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VINICIUS JUNIOR had to reportedly cancel a huge party and has been left “devastated” after missing out on the Ballon d’Or.

The Real Madrid star, 24, was convinced he was going to be crowned the best player on the planet at the glamorous ceremony in Paris on Monday.

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Rodri pipped Vinicius Jr to Ballon d’Or glory[/caption]

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Real Madrid boycotted the event in support of Vini[/caption]

But just hours before the show got underway, it was leaked that Manchester City’s Rodri was the winner instead.

Real Madrid were left furious and boycotted, with his team-mates and club chiefs all missing from the event.

Reports from Spanish outlet AS claim Vinicius is heartbroken over the snub.

He had to supposedly axe a pre-planned party for around 50 people.

Nike have had to scrap the specially designed boots they made to commemorate his success.

And they are now forced to adjust plans for him to unveil a new store in the centre of Madrid as the Ballon d’Or winner.

Real Madrid TV reportedly had five hours of programming in place to celebrate.

Vini even allegedly taunted Barcelona star Gavi in their 4-0 El Clasico defeat on Saturday by telling him: “I’m going to win the Ballon d’Or on Monday.”

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Real Madrid claimed Uefa “do not respect” the club in a furious statement.

And a defiant Vinicius tweeted: “I’ll do it 10x if I have to. They’re not ready.”

Ballon d’Or chief Vincent Garcia has suggested that the Brazilian missed out as his team-mates Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal, who came third and fourth respectively, took votes off him.

But many of his pals have came out to slam what they see as an injustice.

Among those is Brazil and Tottenham star Richarlison, who ranted: “All of us who live football eagerly await the individual awards each season. 

“Today, all Brazilians who love football woke up expecting to see another player from our country win an award for the best in the world after so long.

“Unfortunately, for reasons that no one can understand, the award did not come. 

“And don’t get me wrong, Rodri is a great player who deserves to be among the best. 

“But Vini not winning the Ballon d’Or was embarrassing, and the only one who lost today was football.

“I remember Vini saying that his dream was to see the whole of Brazil cheering for him. And that day was today.

“You are a giant and the best in the world, kid. And no trophy will change that. Keep going and never shut up. We’re together.”

HELEN Flanagan has admitted her parents stepped in to look after her kids after she suffered a severe psychosis episode.

The former Coronation Street actress has spoken candidly about her mental health battles in the past, particularly the episodes of psychosis which left her “seeing things and feeling in danger.”

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Helen Flanagan has opened up on the terrifying impact of her psychosis battle[/caption]

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The mum of three, 34, candidly addressed her rough mental health patch[/caption]

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She suffered bouts of psychosis following her split with Scott Sinclair[/caption]

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She told how her parents were called after her poor mental health left her thinking their was someone in her car boot[/caption]

Now Helen, 34, a mum-of-three, has given more detail on the impact on her family life.

Her rough patch came after her split with fiance Scott Sinclair, 35, in 2022.

The pair had been together 13 years, and share three children Matilda, eight, Delilah, six and son Charlie, aged three.

In the aftermath of the relationship breakdown Helen told how she had been struggling with her mental health.

Yet now, on The Daily Mail‘s The Life of Bryony podcast, she has told how her mental health medication for her ADHD had sparked an intervention.

She said: “So when I was in my psychosis, I thought there was a man inside my house trying to break in my house with my kids.

“While I was driving home – it’s horrendous – I could have killed someone, I was driving, and because I was so bad on this medication, I thought there was somebody in my boot.

“I kept stopping my car all the time, because I can see someone jumping in my boot, because I was in a psychosis.”

Helen added: “I thought I could see someone, but my nanny came, and my mum had to take the children away from me.

“My mum and dad looked after my kids for about a month, and then sometimes they would sleep at mine, sometimes they would sleep at my parents, just till I just got myself, like, really good again.”

Helen then told how she had to go into her children’s schools to insist she was a “good parent.”

The star, who recently featured on E4 reality series Celebs Go Dating, previously admitted she keeps a tab on her mental health.

