerned about needing medical assistance during your hotel stay, then it’s best not to use a rubber door stop.
The dangerous mistake guests make at hotels
CAROLYN previously told Sun Online Travel why guests should stop hotel receptionists from reading their room number out loud.
After a room number has been said out loud, hotel staff at the reception desk will often give guests directions to their room.
While this may seem helpful, it can actually be quite dangerous because other guests will know exactly where you are staying.
Carolyn added: “I’ve known people with bad intentions to make room-to-room personal calls.
“If they know that you’re in your room by yourself, they may knock at the door and pretend to be a member of staff because they’ve overheard your room number in the reception area.”
Instead of having the room number read out loud, Carolyn recommended asking for the number to be written down.
You can read more about Carolyn’s hotel safety tips, here.
According to Carolyn, if a room number is read out, guests may be able to request a room change – particularly if they feel unsafe.
Anti-riot cops are clashing with diehard cult followers in the Philippines over the arrest of a wanted preacherNews 5The secret door reportedly discovered inside Apollo Quiboloy’s underground lair[/caption]
PNPPIOThe secret door reportedly led to a bedroom that cops say could be Quiboloy’s[/caption]
APApollo Quiboloy – the self-proclaimed ‘owner of the universe – is accused of human trafficking, child and sexual abuse[/caption]
Footage of supporters standing behind barb wired fences shows them chanting about being “ready to die” for Quiboloy through megaphones.
Over 2,000 officers in riot gear stormed the sprawling church complex where they say Quiboloy was hiding out since an arrest warrant was issued.
The preacher, 74, is accused of human trafficking, child and sexual abuse by both the Philippines government and the US.
Quiboloy was even placed on the FBI‘s most wanted list in 2021.
He is being hunted down along with five others who are co-accused with child abuse claims.
Quiboloy denies all the allegations against him.
The advancing officers – who have now been joined by the army – have been clashing with a human ring of protection made up of the cult over the last seven days.
They have blocked off the gates to the compound making it near impossible to enter through the front.
Police reports have said some of the protests have been violent.
Constant yelling, fires and even claims that stones have been launched at officers have all been recorded.
Tear gas was even used against Quiboloy’s followers who had become “unruly and violent”, Davao police spokesperson Major Catherina dela Rey told Rappler.
A total of 60 officers have been injured so far, says Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Colonel Jean Fajardo.
Despite the heavy reinforcements, just half of the 75 acre complex has been searched so far, the PNP says.
Footage shows cops going inside the cathedral – one of 40 buildings that needs to be checked.
Inside they are said to have found a secret door which leads to a number of hallways.
One of these leads into the preacher’s room, PNP officers have said.
PNP spokesperson Fajardo said: “We have already checked many areas without revealing the exact location, but we are confident that we are about to find their exact location.
“It’s very hard for us. In fact, we are now getting the plan of this site from Davao City’s engineering office to check if these were declared or not.
“Because if these are not declared, then there’s a violation. If all these intricate things were declared, these can be used for hiding.”
Authorities have also sensed a number of heartbeats underground using radar technology.
Up to 30 different signals have been recorded as deep as 100ft below the ground.
TrubuneRows of beds with clothes and pillows can be seen inside the underground complex officials say Quiboloy was hiding in[/caption]
News 5Troops have been deployed to scour the compound as they look to arrest Quiboloy[/caption]
EPAQuiboloy’s supporters have been protesting against the raid by blocking off the compound[/caption]
Google MapsA view of the sprawling compound where officers believe Quiboloy may still be[/caption]
To combat the blockade, police helicopters have been drafted in to scour the compound from above.
But the latest statement from the (PNP) says that some supporters have been using lasers to prevent the aerial search.
Putting the lives of the pilots in potential danger.
Police Major Catherine dela Rey said: “The PNP strongly condemned the recent actions of KOJC members who have been using laser devices against PNP helicopters.
“Such behaviour is a direct threat to the safety and operational effectiveness of our law enforcement aviation units.
“The use of lasers against aircraft is not only dangerous but also a clear violation of aviation safety regulations and legal standards.”
A court order to arrest the evangelist preacher remains in place.
Police say they will not leave until they have Quiboloy.
Israelito Torreon, Quiboloy’s lawyer, told ANC news that the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound has been turned into a garrison.
