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Car expert shares incredible ‘game changer’ hack to defrost your windscreen using popular Halloween decoration

MOTORISTS are only just learning of a strange new hack that experts claim can be key to defrosting a car’s windscreen.

With the UK mornings beginning to get frostier, drivers across the nation are keen to find easier and quicker ways to defrost their windshields ahead of the morning commute.

a person is scraping snow from a car windshield
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A car expert has revealed a new technique to defrost your windscreen[/caption]
a bunch of pumpkins with faces carved into them
Getty
The problem could soon been solved with the use of a popular Halloween decoration[/caption]

This age old problem could soon been solved with the use of a popular Halloween decoration that’s often left lying around our homes at this time of year.

That’s because according to the team of experts over at Motor Match, leftover pumpkin could be the answer to your frosted-over car windows.

According to the experts, “the secret lies in the starch content found in pumpkins.”

To make sure the hack works, be sure to “chop up the skin and rub the inner layer on your windscreen” for quick defrosting.

Motor Match’s expert said: “Starch acts as a barrier between the ice and the glass, preventing it from refreezing quickly.

“The starch, in vegetables like pumpkin and potato, is a natural ice-melting agent.

“When applied to your frost-covered windscreen, it can help break down the frost, and make scraping it off much easier.

“It’s a simple and cost-effective method that can make your winter mornings run more smoothly. Just remember to keep some leftover pumpkin aside for those frosty days.

“This method is particularly useful for those who want to minimise their environmental impact. It’s a sustainable way to deal with frost, reducing the need for chemical de-icers that can harm the environment.”

So, if you have any leftover pumpkin from Halloween, you can put it to good use.

It comes as Rachel Reeves has been warned a fuel duty hike in the Budget would come at the “worst possible time” for drivers. 

With clocks going back on October 27, a deadly combo of freezing temperatures and early darkness will make engines work harder and guzzle more fuel. 

This ramps up increased driving costs in winter by a shocking 20 to 48 per cent as the impacts of colder conditions combines with potential fuel duty increases, according to the AA.

A recent survey of their members reveals 35 percent of petrol and diesel drivers expect to lose at least five miles per gallon this winter, while 10 percent fear they’ll lose as much as 10 miles.

The gloomy picture comes amid fears the Chancellor may increase fuel duty by as much as 7p next week to help fill a £40bn black hole in the country’s finances. 

Meanwhile motorists have been warned to renew their licence when they turn 70 to avoid risk of being fined.

The rule will require drivers at 70 to renew their licence every three years with a penalty of community service or even six months in prison.

Charity Age UK gave further details in a blog post.

It wrote: “When you reach the age of 70, your driving licence expires – but this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to stop driving.

“If you want to continue, you just need to renew your licence. You’ll need to renew it every three years after that. Renewal is free of charge.”

If motorists are spotted without a licence they could be slapped with a brutal £5,000 fine.

How to get cheap car insurance

CAR insurance is an essential cost that you hope to never use but will need to cover the costs of theft or damage to your vehicle.

It’s a legal requirement to have car insurance, and going without it could land you with a £300 fine, six penalty points on your licence and even a criminal conviction.

But there are several ways to slash your premiums.

Pay upfront

Insurers give you the choice of paying for insurance monthly or upfront.

Paying monthly spreads the cost of your cover but the insurer adds interest charges which means the average motorist pays around ten per cent more overall.

If you pay for your car insurance annually you don’t pay any interest.

A typical motorist can save up to £225 a year by paying in one go, according to comparison site MoneySuperMarket.

Increase your excess

The excess is what you agree to pay each time you need to make a claim on your policy.

You can usually choose your own excess when setting up a policy and it can be as low as £100 and as high as £500 or more.

The higher your excess, the lower your premium and vice versa.

This means you could bring the cost of your insurance down by agreeing to pay more if you do need to make a claim.

But before you hike your excess, make sure you would be able to pay in the event that you do need to make a claim. 

Tweak your job

Certain jobs are seen as more risky than others for insurance purposes.

Making small but accurate changes to your job title can save you money.

For example, swapping your role from “chef” to “caterer” can save you £20, comparison site GoCompare found.

And changing your role from “fast food delivery driver” to “delivery driver” could save you £40.

But lying about your job could invalidate your policy so make sure any changes are legitimate and accurate.