Helen told the Daily Mail in a separate interview: “Sometimes I’ll be great for ages, like I felt quite good for the last few months, and then I do struggle, like a week ago.

“It’s up and down. I think I have everything under the sun – OCD, ADHD – but I think it’s important to talk about it, and if it makes people feel less on their own then that’s great.

“I get people coming up to me and saying thank you and that makes it worth it.”

She also told how her battle with OCD had left her convinced she had cheated on Scott – and would then have her kids taken away from her.

TRICKY SPLIT

The Rosie Webster star recently revealed the “real” reason for the break-up with her baby-daddy – this being the fact the pair simply didn’t like each other.

Meanwhile, this week Rosie told how Scott has blocked her on social media – despite the pair co-parenting their brood.

She added the pair now “do each other’s f**king heads in.”

Yet the TV star has embarked on a happier chapter in her love life with new man Robbie Talbot.

She had signed up to this year’s Celebs Go Dating – but halfway through the process admitted she had a secret boyfriend.

Robbie ended up joining the show as they attempted to strengthen their new relationship with couples therapy.

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Helen’s parents stepped in until she was feeling better[/caption]

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Helen, 34, said the episodes were sparked by her ADHD medication[/caption]

RUBEN AMORIM is closing in on becoming the next permanent boss of Manchester United.

Reports suggest the Red Devils are willing to pay the 39-year-old’s £8.3million release clause from Sporting CP to appoint him as their replacement for Erik ten Hag, who was sacked on Monday.

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A stunning throwback picture of Ruben Amorim has emerged of him playing against Man Utd at Old Trafford[/caption]

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The picture shows Jonny Evans scoring the equaliser against Braga as United came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 in 2012[/caption]

However, the ex-midfielder – dubbed the Special One 2.0 – actually shared the pitch with three players he will be coaching at Old Trafford.

The first of these is former Benfica team-mate Victor Lindelof, whom he shared the pitch with just three times as the Swede was coming through the ranks.

The second was ex-Tottenham star Christian Eriksen, who he faced with Benfica in the Europa League as he saw the Dane score in the second leg of the last-16 tie.

The third star is actually returned Man Utd hero Jonny Evans.

Amorim and Evans, now 36, lined up on opposite sides during a Champions League group stage clash between United and Braga at Old Trafford in 2012.

The Portuguese side had gotten off to a perfect start on the night, going 2-0 up inside 20 minutes through Alan, though Javier Hernandez halved the deficit five minutes later.

The hosts dominated proceedings, and Sir Alex Ferguson‘s side found an equaliser in the 62nd minute as Evans bundled a goal home from a corner.

And a picture from that night of Evans celebrating with Amorim with his hands behind his head in horror has resurfaced in light of the managerial links now associating United and the Portuguese manager.

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Hernandez struck the decisive winner in the 75th minute to seal a remarkable comeback win for United.

Amorim himself was subbed out of the game after 80 minutes.

Speaking about his links to the Man Utd job following Sporting’s 3-1 win over Nacional in the Portuguese League Cup on Tuesday, Amorim said: “Manchester United is interested. But it’s my choice. Until everything is decided, we won’t be making any noise.

“I have nothing useful to say. I will take on whatever I want to do, as I have always done. I’m not going to talk about my contract, it’s a matter between me and Sporting.”

In the meantime, Ruud van Nistelrooy will take interim charge of the United squad for their League Cup clash against Leicester tonight, while he may also be in charge for Sunday’s game against Chelsea.

Amorim was forced to retire from football at the age of 32 in 2014 due to a career-ending ACL injury.

He then went down the path of coaching, attending a course at the Faculty of Human Kinetics, University of Lisbon with lectures led by Jose Mourinho alongside seven-time Primeira Liga winner Antonio Veloso.

He later completed an internship under Mourinho while the Special One was at United, and Amorim has cited the three-time Premier League winner as an idol and a “reference point” in his coaching.

While he has played down the comparisons, calling Mourinho “unique”, Amorim’s demeanour has been compared to his old master.

Assuming all goes to plan and he does move to United, Amorim is reportedly likely to stick to his 3-4-3 system.

