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Horoscope today, November 2, 2024: Daily star sign guide from Mystic Meg

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died last year but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today. 

♈ ARIES

March 21 to April 20

Your best way forward is clearer as Mercury shifts signs – but this may also ask you to be more patient and less impulsive.

Taking a breath and making a pause before every decision takes practice but can be your success strategy.

The love you have can be the love you want when you truly look at your own heart.

a poster for mystic meg with maggie innes saturday
Your weekly horoscope for Saturday

♉ TAURUS

April 21 to May 21

You are usually one of the logical signs, but there can be upheaval today as some key planet lines get crossed.

As Mercury and Pluto make an unlikely team, you are also ready to collaborate with possibly the last person you would ever have expected.

Yet somehow, it can work well.

Get all the latest Taurus horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♊ GEMINI

May 22 to June 21

Cool the action and work on the words in a team – as you’ve been charging on ahead, certain people have found it hard to keep up.

But it won’t take long to get everyone in tune again.

Love-wise, Venus is marriage-minded, and even the most restless Gemini can start to feel the same way.

Get all the latest Gemini horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♋ CANCER

June 22 to July 22

The Mercury and Mars mix in your chart is not always predictable – but it’s what you need right now to get out of a routine you know no longer suits you.

So harness the positive aspects, and trust yourself to deal with anything more negative, because you will.

A family who all have celebrity names, can be your key fortune-finder.

Get all the latest Cancer horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♌ LEO

July 23 to August 23

Your natural business brain is Mercury-managed now, so you sift through possibilities and focus on the right ones to make you richer.

Plus you have a calm, clear way of summing up situations that can win you a special writing role.

Your love life may feel weak in outer security, but inside hearts are strong, and united.

Get all the latest Leo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♍ VIRGO

August 24 to September 22

The moon encourages you to speak from the heart and take a risk.

If you can’t decide between several love options, take your time and explore each one further.

This is your moment to take charge of your own destiny. When you hear some 70s music in an unexpected setting, the luck factor can be so strong.

Get all the latest Virgo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

a purple circle with the zodiac signs in it
Getty
Passion-wise, touch is the important sense[/caption]

♎ LIBRA

September 23 to October 23

Words that have felt frozen can start to flow again when you believe the best of everyone – including yourself.

A time of pulling together rather than apart can keep a family or a couple moving forward.

Not everything about a special purchase may be perfect, but good enough is enough for now.

Get all the latest Libra horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

List of 12 star signs

♏ SCORPIO

October 24 to November 22

Managing money can connect to managing feelings – when you identify certain situations that spark extra spending.

The new moon’s emotional strength can help you get cash back in check.

Love that’s a match in values is right for right now – partners who hold different views on commitment may struggle to connect.

Get all the latest Scorpio horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♐ SAGITTARIUS

November 23 to December 21

Your sign welcomes tactful Mercury to further illuminate the gentle glow of Venus.

You are a natural friend, a gifted advisor and the kind of passion partner who’s equally caring and thrilling.

But beware of falling into the role of doing everything for everyone. Independence in all relationships is important.

Get all the latest Sagittarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♑ CAPRICORN

December 22 to January 20

If you know there are some thoughts deep inside that you hesitate to voice – this can be your day.

Your ability to be honest with yourself is enhanced, and you are fearless in looking forward. This can help you cope with all kinds of difficult facts.

Writing about events in the past can be a surprise income stream.

Get all the latest Capricorn horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

a zodiac circle with the signs of the zodiac on it
Supplied
Luck opens a fluorescent envelope[/caption]

♒ AQUARIUS

January 21 to February 18

Keeping people in your life “just in case” is not a good strategy for you right now.

If you don’t see a future, for a friend, family member or lover, it’s only fair to set them free. Mercury can help you find the right words.

Mars is restless in your exercise sector – getting out and about can harness this star power.

