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IT was a glitzy night with football’s biggest stars – and I was one of the lucky few invited to attend.

More than 500 bottles of Champagne were cracked open before the creme de la creme watched Manchester City’s Rodri and Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati receive the Ballon d’Or.

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Ellie Henman with her Tottenham hero Harry Kane in Paris[/caption]

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Ellie with Man Utd’s Alejandro Garnacho[/caption]

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Man City’s Rodri picked up the men’s Ballon d’Or[/caption]

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He was helped on stage by former Manchester City player George Weah in the closing segment of the evening[/caption]

But the caterers scored an own goal when they ran out of platters to serve their nibbles — forcing the chefs to send out waiters holding metal colanders full of macaroni cheese balls.

That flash of chaos did not affect the presentation of the only two balls that really mattered — the rotund golden trophies that were carefully wheeled on to the stage in Paris.

There was even more fanfare to the moment than I’ve seen at the Oscars and the Baftas.

The gongs came in custom-made Louis Vuitton cases, which each took three people to open, while fireworks threatened to set off the fire alarm as the crowd watched in bewilderment.

Some hours before then, my evening began by navigating four road closures and more than 200 confused French coppers to get to the Theatre du Chatelet in the French capital on a windy Monday night.

Rabid selfie-takers

Once inside, I stood shoulder-to-shoulder with football heavyweights including French legend Marcel Desailly and Barcelona president Joan Laporta — who was flanked by heavies to bat off rabid selfie-takers, myself included.

My first port of call was tracking down Harry Kane, the former captain of my beloved Tottenham Hotspur, who on the night picked up the Gerd Muller trophy with Kylian Mbappe as they had both scored the most goals in Europe this season.

Grabbing Harry for a chat before he was celebrated for his 44 goals in 45 matches, he admitted he was loving his new life at Bayern Munich.

“I’m really enjoying it,” Harry told me with a grin on his face, although he went on to admit his German could still do with a bit of work.

“I am learning and doing two lessons a week,” he added. “I have a good teacher at Bayern.

“For me it is difficult but hopefully I will be there for many years and at some stage will be able to talk a bit of German.”

But what about coming back to Spurs I plead, given we desperately miss our golden boy.

“Maybe one day,” Harry tells me with a somewhat sympathetic smile. Although I suspect, deep down, I may be left wanting.

The reception waiters are bringing out posh canapes in great haste but I spy Marcel Desailly waving away cubes of raw cod — which, given they were room temperature, was a wise decision.

After I introduced myself, the Chelsea legend gossiped about Real Madrid’s decision to snub the big night after learning star forward Vinicius Junior would not be awarded the top prize.

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Lamine Yamal with mum Sheila and brother Keyne[/caption]

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Spanish footballer Jennifer Hermoso got the first standing ovation of the night as she won the Socrates award[/caption]

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Ellie hanging out with Marcel Desailly at the bash[/caption]

Insiders at the glitzy bash told me the club’s decision to not send a single delegate caused a big headache and a hurried last-minute switch to the seating plan on the theatre floor.

Elsewhere in the bash, Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho was tucked away in a corner of the champagne reception furiously tapping away on his mobile phone as his glamorous female companion stared blankly into space.

I am learning and doing two lessons a week

Harry Kane

It wasn’t surprising the striker only had eyes for his iPhone, given just six hours before he arrived his gaffer Erik ten Hag was handed his P45.

I chose to not mention the chaos when I started up a conversation but it was clear Garnacho was so deep in the club WhatsApp group gossip that time for a chinwag with me was not on the cards.

He sat with schoolboy-like stoicism on the front row next to Harry as the awards began.

By this point, more than 500 bottles of Taittinger had been cracked open and the players, Uefa bigwigs and everyone in between were certainly well-oiled.

As the players started to take their seats I went down on to the floor and spotted Barcelona’s teenage wonderkid Lamine Yamal — who won the best young player trophy at the ceremony — carrying his toddler brother Keyne around to meet his peers.

The tot won hearts when Lamine carried him out on to the pitch after Spain won the Euros this summer and he was the centre of attention at the ceremony.

As Keyne was passed from player to player, Lamine looked on proudly as they cooed over him.