He has won the Portuguese league twice with Sporting since taking charge in 2020, ending a 19-year duopoly of Benfica and Porto dominance.

When previously managing Braga, he had also led to the club’s first win over Porto for 65 years.

WITH condensation appearing in more and more homes across the country, if you want to banish the wet stuff from your windows, fear not, we’ve got just what you need. 

Property experts have shared their top tips and tricks to tackle this damp dilemma – and it turns out there’s an exact humidity level you must keep your home at to ensure condensation, mould and damp don’t take over this winter. 

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Property experts have shared their top tips to ensure your home stays mould and condensation free this winter[/caption]

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Not only will you need to pay close attention to your laundry drying habits to prevent mould, but you’ll have to ensure your home is the correct humidity level too[/caption]

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The experts at Wayfair recommended investing in a dehumidifier[/caption]

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They also shared that to prevent mould growth, it’s important to “keep humidity levels at around 45 percent in your home”[/caption]

Not only this, but if you want your home to be mould free, you’ll need to pay close attention to your heating, cooking and shower habits too.

How you heat your home, dry clothes indoors and prepare your dinner without sufficient ventilation, are just some of the factors that contribute to mould growth.

It’s a common issue in British homes during the colder months and can lead to all kinds of issues, including respiratory problems.

But luckily for you, the pros at online home store Wayfair UK have shared their top tips for keeping your home warm, dry and condensation and mould free this winter.

The first tip is to keep an eye out for condensation build-up and wipe it away as quickly as possible. 

The experts explained: “Heating our homes during colder months can create conditions that encourage mould growth. 

“Warmer air holds more moisture, and when it meets cold surfaces, condensation—tiny water droplets—forms.

“Be mindful of condensation on windows and sills, and wipe it away as soon as you notice it.”

Not only this, but the experts also recommended investing in a dehumidifier.

Thanks to these handy gadgets, which can cost just 4p to run, they can control how much moisture is in the air, helping you put a stop to mould and condensation. 

The experts also specified the ideal humidity level you should aim to keep your home at.

They shared: “To prevent mould growth, it’s important to keep humidity levels at around 45 percent in your home.

“Using dehumidifiers can help manage moisture – these portable and easily replaceable devices are an effective solution for preventing mould during the colder months.”

In addition to this, another way to keep mould out of your home is to keep your living spaces ventilated.

As unappealing as it might be to open a window when it’s cold and raining outside, ventilating your home throughout winter will decrease the formation of mould spores within your space.

The experts claimed that you should open windows twice a day, as they added: “Cracking open a window, especially in areas of high humidity such as bathrooms and kitchens, allows the moisture to escape, minimising moisture and mould in your home.”

Whilst you can also use mould-preventing paint, which has chemicals called biocides embedded within the formula, to stop mould from forming.

But if you don’t fancy redecorating, another fast and free trick is to simply move any furniture away from exterior walls.

Wayfair’s home experts revealed: “Moisture can get trapped behind your furniture, and without proper ventilation and airflow, the moisture can create mould and mildew on your furniture.

“Simply moving your furniture an inch away from the wall can create enough airflow to minimise the formation of mould within your home.”

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The pros stressed that “simply moving your furniture an inch away from the wall can create enough airflow to minimise the formation of mould”[/caption]

KAMALA Harris mentioned Donald Trump a total of 24 times in her closing election speech last night, dubbing the former president a “petty tyrant” and “wannabe dictator”.

The Vice President told voters “it doesn’t have to be this way” as she spoke before a huge crowd in front of the White House on Tuesday.

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Vice President Kamala Harris addresses thousands of supporters in front of the White House on the Ellipse in Washington, DC[/caption]

“I’ll be honest with you: I’m not perfect,” she admitted.

“I make mistakes. But here’s what I promise you: I will always listen to you, even if you don’t vote for me. I will always tell you the truth, even if it’s hard to hear. I will work every day to build consensus and reach compromise to get things done.

“And if you give me the chance to fight on your behalf, there is nothing in the world that will stand in my way.”