Get all the latest Aquarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♓ PISCES

February 19 to March 20

If you feel sarcasm rising, it can be because of a chart clash involving Uranus.

Instead of saying anything out loud, channel these feelings into a smart, funny novel or script, that speaks to so many different kinds of people.

What you have to say is unique to you, and well worth hearing.

Get all the latest Pisces horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

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Fortnite kicks off Chapter 2 Remix season with Snoop Dogg and Ice Spice in-game concert

a group of people are walking in front of a building that says snoop dogg

FORTNITE just held its Remix: The Prelude live event, revealing what’s in store for the game’s next season, which kicks off later today.

Details of the live event were kept secret, but we knew that the upcoming season was going to be throwback to the original Fortnite Chapter 2 from five years ago.

Fortnite_20241102004418
Fortnite Chapter 2 Remix will feature a legendary lineup of rappers and characters
Epic Games
a man stands in front of a building that says snoop dogg
Epic Games
Snoop Dogg is coming to Fortnite in the first week of Chapter 2 Remix[/caption]

For The Prelude event, which was held at the Restored Reels POI in-game, Fortnite had prepared a surprise live performance.

Ice Spice and Snoop Dogg took the stage, both in-game and in real life at Times Sqaure in New York, to kick off the game’s next season.

The throwback season will bring back a remixed version of Fortnite’s island map as players remember it from the game’ s original Chapter 2.

Chapter 2 Remix has a musical theme and will feature one iconic rapper each week, starting with Snoop Dogg himself in Week 1.

The “Drop It Like It’s Hot” rapper will be followed by Eminem, Ice Spice, and the late Juice WRLD for Weeks 2 through 4.

The new Chapter 2 Remix starts later today, November 2, 2024, and will run until November 30, 2024.

You can check out the exact launch times in our Fortnite Remix Chapter 2 start time explainer.

This week, The Agency POI in the game will turn into Snoop Dogg’ s headquarters, The Doggpound.

Defeating the legendary rapper will drop a Mythic weapon, Snoop’s Drum Gun.

Next week, starting on November 7, will be all about Eminem.

The rapper will show up at The Grotto POI in-game, which will be transformed into the Spaghetti Grotto.

There players will be able to defeat Slim Shady for an RG Minigun Mythic weapon.

In Week 3, Ice Spice will be headlining the Shark Island area of the map, which will be renamed to Ice Isle.

Beating her will reward players with an Ice Spice’s Grappler and Ice Spice’s Rifle Mythics.

Finally, Week 4 will be a tribute to the late Juice WRLD, who passed away at 21 in 2019.

To honour the “Lucid Dreams” singer there will be a special WRLD Point landmark in the game.

Players who log into Fortnite from November 30, at 1am ET / 6am UK time, and December 1 at 1am ET / 6am UK time, will receive a cel-shaded Juice WRLD outfit.

Each week, the Item Shop will feature skins and items based on the respective rapper.

Fortnite promises to close the season with another live event, Remix: The Finale, which starts on November 30, at 2pm ET / 7pm UK time.

For more on the game, check out a recent Item Shop leak that got Fortnite players raging.

All the latest PS5 reviews from The Sun

Get the lowdown on more of the latest PS5 releases from our expert reviewers.

Read More »

I stayed in the new cosy treehouses in the middle of the Cotswolds which are perfect for an autumn break

I’VE never liked the rain, especially not on holiday.

But as the crackles of thunder began to rumble among the spindly trees, signalling an imminent and torrential downpour, I found myself rushing to the window in excitement.

a tree house in the middle of a forest
Newly opened TreeDwellers is buried in woodland near the Cotswolds village of Charlbury
a living room with a table and chairs and a fireplace
The one-bedroom Camellia is a wave-shaped wooden structure with a spacious terrace

It’s not the shards of sunlight piercing through a leafy sky that make this treehouse getaway shine, it is the pitter patter of rain echoing throughout the woodland, of which I have a prime view.