And later that evening, at just past 11pm, he was among the last to leave as proud Lamine carried the tuxedo-wearing tot down the red-carpeted stars and off to bed. Spanish footballer Jennifer Hermoso got the first standing ovation of the night as she won the Socrates award.

Jennifer — the woman at the centre of the storm last July when she was kissed without consent by Fifa’s ex- vice-president Luis Rubiales — was the first woman to be handed the gong and used her time on stage to push for equality.

‘Make a better world’

She said: “This award is not just mine, but belongs to all my teammates, with whom I share a space where equality is not always a given.

“That’s why we all work day by day with the hope and desire to leave women’s football in a better place for the new generations.”

She added: “I’d like to tell all women to keep being courageous. Work together in order to make a better world possible.”

Two hours in, and the ceremony came to a close with the unveiling of the top award, the Ballon d’Or.

Barcelona’s Aitana won the women’s gong for a second year in a row and was handed the accolade by Hollywood actress Natalie Portman.

The Black Swan star, who part-owns LA-based football team Angel City FC, told me she was a regular at Paris Saint-Germain games with her teenage son — who worked the theatre floor like a pro and took selfies with everyone from Harry to Rodri.

I’d like to tell all women to keep being courageous

Jennifer Hermoso

Collecting her prize, Aitana paid tribute to her teammates Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo who were left in second and third place respectively.

The pair did not seem too impressed with her sentiments, though, and struggled to raise a smile as Aitana spoke about them.

Afterwards, when the Champagne started to flow again, they made a beeline for the dessert table and I stood and watched as they despondently ate miniature cream cakes and poached pears as Aitana swerved the after-party.

Man City’s Rodri, who picked up the men’s Ballon d’Or, was helped on stage by former Manchester City player George Weah in the closing segment of the evening.

The midfielder is on crutches after undergoing surgery following a nasty injury last month, but refused to pose with his sticks and handed them to a flunky as he stood on stage clutching his prize.

“I am feeling much better,” he reassured the crowd. “This is a big injury for me. Football has a lot of risks and this is the first time in my career to have something like this.

“I am trying to rest and recuperate and come back stronger.”

He was joined by his parents, who were seated towards the back — and when I saw him leaving the theatre, his mother had to fight through a crowd of 20 heavies to reach her boy to give him a kiss.

It just goes to show, you are never too old, or too successful, to get a smacker from Mum.

Back inside the bash, there was uproar at the decision to shut the bar at 11pm — two hours before the official closing time.

With all the stars gone, though, and the warm, raw cod starting to repeat on the most prestigious of guests, it was best to call it a night.

Until next year, Paris.

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Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati receive the Ballon d’Or[/caption]

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Waiter and colander full of nibbles after platters ran out[/caption]

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Natalie Portman, who presented an award[/caption]

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Ellie at the awards in Paris[/caption]

MARRIED At First Sight fans predict trouble for Polly and Adam after his shock comments on tonight’s show.

This week the remaining couples spend some time apart from their spouse and with another bride or groom from the experiment.

Partner swap week is a chance to get a taste of how another couple functions day-to-day, by spending time in the company of another spouse.

Adam found out that he was partnered with Amy, leaving wife Polly fearing for the worst.

Polly admitted she was not “jealous”, but said she felt “insecure”, especially of how beautiful Amy is.

She told the camera: “My stomach has naturally dropped, I’m not a jealous person but Amy is stunning, absolutely gorgeous woman and I don’t want to go back to square one feeling insecure about myself.

“It is very strange having another woman come into my home, it is very intimate.”

She went on: “There could be a touch of jealousy, but I’m going to try and keep a cool head.”

After moving in together, Adam was quick to discuss his and Amy’s sleeping arrangements.

Amy agreed that she would be happy to share Adam’s marital bed, leaving the lad chuffed.

He later makes a cheeky comment about not be able to “sleep in his clothes or wedding ring”.

Amy then took Adam lingerie shopping in a bid to ignite his flame with Polly.

But Adam got sidetracked by asking Amy what her underwear size was and joked that she should try on the lingerie.

Some E4 viewers said it was the happiest Adam had looked throughout the whole process.