In the chaotic week-long melee, a Kingdom of Jesus Christ supporter reportedly had a fatal heart attack.
Officers confirmed the death was unrelated to anything done by cops in the operations.
The huge raid was livestreamed by a local TV network owned by the group with dozens of those in the cult filming on their phones.
Authorities say the cult leader had burrowed himself almost 100ft beneath his church.
Whistleblowers have testified in the past that they were held in the “sex lair” after being coerced into a sexual relationship with Quiboloy, reports the Daily Tribune.
Many brave women who have come forward say they were first taken underground at “a young age”.
It comes as the Philippine National Police released footage of officers inside the chilling compound.
Footage shows rows of beds surrounded by concrete walls where officers say Quiboloy may have kept women hidden away.
The conditions looks as though it has been recently left abandoned with pillows and bottles among the litter piling up on the floors.
As cops make their way through the dark building more bedrooms are shown to be of a better quality with TVs, neon lights and sofas.
Quiboloy said back in April: “I am not hiding from the charges because I am guilty. That’s not true. I am just protecting myself.”
Who is Apollo Quiboloy?
APOLLO Quiboloy is a preacher in the Philippines who is known for his Kingdom of Jesus Christ cult group.
The spiritual leader has claimed in the past that he is the “son of God”.
He sensationally managed to convince his diehard fans that in 1973 he was approached by God who whispered to him “I will use you”.
In 2019, he even declared that his powers helped to stop a major earthquake from hitting southern Philippines.
Many residents believed his words and were taken under Quiboloy’s wing.
But in 2021, the US Department of Justice charged him with sex trafficking of children, fraud and coercion and bulk cash smuggling.
Years of investigations left him accused of trafficking his followers to the US to gain donations for his hoax charities.
Authorities also say he has allegedly ordered his female and underage followers to have sex with him by citing it as part of their religious duties.
The FBI released a wanted poster for Quiboloy in 2022.
In the Philippines, he has also been charged with human trafficking and sexual harassment relating to the alleged abuse of a teenager in 2011.
Quiboloy said the “devil” was responsible for the allegations against him.
He blamed the FBI of trying to “meddle” with his case.
The preacher shot to fame in the Philippines when he started to work for former President Rodrigo Duterte as his spiritual adviser.
After Duterte stepped down in 2022, Quiboloy continued to gain followers to his Christian cult.
He now claims to preach to over seven million people.
Over 2,000 officers were deployed over the weekend with hundreds more sent to the compound sinceGettyQuiboloy is said to have over seven million followers[/caption]
FBIThe preacher is on the FBI’s most wanted list[/caption]
4 weeks agoNews TopicsComments Off on Cops ‘spotted suspected injuries’ when arresting ex-Strictly & DWTS star Artem Chigvintsev for ‘domestic violence’
POLICE may have noticed a pattern of suspected injuries as they arrested former Strictly star Artem Chigvintsev for domestic violence, cops have said.
Former strictly pro Artem Chigvintsev was arrested over domestic violenceGettyArtem Chigvintsev with wife Nikki Bella in 2023GettyPA:Press AssociationKara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev, winners of Strictly Come Dancing 2010[/caption]
The Russian native was held over domestic battery charges on Thursday after a 9-1-1 call was made for a “medical emergency”.
An insider told TMZ that paramedics never made it to the house as they were called off en route.
The victim has not yet been named and few details about the arrest have been shared.
But Officer Henry Wofford from the Napa County Sheriff office told NBC that a felony domestic violence arrest is made when suspected injuries are visible to cops at the scene.
Chigvintsev, 42, was taken to Napa County Department with his bail set at £19,000.
The domestic violence call was made from Yountville just after 10am local time on Thursday with the specific location not disclosed.
Award-winning dancer Chigvintsev won Strictly in 2010 with his celeb partner Kara Tointon.
He also appeared on the show with actress Holly Valance and TV presenter Fern Britton in 2012.
Chigvintsev was the first pro dancer to win both versions of the hit show, Dancing with the Stars and Strictly Come Dancing.
In 2017 he moved to Dancing With The Stars where he was partnered with his future wife Nikki Garcia – also known as Nikki Bella in the WWE world.
The pair married in 2022 and share a son who was born in 2020.
Chigvintsev was released from jail on Thursday afternoon, records online show.
Having been booked in for domestic violence charges does not mean he has been formally charged.