Add lightning to the mix and you’ve got yourself some drama worth of an EastEnders cliffhanger.

The newly opened TreeDwellers, buried in woodland near the Cotswolds village of Charlbury, blends almost seamlessly with nature.

Its seven wooden and copper treehouses are propped up on stilts, three-metres above the floor, and each features green, vegan handwash and eco-lotions that match the setting.

Mine, the one-bedroom Camellia, was a wave-shaped wooden structure with a spacious terrace and what seemed like more window than wall making the space feel truly enveloped by the thick forest.

From the comfort of my linen bed I could spy creatures lurking among the shrubs in a scene more reminiscent of a reserve in Canada than a park 30 minutes’ drive from Oxford.

GO: TREEDWELLERS

Costs from £220 per night on a self-catering basis. See treedwellers.com.

While the log burner sputtered inside my living room, mist wove between the tree trunks outside. It was clear winter was on its way and this was the perfect place to hunker down.

As well as a fully equipped kitchen and snug living room, my treehouse featured a huge stone bath tub, plenty big enough for two people – although I had it to myself and relished the chance to pamper myself.

If the surrounding views of nature don’t help you unwind, a bath ritual hamper (an extra £25 for two people) certainly will.

It comes with an organic selection of goodies including a fizzy bath bomb, Epsom salts, dried flower petals, body butter and a clay face mask.

With the noise of traffic muffled by the shrubs, it’s the dream spot for a solo detox retreat or romantic getaway (although two of the treehouses are two-bedroomed, so suitable for families as well).

An evening curled up in front of the fire with a spread of local cheeses, bread and dips collected from the nearby Bruern Farms shop, a 20-minute drive away, was just what the doctor ordered.

But for those who want to venture out, The Plough Inn – a 16-minute walk along rural paths – does a cracking Sunday lunch.

Or there is the Royal Oak, a slightly further trek but with plenty of nooks to snuggle down in.

Blenheim Palace is a 15-minute drive away and worth a visit if you’re a fan of Netflix show, Bridgerton.

A pop-up trail through the grounds gives a behind-the-scenes look at some of the filming locations.

On selected days in autumn, a string quartet will be performing in the Great Hall – and it’s free for visitors.

Back at my wooden home, daylight had started to disappear. I’d left the blinds half open to gaze at the still forest, willing the rain to return and lull me to sleep.

Perhaps I don’t always need sunshine on holiday.

Read More »

European theme park where you ‘visit’ Greece, Spain and Italy in a day has new roller coaster that’s world’s steepest

WITHIN just one hour, I wake up in Rome, stroll through the streets of southern Spain, and whizz through Scandinavia on a rollercoaster.

There are still 15 more countries to see before the day is through.

a group of people ride a roller coaster that says wood track
Matterhorn Blitz mountain ride is a wild mouse ride with sharp turns and quick drops in a Swiss alpine setting
a roller coaster with the word wolverine on it
Supplied
The star of the show is the new Voltron Nevera in the Croatia section[/caption]

But that is easily done at Europa Park — a mega theme park in Germany where different areas are designed to look just like European countries.

Spanning 230 acres just outside Rust, a small unassuming town in the southwest of the country near the borders of France and Switzerland, this theme park and hotel resort is an adrenaline junkie’s dream.

And its theming means you can travel the continent on a whirlwind tour.

The attention to detail is off the chart. The Greece area captures the feel of being in Mykonos while the Switzerland section transports you to the heart of the Alps.

From the architecture to the street signs, it feels like you’re really visiting these different lands.

Its extravagance reminds me of a family-friendly Las Vegas, just without the casinos and flashing neon lights.

Instead, it’s packed with 13 rollercoasters, 100 attractions, six themed hotels, and a full-blown water park.

a mouse mascot is standing in front of a family
Supplied
Go Dutch in the park’s Holland quarter[/caption]
an aerial view of a large building with a pool in front of it
Supplied
Stay the night in the Italian-themed Hotel Colosseo[/caption]

If there’s one thing Europa Park should be known for, it’s white-knuckle rides.