One wrote: “Adam and his cheesy grin over Amy, happiest and most smiley his been this whole show is hilarious.”

A second posted: “Adam finally happy to be sharing a bed with someone he wants to touch.”

A third commented: “Adam looks like the cat that got the cream.”

“Adams grinning like the Cheshire Cat – don’t think I’ve ever seen him so happy,” this viewer said.

Another added: “Adam wants the bedroom activities with you Amy not Polly.”

While out shopping, Adam messaged Polly to ask her what size she was.

Polly was left in floods of tears and upset that Adam was finally opening up about intimacy with another wife in the experiement.

CHRISTMAS is just eight weeks away, which means it’s the perfect time to make some extra money for presents.

And what better way to do that than have a clear out of your wardrobe and clutter to make room for any new gifts you may receive.

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A Vinted pro has revealed the four money-making items in your wardrobe[/caption]

Vinted is an online marketplace where people can buy and sell second hand clothes, shoes and accessories.

It’s completely free to upload clothes to the app and Vinted does not take a cut of sellers’ profits and instead charges buyers a small fee to purchase each item.

To help any novice sellers, a Vinted expert has revealed which items will bring in the most cash.

E-commerce accountant and founder of Your ECommerce Accountant Ben Sztejka says there’s four items that are most likely to earn you the biggest profits.

Here, he reveals what you should consider selling if they’re gathering dust in the back of your wardrobe. 

Dr Martens Shoes

Durable and timeless, Dr Martens remain a top seller all over the world.

There’s a simple reason for this – they appeal to a range of people from fashion conscious teenagers to everyday workers.

Pre-owned DMs in good condition attract quick buyers with solid resale value due to their long-lasting construction.

Designer trainers

Designer shoes, especially those limited editions, attract lots of interest and high prices online.

Ultra-rare models are particularly profitable but any lightly worn designer shoes can generate big profits.

Vintage jeans

Classic styles like Levi’s 501s and 505s draw strong demand amongst vintage lovers and fashion forward buyers.

However, any unique denim remains popular online.

Special occasion clothing

Wedding dresses, event wear and prom outfits that have only been worn once sell well online as buyers look for nearly-new options at a fraction of the retail price.

These items can be easy to find online and buyers are attracted quickly. 

Ben’s tips come as shoppers are racing to download Vinted on their phone after seeing that British Vogue has joined the second-hand website.

The high fashion magazine has revealed they’re partnering up with Vinted to sell their closet and donate the money to Oxfam, so you’ll be helping out a good cause too.

Items being flogged included a gorgeous virgin wool Calvin Klein coat which was sold for just £170.

According to fashion pros at The Real Real, the coat cost over £2,100 when it first came on the market.

Online marketplaces like Vinted and Depop have millions of users across the UK, with the cost-of-living crisis only increasing their popularity.

Financial pressures in British homes saw sales of second-hand goods jump by 15 per cent to £21 billion in 2022.

One in six people now say they buy used items, according to research commissioned by review site Trustpilot.

So, now’s the perfect time to make yourself some extra cash on the likes of Vinted.

According to the popular platform, sellers do not have to pay tax on earnings they make from the site.

This, HMRC stated, is because selling personal items through platforms like Vinted is not itself taxable.

”If the money a member makes on Vinted over a year is less than the amount they paid for the items they are selling, then there is no tax to pay,” a Vinted spokesperson explained.

”Generally, only business sellers “trading” for profit might need to pay tax.

”A tax-free allowance of £1,000 has been in place since 2017 for people who trade for profit.”

STRICTLY Come Dancing has been slammed by an animal rights charity over a ‘violently obtained’ part of the show.

Every week, millions of viewers tune into the BBC One show to watch some of their favourite stars compete for the glitterball trophy.

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Strictly Come Dancing bosses have come under fire[/caption]

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The likes of Sarah Hadland have received high scores and praise from the judges[/caption]

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But animal rights charity PETA has slammed the continued use of feathers on the costumes[/caption]

This year, the likes of actress Sarah Hadland, EastEnders personality Jamie Borthwick and Love Island‘s Tasha Ghouri have all received high scores from the judges.