The Democratic nominee went on to remind voters of the January 6 insurrection, where Trump supporters stormed the Capitol.

She said “we know who Donald Trump is,” adding that he has “spent a decade trying to keep the American people divided and afraid of each other.”

“This is not a candidate for president who is thinking about how to make your life better,” she added, branding him a “petty tyrant” and “wannabe dictator.”

She went on to tell voters that while Trump would walk into the Oval Office with “an enemies list” she would walk in with “a to do list”.

“In less than 90 days, either Donald Trump or I will be in the Oval Office,” the VP said.

“On Day One, if elected, Donald Trump would walk into that office with an enemies list. When elected, I will walk in with a to-do list.”

Writing for The Sun, political commentator Joe Concha described the speech as “dark and divisive,” as well as “myopic and substance free”.

“The 35-minute speech was barely about her plans for the future as potentially the next president, or her (dubious) record in office as vice president during the Biden-Harris administration over the past 3 and 1/2 years,” he said.

“Overall, the Democratic nominee broached Trump’s name more than 20 times in a 35-minute speech.

“But one word she didn’t broach was inflation, which is considered the #1 issue for voters as they head to the polls.”

He also said the speech was “overshadowed” by President Joe Biden, who last night boldly called Trump supporters “garbage” – a vicious swipe after comedian Tony Hinchcliffe labeled Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage” while speaking at a Trump rally on Sunday night.

“The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporter’s – his – his demonization of Latinos is unconscionable, and it’s un-American,” the president said during a Zoom with Voto Latino.

Biden later put out a statement insisting he had “meant to say” earlier on Tuesday that a pro-Trump comedian’s “hateful rhetoric” about Puerto Rico was “garbage”. 

Ahead of Harris’ speech, Trump used a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida to accuse Harris of closing with a message that doesn’t address everyday Americans’ day-to-day struggles and kitchen-table concerns.

He said Harris keeps “talking about Hitler, and Nazis, because her record’s horrible,” a reference to Harris amplifying the warnings from his former chief of staff that Trump spoke admiringly of the Nazi leader while in office.

Trump press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “His closing argument to the American people is simple: Kamala broke it; he will fix it.”

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Donald Trump speaks during a press conference in the ballroom of the Mar-a-Lago Club on October 29, 2024 in Palm Beach, Florida[/caption]

CNN

President Joe Biden boldly called Trump supporters ‘garbage’ during a Zoom call on Tuesday[/caption]

PARIS-SAINT GERMAIN flop Randal Kolo Muani could be set for a cut-price move to the Premier League.

The 25-year-old striker joined the French giants from Eintracht Frankfurt for £77million last year.

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Randal Kolo Muani joined PSG in a £77m deal in 2023[/caption]

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The French international has struggled for form and playing time in Paris[/caption]

Muani has struggled to find his shooting boots since his big-money switch to the Ligue 1 champions.

He has netted just 11 goals in 50 appearances and has been unable to nail down a regular place in the starting XI.

Reports suggest PSG bosses are ready to take a loss on the French international.

According to L’Equipe, both Manchester United and Arsenal are ready to battle it out for his signature.

The outlet claims the speedster could be available in January for between £33m and £42m.

Muani was linked with a £103m move to Man Utd in the summer of 2023.

It followed a stunning season with Frankfurt, with the former Nantes forward bagging 15 goals and 11 assists in just 32 Bundesliga games.

He ultimately made the move to the French capital instead.

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But the switch has not worked out, with Muani’s future with the club increasingly unclear.

Prior to joining PSG, the World Cup runner-up declared it would be a “dream” to play in the Premier League.

He said: “Honestly, who doesn’t dream of playing in the Premier League?

“It’s one of the best leagues that exists. You dream about it.

“These are childhood dreams. But I’m not searching for the perfect club or the best club in the world.

“I’m really looking for the club that will give me the chance to be able to express myself, to earn game time and most importantly allow me to grow.”

Muani’s final decision could come down to Utd’s next managerial appointment.

The Red Devils parted ways with Erik ten Hag on Monday following weeks of speculation.

Old Trafford bosses have swooped for Sporting Lisbon head coach Ruben Amorim.