My first stop is one of its most iconic: Wodan, a daunting wooden coaster in the Scandinavian area.

The sound of the creaking as it races over its hills at high speed gets my palms sweating. It’s a fast, furious ride that’s every­thing you would want in a classic wooden coaster. Windswept hair included.

The star of the show, however, is the new Voltron Nevera in the Croatia section.

Built by the owners of the park, Mack Rides (which also manu­fac­tured the UK’s tallest and fastest coaster, Hyperia), this is a game-changer.

With a record-breaking 105-degree beyond-vertical launch, the steepest in the world, it catapults you upside down while still gaining speed.

It combines cutting-edge tech with terrifying elements like seven inversions, a bounce track, and a turntable with a backwards launch that sees you change direction mid-ride.

It’s also super-efficient, burning through queues even on busy days, so you can get a few rides in before lunch.

Voltron is easily one of the most innovative roller­coasters I’ve experienced, not to mention the scariest.

The park’s massive indoor and outdoor water park, Rulantica, is worth a visit

Lee Bell

While there’s lots on offer for thrill-seekers, Europa Park has far more besides.

From kiddie rides and playgrounds to live shows and immersive 4D experiences, the park caters to all ages.

For those who prefer a thrill without the white knuckles, there’s Arthur — an inverted-spinning family coaster — or Matterhorn Blitz, a wild mouse ride with sharp turns and quick drops in a Swiss alpine setting.

On a hot day, there’s Poseidon in the Greek area — a water coaster that combines gentle sailing with a big drop.

For a day off the rides, the park’s massive indoor and outdoor water park, Rulantica, is worth a visit.

With a lazy river, stomach- churning water slides and a wave pool, it’s the perfect way to cool off after a day of coaster riding.

Plus, there are two swim-up bars for the grown-ups if speeding down wet tubes isn’t your thing.

Floating chair

There’s no shortage of drinking or dining options within Europa Park. Whether you’re craving a quick snack or a sit-down meal.

Balthasar Castle serves tradition­al German fare, like bratwurst, in an epic real castle.

For something way more fun, check out Food Loop, where your meal arrives at your table via a mini rollercoaster.

I chose something more casual at Bar Chez Marianne, a cosy café in the quaint Swiss area.

If you want to take your dining to another level, go to Eatrenalin.

This crazy, futuristic restaurant combines gourmet cuisine with cutting-edge technology — and it’s the first of its kind in the world.

Here, you’re transported through different rooms on a state-of-the-art “floating chair”, sampling different dishes paired with creative cocktails among huge immersive displays.

GO: EUROPA PARK

GETTING THERE: The closest airport to Europa Park served by Ryanair, easyJet and British Airways is Basel, Switzerland, about an hour away.

Return fares in November from £39pp. See skyscanner.net.

STAYING THERE: The six themed hotels on site start at around £100 per night.

Entry to the park costs £52 for adults and £44 for children (4–11) and seniors. See europapark.de/en.

I gorged on ten delicious plates inspired by cuisines from around the world.

From fresh king crab paired with a tropical citrus sauce, to delicate Japanese dump­lings, each dish was beautifully present­ed and bursting with flavour.

It’s like nothing you have exper­ienced.

Despite its size, Europa Park runs like clockwork. During my visit, queues moved quickly even for the most popular rides, the staff were friendly and the park was spotless.

With so much to see and do, a one-day visit isn’t enough.

Luckily, Europa Park has six themed hotels on site, from a medieval castle to a Portuguese monastery and amphitheatre.

It’s no wonder it won the Golden Ticket Award (the Oscars of the theme park industry) for best amusement park worldwide for the ninth time this year.