Shop around

Not all comparison sites have the same range of insurers so to get the best price it’s a good idea to check two or three from Go Compare, Comparethemarket, MoneySupermarket and Confused.com.

Insurer Direct Line is also not on comparison sites so check its prices directly.

You can also get a free cash bonus by going via a cashback site such as Topcashback or Quidco.

Save the date

Renewing your car insurance sooner rather than later could save you some cash.

New cover becomes more expensive the closer you get to the renewal date.

But you can buy your car insurance up to 29 days before the policy start date and ‘lock in’ the price you’re quoted on that day.

A typical driver can save up to £265 buying new cover at least 27 days before their current policy ends, according to Go Compare.

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Horoscope today, October 22, 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

The sun in your trans-formation zone is the final push you may need to try a new look.

Some people may prefer you to stay the same, but that’s not the Aries way.

If you’ve been searching for a new work direction, you can see the perfect pointer in a book or site you’re browsing through.

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

an advertisement for mystic meg with maggie innes
Your daily horoscope for Tuesday

♉ TAURUS

April 21 to May 21

Being stronger in relat-ionships may be a secret dream, but today the sun arrives to turn it real.

The key is dimming down that fear you have of offending others, and instead shining a light on your own right to happiness.

Saturn suggests a supportive “D” friend can help you reach a special goal.

♊ GEMINI

The fitness that you want and the fitness that you have can feel worlds apart – until today.

You can be realistic now about what you can achieve, but also ambitious in how you will apply this.

Love-wise, partners may have matching commitment, but totally different love styles.

♋ CANCER

June 22 to July 22

If you feel the fun has drained away from certain aspects of your life, the sun is here to help you bring it back.

But you may need to accept you and certain individuals may never see eye to eye.

You can find a compromise, or find closure – deep inside, you know which one you want.

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

♌ LEO

July 23 to August 23

A family jam can suddenly come unstuck today as the sun moves on, so be prepared for some snap decisions.

Believing that you are in control is your best protection strategy.

When someone close asks for an honest opinion, do take your time before you respond – what is the true question?

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

♍ VIRGO

August 24 to September 22

Mercury may push you to press on alone with some words, while Saturn enc-ourages taking some other opinions on board.

At home or at work, you can trust yourself to make the right response.

With Venus busy lovenest-building, checking in with heart before head is your pathway to forever passion.

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

a purple circle with the zodiac signs in it
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Always remember you have the right to be happy[/caption]

♎ LIBRA

September 23 to October 23

There’s such solid gold in your chart as the sun moves on.

It can be the smallest, cheapest item, or what seems like the least likely idea, that can help you hit the jackpot.

So open your eyes and ears.

As for love, the talking doesn’t need to stop if you make sure you leave time and space for it.

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

List of 12 star signs

♏ SCORPIO

October 24 to November 22

Your time in the sun is starting, and you should feel the new swagger this brings – but this also comes with a new warmth of sincerity, so you mean what you say and only make promises you know you can and will keep.

So love or life deals that have felt shaky can be back on solid ground.

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

♐ SAGITTARIUS

November 23 to December 21

All those dusty dreams can be brought out into the light as you now see them through new eyes and seek new support to make them happen.

But in the passion sphere, it may be time to accept that what you want is out of reach.

What is possible, though, could work out for you even better.

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

♑ CAPRICORN

December 22 to January 20

Instead of just sticking to a stubborn stance, your chart today favours flexible approaches – you don’t need to accept that you are wrong to acknowledge that someone else may be also right.

Friendships strengthen most when they are tested, so be honest in your questions and replies.

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
Look again in a winter coat for a holiday-themed ticket[/caption]

♒ AQUARIUS

January 21 to February 18

With the sun at the top of your chart, you are primed for new challenges, but the key is to deal with what you have started before you switch to something new.

This may mean breaking off halfway through.

Romance and trust are a close couple today.

Does one have a genuine future without the other?

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

♓ PISCES

February 19 to March 20

Saturn supplies the patience to work properly with some moon inspir-ation – so this time round, you could really make those creative ideas count.

Your passion count starts high and just goes higher and higher, so do make space in your schedule for some explosive dates and approaches.

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

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Iconic British dish ‘should be given special protected status like Cornish pasty and Cumberland sausage’

PIE ’n’ mash should be given protected status to recognise its cultural importance to Cockneys, MPs will say today.