The Napa district attorney office said it does not yet have the case but will review it at a later date – when a decision on possible charges will be made.
Officer Wofford said details about the victim and any relationship between them were being kept private.
BBCNatalie Gumede and Artem Chigvintsev performing on Strictly[/caption]
Claire Planeta/E! EntertainmentNikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev at their wedding in Paris[/caption]
GettyNikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev out in LA, 2019[/caption]
4 weeks agoNews TopicsComments Off on Bayesian captain ‘says he did everything he could to save passengers & abandoned no one’ as he leaves Italy after horror
THE CAPTAIN of the Bayesian has insisted he did everything he could to save those who died in the tragic shipwreck, sources close to him have said.
James Cutfield, 51, captain of the BayesianEPAThe £14million superyacht Bayesian – which sank off the coast of Sicily on August 19[/caption]
FacebookYacht chef Recaldo Thomas, who died in the wreck tragedy[/caption]
Italian prosecutors hold a press conference in Italy this week
The unnamed sources close to Cutfield said he insists he did everything possible to save those onboard, both passengers and crew, and didn’t abandon any of them.
But as the boat took on more and more water, he couldn’t move properly on the yacht.
The £14million vessel was caught up in a storm off the coast of northern Sicily on August 19, capsizing and sinking to the sea floor in mere minutes.
Of the 22 onboard, 15 survived and seven died including Brit billionaire Mike Lynch and his daughter Hannah along with yacht chef Recaldo Thomas.
Kiwi Cutfield, along with two other members of his crew, are being investigated by Italian authorities for culpable shipwreck and multiple manslaughter.
The investigation does not imply guilt or mean formal charges will be brought against any of the men.
Cutfield, who lost his passport in the tragedy, was given a copy by officials so he could leave Italy with his wife and head home to Mallorca this week.
Under Italian maritime laws, the full responsibility for the welfare of a ship, its crew, and passengers lies with the captain of a vessel.
Solicitor Aldo Mordiglia told The Times he had “exercised his right to remain silent”.
He added: “There were two reasons. He is understandably very shaken up, and secondly, us lawyers were only appointed yesterday and we need to acquire information we do not have in order to defend him.”
Crew member Griffith is understood to have been on watch the night of the tragedy, a judicial source told Reuters on Wednesday.
Parker-Eaton is suspected of having failed to protect the engine room and operating systems when it was hit by a storm.
Reports suggest crew bedrooms have been searched, with at least two phones seized.
The wreck survivors, including Lynch’s wife Angela Bacares, 57, left Sicily in a private jet on Sunday, with most of the crew also set to leave after being grilled by investigators.
At a press conference at the Termini Imerese Courthouse on Saturday, Chief Prosecutor Ambrogio Cartosio said there may have been “behaviours that were not perfectly in order with regard to the responsibility everybody had.”
His team will probe if hatches were left open, allowing water to flood in.
They will also look into whether the crew raised the alarm before escaping.
He vowed to “discover how much they knew and to what extent all the people (passengers) were warned.”
Mr Cartosio added: “There could be in fact the question of homicide. But this is the beginning of the inquiry, we cannot exclude anything at all…We will establish each element’s (crew) responsibility.
“For me, it is probable that offences were committed — that it could be a case of manslaughter.”
4 weeks agoNews TopicsComments Off on Strictly Come Dancing will pay tribute to brave Amy Dowden after cancer battle – see the first look here
STRICTLY Come Dancing will pay tribute to Amy Dowden as she returns to the dancefloor after her cancer battle.
The dancer, 34, had to leave the show after she was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in May last year.
BBCAmy Dowden is due back on the Strictly dancefloor this September[/caption]
PAShe will join her fellow professional dancers in a celebratory group number to mark her return[/caption]
In what became the toughest year of her life, Amy took over 15 months to make a full recovery.
During that time, she underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy, fertility treatment, and nearly died from sepsis.
But after being given the all clear earlier this year, the star is set to join her fellow professional dancers in a celebratory group dance to mark her return.
The stunning quickstep routine, choreographed by Jason Gilkison, will be aired during the BBC show’s series 20 launch in September.
Amy is set to wow in symbolic pink and take centre stage as she performs with her pals.
It will be dedicated to those currently fighting cancer as well as her fellow “pink sisters”.