It might not have the recognition of Disneyland, but with so much for all ages, Europa Park should top any theme park-lover’s list.

Read More »

From new death tax to boosting your state pension – how to protect your finances after Rachel Reeves’ Budget

MILLIONS of households will see their finances shaken up after Chancellor Rachel Reeves gave her first Budget this week.

But how can you protect your family’s funds? Lana Clements explains everything you need to know…

a woman holding a red briefcase with the number 11 on it
Millions of households will see their finances shaken up after Chancellor Rachel Reeves gave her first Budget this week
Getty

NEW DEATH TAX

 PRIVATE and workplace pensions will no longer be exempt from inheritance tax from 2027.

At present, any money in your pension when you die can be passed on free of death duties, meaning they are a tax-efficient way of leaving cash to loved ones.

a coffin with flowers in it is in a car
Getty
At present, only 5 per cent of households pay inheritance tax — but now pensions group Canada Life says that number will almost double by 2030[/caption]

But the new plans will see your pension pots added to the value of your estate — so could incur a tax bill.

Individuals can pass on up to £325,000 tax-free when they die, while couples who are married or in civil partnerships can combine their allowances and pass on £650,000.

Anything over that is taxed at 40 per cent. Although, there are extra allowances for homes.

At present, only 5 per cent of households pay inheritance tax — but now pensions group Canada Life says that number will almost double by 2030.

The new rules will affect those with modern defined contribution pensions.

It’s unclear whether those who have saved into protected funds will be affected by the move.

Nigel Green, the CEO of financial consultancy the deVere group, said: “Many pension holders, particularly those who have saved for years, never anticipated having to navigate such a significant change.

“The potential ripple effects are staggering — increased financial anxiety among retirees, a hastening of pension fund withdrawals and the gutting of a system designed to support families long-term.”

There may be ways for pension savers to shield themselves from the new tax. This includes withdrawing larger amounts from pensions.

Savers can take out 25 per cent of their pension tax-free and move it into a tax-efficient account such as an ISA.

However, experts have previously advised against this due to the limit on returns.

 You can get free advice via the Pension Wise service.

You can also make an unlimited number of cash gifts. As long as you don’t die within seven years, these will be tax-free.

TAX-FREE ALLOWANCES

NOW is a good opportunity to protect your wealth by maximising tax-free allowances, if you are in a position to do so.

Firstly, take advantage of tax-free savings allowances which are £1,000 for basic-rate tax­payers and £500 for higher-rate ones.

You will be liable to pay tax on savings above this.

However, you can save £20,000 per person (or £40,000 per couple) annually tax-free in an ISA.

You can also save £9,000 a year per child into a Junior ISA.

PENSION PERKS

DON’T forget about tax-free pension perks, too.

If your employer will match your contribution into your pension fund, then it could be worth upping your payments.

For example, someone on a £35,000 salary saving four per cent, or £116 a month, for 35 years matched by their employer could expect a total fund of £283,000, according to calculations by pension platform AJ Bell.

However, if you upped that to 7.5 per cent, matched by your employer, it would mean you would put away an extra £102 a month, but would make the total fund £531,000 — an additional £248,000 for retirement.

If you have a self-invested pension you can save £60,000 per year without paying a tax charge. It had been feared that Reeves would tinker with pension tax relief or lump sums — but she dodged it.

This is a relief because many need to put more money into pensions.

Nigel Peaple, from trade body Pensions And Lifetime Savings Association, said: “Most ­people in the UK need to save more, not less, into a pension to have a good retirement income.”

CHECK YOUR PAY

THE Chancellor revealed a surprise pay boost for millions of workers by announcing the freeze on income tax thresholds and National Insurance Contributions will end in April 2028.