However, the bosses have not received such praise from animal charity PETA, who have slammed Strictly Come Dancing.

The organisation’s Vice President of Corporate Projects Yvonne Taylor has personally written to bosses, as she highlighted the continued use of feathers in the costumes of the show.

In her document that was seen by The Sun, she wrote: “Like many Brits, we love the dazzling dances Strictly Come Dancing brings to our screens, but we must spotlight one major concern: the series’ use of feathers.

“Real birds’ feathers are a product of extreme cruelty to animals and have no place on your dance floor. They are gory, not glamourous.”

In her letter, Mrs Taylor then went into more detail of the harmful effects of obtaining feathers for clothing materials.

“Industry use of other birds – like pheasants, parrots, and peacocks – is shrouded in secrecy, breeding black market activity.

“Live plucking, which is common, causes birds immense pain and sometimes fatal injuries.

“When you consider that factory farming birds to rob them of their plumes also increases the very real risk of a deadly bird flu pandemic, feathers are definitely something you don’t want to touch with a limbo stick!”

The charity noted that huge fashion designers like Stella McCartney are moving away from ‘cruelly obtained feathers’.

It also pointed out that the recent Victoria’s Secret show featured designs that were made exclusively from handcrafted faux feathers.

The Sun has contacted the BBC for comment.

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The charity have noted that major designers and fashion labels have stopped using feathers[/caption]

Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch on BBC One and stream on BBC iPlayer.

MARTIN Lewis has urged Brits to make urgent checks that could save you thousands in credit and lower your energy bills.

Speaking on the Martin Lewis Money Show, the founder of MoneySavingExpert.com explained how millions could be missing out on a windfall.

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Martin Lewis gave the handy advice on his popular show[/caption]

When you pay by direct debit, your supplier calculates the cost of your energy for the year ahead and divides this into 12 equal payments.

If you don’t submit regular meter readings, your estimations could be overinflated, and you may find yourself in more credit than you need to be.

Martin told viewers who are on monthly Direct Debit to check that they are not overpaying.

He said it was key that you ensure your meter reading is up to date and not in any debt.

The financial whizz added that anyone unsure of whether they could be owed money should use a Direct Debit calculator online.

If it turns out that your bills are too high you’ve a right to a fair direct debit.

Martin also urged Brits to check if you are owed credit as you could be owed hundreds or thousands of pounds.

The Money Saving Expert explained how it was the perfect time to check as we are at one peak in the yearly cycle.

Currently you should be a couple of months of DD in credit, so you should definitely check to make sure if this is the case.

Earlier this year it was revealed that energy suppliers are holding onto an estimated £3 billion worth of customer credit.

It means millions of customers could be due hundreds of pounds back in refunds.

Since the energy price cap rose by 10% in October, average bills now stand at £1,717 a year, with some households paying even more.

Every little helps, and this hack could allow you to turn your thermostat down a notch without sacrificing warmth.

According to experts, reducing your thermostat by just one degree can save you £100 a year on energy bills.

Many people unknowingly set their thermostats too high, with the Energy Saving Trust recommending a temperature between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius as comfortable.

Many boilers are set higher than necessary, wasting energy and money.

And don’t forget to check your hot water tank.

Fitting an insulating jacket could save the average semi-detached household £165 a year, according to the Energy Saving Trust.

Even if your tank is already insulated, topping up the insulation can still save you around £35 annually.

For just £7, you can also fit draught-proofing tape around your windows and doors to keep the cold out and the warmth in.

The HomeOwners expert warns that “A draughty home lets out the heat you’ve paid for”, so it’s vital you drought-proof to make the most of your money.

And for extra warmth, she recommends investing in thermal curtains, available from Dunelm for as little as £15.

With energy bills soaring, these simple steps could save you hundreds this winter – all for just a few pounds.

FANS of the Great British Bake Off were left absolutely enraged by the latest elimination from the competition.

Viewers tuned into Channel 4 to watch the bakers compete in the autumn themed week of the show.

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The Great British Bake Off has come under fire for the latest elimination[/caption]

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Nelly was sent home from The Great British Bake Off[/caption]

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She had her co-stars in hysterics with her humorous antics[/caption]

Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding fronted the latest edition, whilst Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith served as the judges.