The group will perform to a medley of Training Season by Dua Lipa, Busy Earnin’, Candle Flame and Keep Moving all by Jungle, and by Jungle and Eric the Architect, as played by Dave Arch and his band.
Speaking about her return, Amy said: “I am so excited for every element of being back with my Strictly family.
“I am so grateful to get this opportunity, especially as it’s such a special year for this legendary show. It feels like it’s my first year again.”
She added: “I’m buzzing to see the whole team, for costumes, for dance routines, to meet the celebrities, the judges.
“Everyone’s laughing at me because I am just smiling constantly.
“I’d like to dedicate this dance to my pink sisters who have supported me through the past year and to all those currently facing cancer.”
Strictly’s Executive Producer, Sarah James added: “We are all so incredibly happy that Amy is back in the Strictly Ballroom.
“She will bring her sparkle, passion for dance, creative choreography and Welsh charm. Welcome back Amy, let’s make it the best year yet!”
Strictly Amy's cancer 'nightmare'
The Sun's Jamie Downham takes a look at the beloved Strictly star's ups and downs...
AS Strictly Come Dancing viewers know, you’ll struggle to catch Amy Dowden without a huge smile on her face.
But recently the Welsh star – one the best-rated Ballroom and Latin American professional dancers the UK has ever produced – has suffered a string of “nightmare” blows to her health.
She was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in May last year and underwent a full mastectomy, before having chemotherapy towards the end of 2023.
However, she later reported docs had found a clot on her lung, telling fans sadly: “Unfortunately I’ve had another nightmare this week.”
Nonetheless, brave Amy, seen here dancing with James Bye, made an epic return to Strictly the following month with an appearance that left many viewers in floods tears.
As 2024 dawned, she admitted: “I feel I was robbed of the year I had planned and reflecting for me makes me upset and angry.”
However, she was soon smiling again. Amy, her hair starting to grow back after her cancer treatment, was seen messing around with her co-stars Dianne Buswell and Vito Coppola on the Strictly tour earlier this month.
And despite another spell in hospital in February, she still mustered a cheeriness many would struggle for, telling fans: “The sun is shining – and I certainly can’t wait for Spring.”
And we certainly can’t wait to see you dancing again, Amy…
4 weeks agoNews TopicsComments Off on Good Morning Britain’s Adil Ray left gobsmacked as Hollywood star reveals her ‘real age’
GOOD Morning Britain host Adil Ray was left gobsmacked after a top Hollywood star revealed her “real age.”
The ITV presenter, 50, was left uttering “what?” as the actress let slip her birthday – before she addressed her pride in playing the “sexual centre” of her new Netflix show.
ITVGood Morning Britain host Adil Ray was left stunned as a Hollywood star revealed their ‘real age’[/caption]
NETFLIXIt came as the host chatted about new Netflix show Kaos[/caption]
ITVActress Janet McTeer revealed she is 63[/caption]
NETFLIXShe opened up on playing the ‘sexual centre’ of the show[/caption]
Kaos actress Janet McTeer, 63, appeared on the Good Morning Britain sofa alongside her co-star Jeff Goldblum, 71.
The show’s quirky plotline sees the legends of the Greek gods brought into a contemporary setting.
The script sees Zeus (Jeff Goldblum), aka king of the gods, living in his luxurious mansion at the top of Mount Olympus with his wife Hera (Janet McTeer) and party-loving son Dionysus (Nabhaan Rizwan).
Adil’s co-host Kate Garraway, 57, told the Newcastle-born star: “You are fabulously hot.
“As a woman of a certain age – you’re not 12,” to which Janet said: “I;m really not 12, I have had my 63rd birthday.”
This prompted Adil to quiz: “63rd? What?” before Janet told him: “Oh bless your heart.”
Adil then uttered: “Amazing,” before she said: “I am owning every year of it.”
Janet continued to address her age in relation to her new role and said: “It is really great to go you’re playing the sexual centre of it, as it were.”
Following her latest TV role, the Ozark actress joked “I only play goddesses now.”
Talking about the “blissful” role she added to The Guardian of her character: “She’s very, ‘Now listen. I’m OK sitting here in my kaftan, but if anybody messes with me, trust me, I will stand up and fight.’ That’s what’s wonderful about her, she’s a slow burn.”
Earlier in the episode, things took a more sombre tone as Kate fought back tears.