The dish could be elevated alongside other recognised foods such as Stilton cheese and Cumberland sausages.

a plate of food with mashed potatoes and gravy next to a cup of tea
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Pie ’n’ mash should be given protected status to recognise its cultural importance to Cockneys, MPs will say today[/caption]

In the Commons today, MP Richard Holden — whose Basildon and Billericay constituency has two cafés serving the East End favourite — will urge ministers to back the campaign.

The ex-Tory minister said: “Pie ’n’ mash has been enjoyed by Cockneys both in London and in the diaspora for decades.

“It’s only right we protect and celebrate this important dish as part of our British culture.” Pie ’n’ mash traditionally consists of minced beef pie, mashed potato and a vivid green parsley liquor. It is sometimes served with stewed jellied eels.

The dish has been around since the 19th century but there are only about 40 shops left.

Protection for a food can be obtained if a traditional recipe has been used for 30 years.

If special status is awarded, the recipe cannot be imitated.

Shop owner Fred Cooke — whose great-great grandfather Robert Frederick Cooke is said to have invented pie ’n’ mash in 1862 — is backing the campaign.

He has moved with the times and does a vegetarian version.

Andy Green, at the Modern Cockney Festival, said protected status would “give a statement that despite rumours of its death, pie ’n’ mash is thriving.”

Ex-EastEnders actor Danny Dyer is backing the campaign.

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Giovanni Pernice reveals exactly what he said the last time he spoke to Amanda Abbington before Strictly bullying probe

GIOVANNI Pernice has revealed the last words that he spoke to Amanda Abbington after their bitter fallout amid a Strictly bullying probe.

Giovanni, 34, also retaliated to a string of claims made in his first interview since the BBC released its findings.

a man in a brown suit stands in front of a palladium poster
PA
Giovanni Pernice has opened up for the first time on the Strictly bullying investigation[/caption]
a man and a woman are dancing on a stage
PA
He revealed the final words he spoke to dance partner Amanda Abbington[/caption]
a woman talks on a newsnight show
Amanda accused him of bullying her behind the scenes on Strictly and later spoke out on Newsnight following the BBC’s report

Sherlock star Amanda, 50, quit Strictly Come Dancing last year and later made a formal complaint about Giovanni along with three of his former dance partners.

The actress left the show during week six after finding two lumps in her breasts, and fearing she had cancer.

She since revealed their rehearsals got so bad she was relieved when the cancer scare meant that she could quit.

Giovanni has now recalled the moment Amanda told him about her health scare during their final rehearsal together.

He insisted he immediately contacted a doctor to arrange a scan, and said that was the last time that they ever spoke.

The ballroom dancer told MailOnline: “Amanda told me that she couldn’t concentrate because while she was having a shower she had found two lumps.

“I said, ‘Please tell me it’s nothing serious,’ and the first thing I did was call my doctor and tried to organise for her to have a scan right away.”

Also in the interview the Sicilian denied making sexual remarks during rehearsals, but conceded that they had “very rude banter”.

He recalled: “Amanda was a laugh, we were making each other laugh. She would say very bad things, like the c-word. She would use it.

“In actual fact, the production staff came to us and said, ‘We have noticed that you call each other that word, is it ok?’

“And she was like, ‘Oh yeah it’s fine, I call him that! It’s absolutely fine, I started it’, those were her words. And I was like, ‘Yes guys, we are fine, we are joking like this.

“She’s the person who would start the joke. She would tell a dark joke.

“That was the banter we had from the beginning, very rude banter.”

He addressed Amanda’s claim that he had said to her: “You’re a 51-year-old menopausal woman but I’d still f*** you,” which the investigation did not and find evidence of.

Giovanni said he was bewildered by Amanda’s claim, adding: “I had to ask my agent what the menopause means.”

The pro dancer realised Amanda wasn’t enjoying rehearsals after their co-star alerted him to her frustrations after just one week.

He said he was concerned she might misrepresent their time together – and so he began secretly recording their sessions, saying: “I did it to protect myself”.

After a backlash from Amanda, and other former celebrity dance partners, Giovanni was at the centre of a five-month bullying storm and escalating crisis.

The BBC last month cleared him of ten of the 16 allegations made against him by Amanda.

The Beeb also apologised to Amanda as she revealed her experience with him was “morbid and toxic”.