On the recent edition of the Great British Bake Off, the amateur cooks were tasked with a series of autumnal themed challenges.

They had to make delicious autumnal pies in the signature and cook up the perfect Parkin in the technical.

For the showstopper, they were tasked with baking a cake which featured autumnal vegetables as a main ingredient.

Dylan struggled with his Diwali themed showstopper which the judges did not find to be illuminating.

However, it was Nellie who struggled the most throughout the week as Paul and Prue found her multilayered cake to be too dense.

As soon as Noel revealed the news, the effervescent baker elaborately stood up in front of everyone.

The fan favourite personality joked: “I’m not going anywhere,” which received a round of laughter from everyone in the gingham tent.

However, many viewers were not laughing, as they took to X – formerly known as Twitter – to vent their rage at her elimination.

“I genuinely just shouted ‘no!’ at that bake off eviction caught me off guard,” exclaimed one viewer.

As a second fan stated: “RAGING. Nelly was the life of the tent.”

While a third raged: “I don’t think I can watch this now Nellie is gone.”

As someone else angrily posted: “Oh no! Nelly has been one of the best contestants of all time!”

And a fifth user was incandescent with rage at the judges as they added: “Oh Paul Hollywood, you will pay for getting rid of THE queen.”

In fact, many viewers couldn’t help but fume at the judges, as some predicted that Nelly was so popular, she could get her own show.

Another said: “I just dont know why Paul and Prue are doing this too us. Its been a long, hard year and I don’t think we are strong enough to lose Nelly at this stage.”

While a seventh raged: “No. Just, no. Not Nelly. She is a force of nature. Bad decision, Prue and Paul.”

“Sack the judges. The producers. The channel 4 execs,” noted someone else.

I’m not going anywhere

NellyGreat British Bake Off 2024

As an additional fan wrote: “We love you Nelly #gbbo Paul and Prue’s worst crime.”

And a tenth joked: “Paul and Prue count your days. nobody gets rid of my girl Nelly.”

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Viewers were utterly outraged by Nelly’s axing[/caption]

The Great British Bake Off is available to watch on Channel 4.

SPORTING have confirmed that Manchester United will pay Ruben Amorim’s £8.3m release clause as the club close in on their next head coach.

It comes after former boss Erik ten Hag was sacked on Monday morning following the Red Devils’ poor start to the 2024/25 Premier League season.

Man Utd are reportedly keen on appointing Amorim ahead of Sunday’s blockbuster clash with Chelsea at Old Trafford.

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WHEN actors Paul Mescal and Eddie Redmayne agreed to appear on Graham Norton’s chat show, they knew the drill.

Tell a couple of funny stories, indulge in some “bants” with your fellow guests, and in return you get to plug your latest film or miniseries. Right?

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Sometimes blokes treat violence as a bit of a laugh but as Saoirse Ronan says it’s no joke for women[/caption]

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Saoirse wasn’t having a go at her fellow guests, nor at men in general – she was merely telling it like it is[/caption]

Wrong. For this time, fellow actor Saoirse Ronan was sitting between them and, with one devastatingly understated comment, sent the “bants” train careering off the tracks.

What followed was a momentary awkwardness on the level of when Bridesmaids character Lillian takes a s**t in the street in a high-end wedding dress.

Saoirse’s smiling interjection has gone viral and sparked an important debate.

But first, some context for those who didn’t see it. Eddie Redmayne, plugging his forthcoming role in The Day Of The Jackal miniseries, was explaining how he was taught to use a mobile phone to defend himself when Paul Mescal burst out laughing. “Who is actually going to think about that?” asked the Gladiator II star.

“If someone actually attacked me, I’m not going to go ‘phone’.

“Good point,” replied Redmayne, while Graham Norton pitched in with a mimic of someone saying, “Can you hold?” into their phone.

Saoirse, who had remained silent throughout, waited for them all to finish, then said quietly: “Women have to think about that all the time.”

She then looked to the audience, asked, “Am I right, ladies?” and elicited a huge cheer of support.