She pulled out a box of tissues as she talked to the parents of murdered teenager Leah Croucher – asking grieving duo Claire and John “how do you cope?”
Yet it has taken police four years after her disappearance to come to a conclusion on her death, with the coroner’s court only holding their session in June.
ITVJanet told Adil ‘bless your heart’ as he expressed his surprise about her age[/caption]
Getty Images - GettyThe Newcastle-born actress has re-located to Maine[/caption]
ITVShe opened up on her pride about taking on the role[/caption]
4 weeks agoNews TopicsComments Off on Bible archaeologists discover ancient relic that may ‘prove the existence of legendary warrior from holy book’
ARCHAEOLOGISTS have discovered an ancient stone seal that may prove the existence of a warrior from the Holy Bible, it has been claimed.
The small black relic is about the size of a dime and was probably worn around the neck as an amulet some 2,700 years ago.
Eliyahu Yanai, City of DavidBible archaeologists discovered an ancient stone seal that may have belonged to a warrior from the holy book[/caption]
RexThe rare black stone seal features an engraving of a never-before-seen winged ‘genie’ or ‘demon’[/caption]
AlamyAbout the size of a dime, the stone seal is approximately 2,700 years old[/caption]
And its owner could be a legendary man who held a senior position in the holy city of Jerusalem, Israel.
Stone seals served as a kind of prehistoric identification card.
But unlike other seals, the recent find features an engraving of a never-before-seen winged “genie” or “demon” in Israel.
The ancient stone relic also bears the names of Yehoʼezer and Hoshʼayahu, both of which are referenced in the Bible.
King David, the Israelite ruler at the period, had a warrior named Yoʼezer, which was the shortened form of Yehoʼezer.
And the name Azariah ben Hoshʼaya, which appears in the book of Jeremiah, is analogous to the name Hoshʼayahu.
Research partner Ronny Reich, from the University of Haifa, said: “It is not impossible that perhaps it was Yehoʼezer himself who engraved the names on the object.”
This discovery offers more proof in favour of the biblical accounts of a multicultural society flourishing in ancient Jerusalem.
When this seal was created, in the first temple period, Jerusalem was ruled by the Assyrian Empire.
The seal, which has an etching of a winged protective figure, reflects the artistic and cultural impact of this governing authority.
Archaeologists went on to explain that winged demon figures have been identified in Neo-Assyrian art from the 9th to 7th century BCE.
Excavation director Yuval Baruch said that the fact that the seal’s original owner picked a demon as his personal emblem “may attest to his feeling that he belonged to the broader cultural context.”
But Baruch explained that the two names carved on either side of this figure are written in Hebrew script, implying that the person who inscribed them was deeply attached to his local identity.
IAA Archeologist and Assyriologist Filip Vukosavovic, who studied the seal, said: “This is an extremely rare and unusual discovery.”
The relic also “opens another window for us into the days of the Kingdom of Judah during the First Temple period, and attests to that administration’s international connections,” added Israeli Minister of Heritage Rabbi Amichai Eliyahu.
“In doing so, it demonstrates the importance and centrality of Jerusalem already 2,700 years ago.”
It also provides a better understanding of the literacy and writing skills of those living in the holy city throughout this time.
“Contrary to what may be commonly thought, it seems that literacy in this period was not the realm only of society’s elite,” Baruch said.
“People knew how to read and write – at least at the basic level, for the needs of commerce.”
RexArcheologist Rom Navot, from the Israel Antiquities Authority, holds the rare black stone seal[/caption]
RexThe relic was discovered during excavations near the southern wall of the Temple Mount near the Western Wall in Jerusalem[/caption]
The seal was discovered by the researchers close to Temple Mount’s southern wall in the City of David National Park.
They think that a man named Hoshʼayahu, who was in charge of the administration of the Kingdom of Judah, wore the seal as an amulet.
The fact that the piece had a hole drilled in it, probably so it could be worn on a string, and the high degree of artistic skill needed to create it served as the foundation for their conclusion.
The researchers said: “The seal, made of black stone, is one of the most beautiful ever discovered in excavations in ancient Jerusalem.”
According to their press release, the figure on the seal is walking to the right and extending one arm forward with an extended palm, maybe to indicate what it is holding.
On either side of the figurine is an etched text in Paleo-Hebrew character.
The text reads “LeYehoʼezer ben Hoshʼayahu”.