Amanda then conducted a number of interviews on high-profile platforms like Newsnight, Channel 4 News and The Sun.

Recalling her interviews, Giovanni said he was left constantly crying and distraught, and the claims devastated his family.

He said: “I rang my parents up crying. They are the closest people to me. They were asked if their son was a bully.

“Everyone got upset, that made me upset. There were so many tears of frustration and sadness.”

Giovanni is set speak out again on Lorraine Kelly’s daytime chat show on Tuesday morning.

Strictly's full scandal so far

Strictly Come Dancing's scandal has been growing over the past few months, with several major players speaking out about what went on. Here are the key moments of what's happened so far

16th May: Giovanni Pernice sensationally quits Strictly Come Dancing after nine years on the show.

17th May: Giovanni becomes the centre of an official investigation after three former partners – believed to be Amanda Abbington, Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh – make complaints to the BBC.

16th June: Giovanni releases an official statement vowing to clear his name and denies any wrongdoing.

8th July: Strictly confirms Aljaz Skorjanec will return to the series, replacing Giovanni, after initially quitting the show two years ago.

10th July: Amanda Abbington launches fresh legal proceedings to get the rehearsal footage from her time with Giovanni, after allegedly he refused to release the videos.

13th July: Graziano Di Prima is axed from Strictly for “gross misconduct” after footage of his treatment of Zara McDermott is brought to the attention of the BBC.

Graziano quickly broke his silence, apologising for his behaviour in a statement and saying he “deeply regrets it”, adding his “intense passion and determination to win might have affected his training regime.”

15th July: Strictly bosses implement new duty of care protocols, including having a chaperone present throughout all rehearsals.

16th July: Zara McDermott speaks out publicly for first time. She states while the production team were “amazing to work with”, she found the rehearsal room “completely different”, confirming there’s footage of “certain situations”.

19th July: Anton Du Beke is put under the spotlight for his “1970s attitude” and treatment of female celeb stars, particularly after allegedly referring to 2009 partner Laila Rouass as a “p***” after getting a spray tan.

21st July: Paralympian Will Bayley, who has limb condition arthrogryposis, revealed he was encouraged to leap from a table during a dance routine, despite fears. The stunt caused an injury that forced him to withdraw from the show.

22nd July: MasterChef’s Gregg Wallace admits he broke down in tears and got a nasty stress rash on his face during his time on Strictly in 2014.

22nd July: Despite ongoing issues, the Strictly professional cast begin rehearsals for this year’s series.

23rd July: Celebrity agent Melanie Blake claims she was sexually assaulted by an unnamed pro dancer while backstage on the show, and claims she witnessed ageism, rudeness and a rough treatment to the point of injury.

23rd July: Strictly is forced to beef up security after ‘an intruder scales the wall of the rehearsal studio’.

23rd July: BBC boss Tim Davie breaks his silence on the ongoing allegations against Strictly, saying he is ‘deeply sorry’, adding: “Hundreds of people, be they pros, contestants or crew have been part of it and had a brilliant experience.

“At the same time if someone thinks there was something wrong or they want to talk about their experience then of course we want them to raise that with us. Be in no doubt we will take it seriously, listen and deal with it as appropriate.”

24th July: Strictly 2023 star Krishnan Guru-Murthy holds a bombshell interview with Amanda Abbington on Channel 4 news, where she claims she was bullied, with some of the ‘humilation being of a sexual nature’.

27th July: Laura Whitmore releases a statement regarding her Strictly experience, saying “I thought my experience was specific to me but I’ve since learned I was wrong”.

She adds she is not part of the official complaint, but has come forward to support Amanda with the BBC, alongside others.

28th July: Laila Rouass speaks out against the accusations regarding Anton Du Beke, saying she “never felt pressured” by him and “personally insisted on six to seven hours training a day”.

10th August: Graziano breaks his silence on his Strictly axe, saying “these vile, false allegations have ruined my life.”

He also told of the “shocking” end to his friendship with Zara McDermott.

We also revealed that Amanda Abbington was also quizzed for a second time as Strictly execs recruited 15 new staff to monitor rehearsals.

11th August: Just as the investigation was expected to conclude, Amanda made a dramatic intervention. Giovanni was on the brink of being cleared until Amanda handed in more text messages.