The club has agreed to pay Amorim’s £8.3m release fee.

The Portuguese coach – plus three of his backroom staff – are expected to fly into Manchester later this week for advanced talks,

SHOPPERS are raving about a cheap buy from Dunelm that is sure to keep you super cosy and warm this winter.

So if you’re reluctant to turn your heating on as a result of rising costs, then fear not, you’ve come to the right place.

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Bargain hunters are praising a £5 buy from Dunelm that will keep you warm without needing to turn the central heating on this winter[/caption]

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So if you’re on a budget and are looking for cheap ways to stay cosy, you’ll need to check this out[/caption]

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According to shoppers, this mini hot water bottle will keep you “nice and toasty”[/caption]

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It’s the perfect on-the-go size and comes with a two year guarantee[/caption]

Bargain hunters are raving about a £5 product from Dunelm that’s perfect for cosy evenings on the sofa and warm nights in bed. 

The Sherpa Mini Hot Water Bottle, which has an average rating of 4.7 out of five with many five star reviews, is a great buy for those looking to keep warm without breaking the bank.

Thanks to this brilliant buy, you’ll be able to snuggle up and feel warm and cosy in no time at all.

This bargain buy is super soft and boasts a simple yet stylish finish. 

Not only will it keep you warm, but it would also make the perfect Christmas gift this year too.

It has a stylish sherpa covering and is machine washable, so you won’t have to worry about messy hot chocolate or mince pie stains.

There’s three different colourways to choose from – teal, fuschia and charcoal.

Not only this, but thanks to its small size, it’s perfect for popping in your bag to take to work or abroad, and is a super cost-effective way to keep warm this winter. 

If that wasn’t enough, it also comes with a two year guarantee too. 

Dunelm shoppers flocked to the website to share their thoughts on the affordable buy, with many praising the material, its size and ability to keep you warm. 

RAVE REVIEWS

One person said: “Great size for tucking anywhere to warm up. Cover feels fluffy and warm.”

Another added: “I brought these to take away with us. I wanted something small to pack, but still give us the warmth and comfort of a hot water bottle.

“It was perfect to take away the chills.”

A third commented: “A great small size hot water bottle. This is ideal for camping, motorhomes, camper vans and for working from home.

The perfect addition as a reading buddy to keep you nice and toasty

Dunelm shopper

“It is also useful for ailments where heat can provide comfort and pain relief.” 

Whilst someone else penned: “Cute and lovely fluffy cover. Like the size. Good to keep you warm camping or just at home.” 

Not only this, but another Dunelm shopper beamed: “Wonderful to keep warm in winter.

“The perfect addition as a reading buddy to keep you nice and toasty.” 

THE Grinch may have stolen Christmas but Primark say they are “here to return it” this year with their new inspired range.

From themed matching pjs for the whole family, to comfy slippers and even Grinch stockings, you can turn your home into a Who-ville haven this year.

Shoppers are already going into a frenzy to pick up items from the collection based on the Christmas-hating Dr Seuss character.

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Primark is selling Grinch-themed Christmas pjs for the whole family[/caption]

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There are even furry onesies for your little Grinches[/caption]

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There are also furry stockings in the range which could add a splash of colour to your lounge[/caption]

The furry green icon – played by Jim Carrey in the 2000 hit movie – has become a staple beloved character over the years, for both kids and adults alike.

Primark are known for bringing out collections on popular franchises such as Harry Potter and Disney movies, so this could be the perfect launch for the festive season.

The budget retailer shared clips of the products in their stores, and people seemed desperate to stock up.

First up were their matching Grinch pjs, which could be perfect for wearing on Christmas Day.

They have a number of comfy options, from fleecy onesies to mix and match loungewear – and they were even adorable baby grows too.

Primark said: “Available to Click & Collect in selected UK stores or check stock in your local store.”

On TikTok they showed items from the full range, including cushions, slippers and a travel pillow.

Perfect for parties, Primark is also selling fun headbands with Grinch bobbles on the top, along with scrunchie sets.