This will add £69 a year to someone’s take-home pay on a salary of £35,000, assuming an inflation-linked increase of two per cent to the personal allowance, according to calculations by financial services firm Evelyn Partners.

a calculator sits on top of a hm revenue and customs self assessment statement
Getty
Make sure you’re not paying too much tax by checking your tax code – 1257L is the most common and means you’re entitled to a tax-free personal allowance of £12,570[/caption]

 In the meantime, make sure you are paying the correct level of income tax.

You can check your tax code by looking at your pay slip.

The most common code is 1257L and indicates you are entitled to the standard tax-free personal allowance of £12,570.

FIND MISSING CASH

MILLIONS who receive benefits, including pension credit, and those on the state pension will get a boost next year as payments will rise, the Chancellor confirmed this week.

However, billions of pounds worth of benefits are left unclaimed by people who are eligible for payments.

The Sun offers a free online benefits checker in partnership with poverty charity Turn2Us.

It will quickly tell you if you’re missing out on any cash. If you are unable to access the internet, you could ask a friend or relative to help you do the check.

Visit thesun.co.uk/benefits checker to access the tool or try Age UK on 0800 678 1602.

BOOST STATE PENSION

THE State Pension is protected by the triple lock, making it an even more valuable source of income during retirement.

You are only entitled to the full payment if you have 35 years of NI contributions.

However, if you fall short, you can plug gaps by buying contributions. These cost £824.20 a year for all years from 2006/07 to 2022/23.

Buying a year boosts your pay by more than £325 annually, meaning the cost is paid off within three.

WHAT ELSE IS HIDDEN IN THE SMALL PRINT?

WE scoured the Budget documents to find these announcements hidden in the small print . . . 

CHILD BENEFIT REFORM AXED

THE reform to base Child Benefit on total household income will not be going ahead.

Under current rules, two parents earning £59,000 a year – £118,000 in total – receive the benefit in full.

But a household could have a lot less in total income and not get the full payment if one of the parents earns over £60,000. This will now remain the case.

‘HELP TO SAVE’ EXTENDED

THE Government will extend the current Help To Save until April 5, 2027.

The scheme, where those on low incomes and Universal Credit can get a cash bonus of £1,200 over four years, was due to end in 2025.

‘MORTGAGE GUARANTEE’ PERMANENT

BUYERS can get a 95 per cent loan-to-value mortgage through the mortgage guarantee scheme which is now being made permanent.

The scheme had been set to end next year.

SELF-ASSESSMENT SHAKE-UP

A BUMPER £16million will be invested to modernise the HMRC’s app so self-assessment taxpayers can make voluntary advance payments on their tax bill in instalments.

STAMP DUTY RELIEF

FOR first-time buyers, Stamp Duty will rise from April – but you have five months to make a purchase and beat the increase.

An independent mortgage broker can help you work out how much you can borrow to set your budget.

Read More »

Bizarre moment cops dressed as Wolverine and Deadpool bust drug gang as they raid building & march suspects down street

THIS IS the bizarre moment cops dressed as Wolverine and Deadpool busted a drugs operation on Halloween.

Footage of the peculiar scene, which involved two policemen wearing superhero costumes storming a building, was captured in Lima, Peru on Thursday.

a man in a deadpool costume has a hammer on his back
Policia Nacional Del Peru
Footage released by the Peru national police force shows the officers holding weapons[/caption]
a man in a deadpool costume is standing next to a woman in a pink jacket .
Policia Nacional Del Peru
Deadpool escorts a woman through the streets during the operation[/caption]
a man in a wolverine costume stands next to a man in a deadpool costume
The Mega Agency
Police dressed up as Deadpool and Wolverine for a Halloween drugs raid in Lima, Peru[/caption]
a table with a bunch of papers and a scale that says ' td ' on it
The Mega Agency
The items were laid out during a press conference[/caption]

The officers can be seen holding a sledgehammer and wooden bat while huddled round with other cops at the start of the clip.

The cop dressed as Deadpool can then be seen standing beside a woman in front of a haul of narcotics.

He is also filmed escorting her through the streets, before walking with her inside the police station.