24th August: Graziano Di Prima called in top lawyers to sue the BBC and to try to clear his name. He recruited big hitters Whitestone Chambers to fight his corner.

A source said: “They’ve also looked at his BBC contract and believe there are grounds to sue.”

Meanwhile, the BBC also delayed releasing the findings of the probe into Giovanni Pernice. The Sun revealed that the results of the three-month investigation were unlikely to be announced in August.

Read More »

Liam Payne’s songwriter pal reveals heartbreaking pain in late singer’s unreleased songs

A FRIEND of Liam Payne has revealed heartbreaking pain in the late star’s unreleased songs.

The 31-year-old former One Direction bandmate tragically died on Wednesday afternoon.

a man with a beard is wearing a blue suit and black shirt
Getty
Former One Direction star Liam Payne tragically died last week[/caption]
a man wearing a pair of dt 750 pro headphones sings into a microphone
YouTube
A songwriter friend of Liam’s has shared some of his unreleased music[/caption]
a man singing into a microphone with headphones on
YouTube
He was father to a young son, Bear, whom he shared with Girls Aloud star Cheryl[/caption]

His cause of death was multiple injuries after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

On TikTok, British songwriter Adam Midgley shared unreleased music Liam wrote in the last years of his life.

It includes the poignant lyric, “If I’m lost in the dark now, will you hear when I call out. Does it ever get easier?”

Adam explains the clip was recorded while he stayed with Liam at his former Malibu home.

Following news of the star’s unexpected death, tributes flooded in from friends and past collaborators.

One Direction addressed the loss of their bandmate in a shared statement.

The group penned: “We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing.

“In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. 

“But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly. 

“The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever.

“For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. 

“We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam. – Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry.”

Simon Cowell, who helped put One Direction together on The X Factor in 2010 – and later managed the group – also shared a poignant tribute.

Taking to Instagram, he posted a number of photos and a long message.

Simon wrote, in part: “You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens.

“Liam I am devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty. And I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you. Every tear I have shed is a memory of you.

“This is so difficult to put into words right now.”

The music mogul continued by writing: “I went outside today, and I thought about so many times we had together.

“I wanted to let you know what I would always say to the thousands of people who would always ask me. What is Liam like? And I would tell them you were kind, funny, sweet, thoughtful, talented, humble, focused.”

Tributes to Liam Payne

SHOCKED fans, former co-workers, loved ones and friends flooded social media with sad tributes to Liam Payne after news of his death emerged.

Harry Styles’ mum Anne was among the first from One Direction’s camp to share her reaction, posting a photo of Liam and writing ‘Just a boy…’ alongside a broken heart emoji.

Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden shared an image of the pair together with the words: “Such an awful tragedy.

“Sending love to his family and all those who loved him.”

X Factor star Olly Murs told fans he was “devastated” and “lost for words”.

He wrote on social media: “Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his Family and of course his son Bear losing a dad x”.

Liam Gallagher said he was “very sad” and told his followers on X: “Life is precious Kids, you only get to do it once, go easy.”

Former X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary has also expressed his shock and spoke on This Morning.

He said: “I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing.

“He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble.”

BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball reacted to the “devastating news” on her show and told fans she hugged her own son Woody tight this morning.

JLS band member Marvin Humes reflected on his memories with the singer, sharing: “I first met Liam in 2008 with the JLS boys whilst auditioning for X Factor..he was 14 years old..

“We instantly clicked and looked at him as a little brother..that year it worked out for us but not for him and then 2 years later he went back to audition and One Direction was born..the rest is history..

“Absolutely heartbroken by the tragic news..Liam you wanted to be a global superstar and you did it bro..just can’t believe that things have ended this way..it’s shocking..my thoughts and prayers are with all your family and friends brother..RIP.”

Niall Horan’s brother Greg shared an emotional tribute to Liam, praising him as a “top young man”.

He added: “You will be forever missed. Liam, words can’t describe how much I want to grab my brother and mind him now while the world shows their memories of you and him and the boys.

“My heart goes out to your family parents and sisters and your son Bear and your 1D brothers.

“10th October we met and we started out that evening as 5 families into one big one 1D family thank you for all the laughs bro watch down on all your family and mind them lots of love kiddo x x x 1D 4 LIFE x x x”

German DJ Anton Zaslavski, otherwise known as Zedd, has taken to X with a devastated statement.