Good for her. Instead of burying her misgivings to go with the lighthearted flow, she decided to stick a pin in the bubble of “bants” and use a high-profile platform to state a harsh reality for women all over the world.

Someone on social media commented afterwards: “People creating a ‘leftist feminist woke icon’ persona for Mescal, and then realising he’s just a man, is so funny.”

Actually, I don’t agree with that. Both Mescal and Redmayne seem like well-rounded, modern men who were just trying to fulfil the remit to be entertaining.

The point, made so brilliantly by 30-year-old Saoirse, is that even the most evolved of men will never fully understand what goes through a woman’s mind every time she walks anywhere alone. Particularly at night.

She’s not suggesting, as some have commented (including, inexplicably, other women) that “all men are rapists” — she’s just pointing out that violence against women is a reality that can get inside our heads and make us fearful for our safety.

Yes, you might be the nicest, easy-going guy in the world who’s trusted and adored by all the women in your life, but the complete stranger you’re walking behind on a dark, otherwise deserted street doesn’t know all that, does she?

Self-defence lessons

So her mind may well be in overdrive wondering if you’re about to do her harm.

All you have to do is watch just one of the alarmingly high number of true crime films and documentaries about violence against women to understand why this is.

And it’s not a new thing. My mother always told me to walk in the road on my way home at night, to avoid being pulled in to a dark alleyway or garden.

We were given self-defence lessons at school and I carried a small alarm in my handbag that emitted a loud noise when activated.

Now a mother myself, I constantly walk the gossamer-thin line of teaching my daughters to enjoy their lives without fear whilst simultaneously remaining alert to potential danger if it presents itself.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council website states: “The harm caused to victims and society by violence against women and girls (VAWG) in all its forms — including but not limited to harassment, stalking, rape, sexual assault, murder, honour-based abuse, coercive control — is immeasurable.

“While men and boys also suffer from many of these forms of abuse, they disproportionately affect women. A woman is killed by a man every three days in the UK.”

Whether it’s in the home, where a domestic abuse victim constantly walks on eggshells, or out on the streets, where we remain ever vigilant to potential danger, that’s just the way life is for the majority of women.

Saoirse wasn’t having a go at her fellow guests, nor at men in general. She was merely telling it like it is.

Kiss? I’ll give it a miss, Don

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Melania Trump being seen in public with ‘The Donald’ is right up there with the eclipse when it comes to rare sightings[/caption]

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As encounters between old dogs and feline beauties go, I’ve seen warmer[/caption]

WHEN it comes to rare sightings, Melania Trump being seen in public with “The Donald” is right up there with the eclipse.

But a US presidential election is looming so, there she was, fulfilling her wifely obligations by introducing him to the crowd at his Madison Square Garden rally in New York.

However, judging by her swift, diversionary head turn to avoid an incoming peck on the cheek, I’m not sure that “personal contact” is in the marital contract.

As encounters between old dogs and feline beauties go, I’ve seen warmer.

MEAT A STICKY END…

HARVESTER is dishing up a 3,769-calorie meal of half a chicken, a half-rack of ribs, a short of beef rib and a giant cheddar and jalapeno sausage.

It’s been described by Harvester as, “Perfectly grilled, packed with flavour and made for sharing (or keeping all to yourself)”.

Instagram @harvesteruk

Harvester is dishing up a 3,769-calorie meal of half a chicken, a half-rack of ribs, a short of beef rib and a giant cheddar and jalapeno sausage[/caption]

Crikey.

The last time I visited Las Vegas, we went to the Heart Attack Grill where the staff dress as nurses (and spank you if you don’t finish your food), the customers wear operating gowns, the wine is served via a fake IV drip and the menu includes an “Octuple Bypass Burger” with “Flatliner Fries”, to which you can add 40 bacon slices if you so wish.

A sign on the door reads: “Cash only because you might die before the cheque clears.”

But it sounds like there’s no irony on the menu at Harvester; just a mountain of meat that’s 1,269 calories above the recommended daily intake for men.

"She'd gotten to the point where things weren't great, so I think everything was annoying her," the "Beverly Hills, 90210" alum said.

Newman detailed a troubling incident in a petition filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Oct. 23, asking for sole physical custody of their sons.