The Bible uses Yoʼezer, the shortened form of the name Yehoʼezer, to refer to one of King David’s warriors.
Hoshʼayahu also comes in a parallel form in the book of Jeremiah, which details the time period in which the seal was made: Azariah ben Hoshʼaya.
It demonstrates the importance and centrality of Jerusalem already 2,700 years ago
Rabbi Amichai EliyahuIsraeli Minister of Heritage
The scholars clarify that the two components of the biblical first name are written opposite to the seal owner’s name.
The second name is same, but the seal only has a shortened version of it.
Further proof that the recently found seal was manufactured during the first temple period is provided by the fact that the writing style used in these biblical books matches the name engraved on it.
Professor Ronny Reich said the carving of the names “was done in a sloppy manner,” while the winged form seemed to have been properly carved.
This validates the scholars’ hypothesis that Yehoʼezer, the son of Hoshʼayahu, inherited the seal after his father’s death and carved his own name and his father’s name on either side of the demon.
Ze’ev Orenstein, director of International Affairs for the City of David Foundation, told Fox News Digital: “This singular find joins the list of countless archaeological discoveries in the City of David – the historic site of Biblical Jerusalem – affirming Jerusalem’s Biblical heritage.
“It similarly serves as yet another affirmation of the thousands-of-year-old bond rooting the Jewish people in Jerusalem – not simply as a matter of faith, but as a matter of fact.”
RexThe stone seal was probably worn around the neck as an amulet[/caption]
4 weeks agoNews TopicsComments Off on We’re fuming over ‘dangerous’ 4ft fence that popped up overnight – it’s disgraceful & has to come down
FURIOUS Newcastle United fans have urged a landowner to tear down a fence they constructed next to St James’ Park.
The structure has been built close to the East Stand of the stadium on Leazes Terrace and supporters are warning it could be a fire hazard.
x.com/@nufctrustA fence has been built close to the East Stand of St James’ Park[/caption]
Google MapsThe wooden structure was erected on Leazes Terrace in Newcastle upon Tyne[/caption]
x.com/@nufctrustThe landowner is not associated with or affiliated to Newcastle United[/caption]
GettyMatchgoers claim the fence poses ‘serious health and safety concerns’[/caption]
Pictures shared on X by Newcastle United Supporters Trust reveal how the barrier is just yards away from the doors.
Matchgoers claim the fence poses “serious health and safety concerns” and could have “dangerous consequences” in the event of overcrowding.
It is not known when the wooden fence was erected.
One fan took to social media to comment: “That’s restricting egress in the event of a fire.”
Another penned: “I can’t see the fans allowing that to stay up long.”
A third said: “Health and Safety risk for supporters absolutely stupid putting that there.”
Adam Stoker, co vice-chair of Newcastle United Supporters Trust, said: “We have raised the concerns of our board and our members with the club directly.
“Naturally we are concerned about the serious health and safety concerns that the structure poses, given the impact this would have on queues when accessing and departing the East Stand.
“The area of the ground right by where this has been constructed is a very busy area on matchdays and putting obstacles in the way of supporters could have dangerous consequences and result in significant overcrowding.
“We have been contacted by a number of our members on this issue who are concerned about the risks it could potentially cause.
“We strongly urge the land owner to remove the current structure and to stop putting structures in place which could compromise the safety of our supporters on matchdays.
“It’s disgraceful to display such openly petty behaviour, while showing blatant disregard for the potential of their actions to put the safety of our fans at risk.”
It’s disgraceful to display such openly petty behaviour.
Adam StokerCo vice-chair of Newcastle United Supporters Trust
A Newcastle United spokesperson added: “We are aware that one of our neighbouring landowner’s, St James Terrace Land Ltd, has chosen to erect a timber fence on land which abuts the exterior of the East Stand of St. James’ Park.
“The landowner is not associated with or affiliated to the Club in any way whatsoever.
“In the interests of continuing to provide uninterrupted access for our fans and others using St. James’ Park, particularly on matchdays, we have offered alternative nearby sites to the landowner for the safe storage of their items and will continue to seek to engage in constructive dialogue with the landowner on this matter.
“We will monitor the situation and will work closely with our partners to find a sensible way forward.
“The Club has this week reached out to its season ticket holders to understand their views on how the recent usage of the land by St James Terrace Land Ltd has impacted them.”