Cops seized 54 bags of cocaine, along with 850 packets of coca base paste and 2,000 Peruvian soles (approximately £410), local media said.

The items were displayed during a press conference, with the cops still wearing their superhero outfits.

They stand beside an officer who explained how they were wearing Halloween outfits as they are “specialists at camouflaging”.

He adds that, if it’s Halloween, they will go to the streets of Rimac, giving sweets to children “according to the festivity”.

The officer said: “They knew about a criminal organisation that trafficked drugs.”

The Policía Nacional del Perú posted footage of the incident on X, writing: “The Witches of Alameda family clan falls!

“Dressed as comic book characters, Green Squad agents arrested aliases Muelon, Gorda, Viejita and Pequeña in #Rímac .

“They seized various drugs and confiscated money and other items.”

a woman in a pink sweater is being held by a man in a red suit
The Mega Agency
The costumed officers are seen escorting some people into a police station[/caption]
a table with a sign that says droga comisada on it
Policía Nacional del Perú
The items were laid out during a press conference[/caption]
a bunch of money with one that says 100 on it
Policia Nacional Del Peru
Cops seized 54 bags of cocaine, along with 850 packets of coca base paste and 2,000 Peruvian soles (approximately £410), local media said[/caption]
a man in a wolverine costume is being escorted by another man
Policía Nacional del Perú
A cop dressed as Wolverine escorting a suspect during the raid[/caption]

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Boohoo snub Mike Ashley demands to be CEO and promote insider

BOOHOO yesterday snubbed Mike Ashley’s demands to be installed as CEO and promoted an insider instead.

The troubled online fashion retailer named Dan Finley, 41, as its new chief executive “with immediate effect”.

a man wearing glasses and a plaid shirt smiles for the camera
Dan Finley has been named as Boohoo’s new chief executive
Boohoo Group

Mr Finley has run its Debenhams online store for the past two years and previously worked at JD Sports, a rival to Mr Ashley’s Sports Direct.

It is understood the announcement was a shock to Mr Ashley’s Frasers Group, which last night had not commented.

Mr Ashley holds a 37 per cent stake in Boohoo and has accused it of destroying shareholder value.

Clive Black, analyst at Shore Capital, said: “The appointment has box-office implications.”

He added of the boardroom bust-up: “There could be a few rounds to go yet.”

Mr Finley said he would be focused on “delivering value for all our shareholders” but he refused to refer directly to Mr Ashley.

Stephen Morana, Boohoo’s finance chief, said of Mr Ashley’s wish for a board seat: “We want to find a solution, but it would be like giving a board seat to a direct competitor.”

Mr Morana said Mr Finley had been “CEO-in-waiting” for a while.

Yesterday, Boohoo’s share price rose 3.31 per cent, valuing the firm at £392million.

Four years ago, it was worth £3billion.

a man in a white shirt is smiling and looking at the camera
Mike Ashley was unsuccessful in his hopes to land a board seat at Boohoo
Getty

Reckitt wins

SHARES in household goods giant RECKITT jumped 6.6 per cent yesterday after a US jury cleared it of covering up risks of its baby milk.

The maker of Durex and Dettol has spent four years battling more than 1,000 lawsuits claiming its Mead Johnson premature infant milk formula caused intestinal disease.

Stamp surge

A RUSH of house sales is likely in the first three months of 2025 as buyers try to seal deals before a rules change, experts are predicting.

The Budget has reduced the threshold for stamp duty relief — which comes into force on April 1.

NATIONWIDE said the move will “lead to a jump in transactions”.

Good week, bad week

GOOD WEEK: WAEL Sawan, boss of SHELL, after better-than-expected quarterly profits of £4.6billion, prompting a £2.6billion share buyback.

BAD WEEK: JAMES Wroath, CEO of logistics firm WINCANTON, as the regulator delays its £762million takeover by GXO.

Read More »