No wardrobe is complete without a Christmas jumper or a bold shirt, and there are also Grinch versions of these to snap up with the slogan “Merry Whatever.”

Meanwhile, for daywear, you can pick up adorable kids’ hoodies and sweaters, emblazoned with the popular character.

When the weather gets chillier, there are themed green hats and also mugs for hot chocolate.

For Christmas Day itself, there are furry Grinch stockings, plush toys, 

And it wouldn’t be a proper range of Grinch goodies without some cute buys for all the loyal Max’s out there.

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Pick up Christmas jumpers themed on the Scrooge-like character[/caption]

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These slippers could be the perfect stocking fillers[/caption]

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Treat the Max in your life to these pet balls[/caption]

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There are also themed toys for your pooch[/caption]

If you’re looking to spoil your dog this Christmas, you can pick up some Grinch-themed tennis balls, chew toys and poo bag dispensers.

Primark bosses say: “We wouldn’t normally advocate feeling Grinchy but this is one occasion we’ll allow it!”

Many shoppers seemed keen to snap it all up, with one saying: “Oh just take all of my money! My heart grew three sizes when I saw these prints!!”

Another added: “So gorgeous.”

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There are numerous matching clothes sets in the Dr Seuss collaboration[/caption]

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Keep warm with these Grinch hats in multiple sizes[/caption]

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Get your wardrobe looking festive with the clothing items themed on the green Christmas-hating character[/caption]

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These Christmas plushies could be presents on December 25[/caption]

THREE have been arrested as cops continue to search for kidnapped American YouTuber Elliot Eastman.

Eastman, 26, was shot in the leg and snatched by a group of men with machine guns in a remote coastal town in the Philippines earlier this month.

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Three have now been arrested for the kidnapping of American Elliot Eastman[/caption]

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Eastman had just got married to a local woman[/caption]

Asia Pacific Press via ViralPress

Police are still looking for three for the kidnapping and Eastman himself[/caption]

Cops have now arrested three people – who have reportedly identified the other three accomplices who remain at large.

Filipino police were looking for the abductors on complaints of kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

Eastman remains missing, with a local mayor launching a 150,000PHP ($2,570) reward for information that could help find him.

No ransom demand or proof of life has since been received from Eastman’s abductors.

Philippine National Police spokesperson Colonel Jean Fajardo said they had activated all available resources to find Eastman.

He said: “Based on their statements, the three in custody were directly involved in the abduction of the American national.”

Eastman’s kidnapping in the village of Sibuco, in the southwest of the country, came just months after he got married to a local.

He was last seen on October 17 before the Vermont native was ambushed, shoved into a white speedboat, and taken away.

FBI agents have now arrived in the country and are working with local police searching for the missing American.

The American officers spoke to Eastman’s wife with whom he lives in a run-down concrete shack belonging to his father-in-law.

He was staying at the father-in-law’s home when he was reportedly attacked by four armed men.

The attackers falsely claimed they were police and reportedly shot him in the leg when he tried to resist, officials said.

He was then bundled away in the speedboat off the coast of Zamboanga del Norte – one of the most dangerous parts of the country.

When police arrived at the home to investigate they found a blood smear across the vinyl floor and an empty bullet cartridge from an M16 rifle.

Cops previously said: “We confirm that there was a report of the alleged abduction of an American national.

“We want to assure the public, particularly the community of Sibuco, that we are doing everything in our power to secure the safe recovery of the victim.”

Filipino news site Rappler cites reports saying the abduction may be tied to personal conflicts involving his wife.

Her former partner is now a person of interest in the case with residents claiming he may have wanted to rekindle the relationship.

Eeastman’s YouTube bio reads: “I came to the Philippines about a year and half ago where I met the love of my life deep in the mountains of the red zone of the Philippines.” 

The southern Philippines has seen decades of stark poverty and insurgency.

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Eastman is from Vermont[/caption]

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Armed Filipino cops are searching for the American[/caption]

Besides putting a space station into orbit, the Chinese space agency has landed an explorer on Mars. It aims to put a person on the moon before 2030, which would make China the second nation after the United States to do so.