The producer, who worked with Liam on his 2017 hit Get Low, wrote: “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real…absolutely heartbreaking…”

American singer, Charlie Puth, who was friends with Liam and also collaborated with him on a song called Bedroom Floor, has posted a series of Instagram stories dedicated to him.

Alongside photos of the two of them together in their younger days, Charlie wrote: “I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me.

“He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone…

“I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace. I am so sorry…”

Irish singer duo Jedward also took to social media, saying: “RIP Liam Payne. Condolences to friends and family.”

In another tweet, they added: “Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear. And all the One direction Family. RIP Liam Payne.”

American media personality Paris Hilton shared: “So upsetting to hear the news of Liam Payne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.”

ITV weather presenter Alex Beresford shared a news video about Liam’s tragic death on Instagram, adding: “Can’t believe this! RIP Liam.”

Meanwhile Love Island star Molly Marsh penned: “I’m so taken aback, rest in peace.”

James Cordon also paid his own tribute, describing the star as a “loving and kind soul”.

The Gavin and Stacey actor wrote on Instagram: “Talking about Liam in the past tense is utterly heart-breaking.

“I will treasure the moments I got to spend with him. My thoughts are with his family today x.”

Payne previously appeared on Cordon’s The Late Late Show in America.

Former Little Mix star Jade Thirwall – who won X Factor with her bandmates one year after One Direction took part – described him as “the first friend I made in this industry”.

She said: “We fell out of touch as the years went by, but back in 2008 he was the first friend I made in this industry.

“Both of us so young, so ambitious, both hoping we’d ‘make it’. I hope you are at peace now”.

Camila Cabello described his death as a “tragedy” and said he “made an impression” on her when she was a young girl.

“And how much love you genuinely had for the fans.”

He added: “I always thought the 5 of you in the band as brothers. And regarding their messages today I believe you were.

“And now Liam, I can see the effect you had on so many people. Because you left us too soon.”

He added: “Rest in peace my friend. And I am sending my love, thoughts and prayers to your family. Simon X.”

a group of young men standing on a stage with microphones
The Mega Agency
Having formed on The X Factor in 2010, One Direction were together until 2016[/caption]

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Horse racing tips: Templegate confident of firing in two winning NAPs in a row with top jockey taking over main pick

TEMPLEGATE wants winners on Tuesday – after Sophia’s Starlight went in at 18-5 on Monday.

Back a horse by clicking their odds.

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COME ON YOU SPURS (4.10 Yarmouth, nap)

She won back-to-back races over this trip on soft ground when held up so it was a surprise to see her front-running when coming home in fifth at Musselburgh last time. Neil Callan won the last time he rode Richard Spencer’s filly and the experienced pilot will surely ride a more measured race this time.

JACKPOT DES BORDES (2.10 Exeter, nb)

Did well in two bumpers last season and has a bright future over hurdles. Harry Cobden has an excellent strike-rate at Exeter too.

BALMORAL LADY (4.45 Yarmouth, treble)

Didn’t break sweat when scoring in the mud at Windsor last week. She is best over this trip and can defy a 6lb penalty for that impressive success.

BARNABY (7.25 Newcastle)

Completes the Lucky 15.  He had plenty in the tank when winning over course and distance last month. That was his first crack over seven furlongs and it brought major improvement.

Templegate’s tips

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  • Never chases their losses
  • Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
  • Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
  • Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

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Nicole Scherzinger stuns in sheer lace dress before getting bloodied up for big stage role on Broadway

NICOLE Scherzinger is a vision in lace — before getting bloodied up for her big stage role.

The former Pussycat Dolls star, 46, wowed at Sunday’s opening of Sunset Boulevard on Broadway in a glittering black dress.

a woman in a black dress stands in front of a picture of herself
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Nicole Scherzinger is a vision in lace — before getting bloodied up for her big stage role[/caption]
Getty
Nicole joined creator and impresario Andrew Lloyd Webber, 76, backstage, still covered in blood from the show’s reimagined ending[/caption]

Nicole, who plays lead character Norma Desmond in the musical, wore diamond earrings as she strutted through New York City.

After her performance, she joined creator and impresario Andrew Lloyd Webber, 76, backstage, still covered in blood from the show’s reimagined ending.

Andrew Lloyd Webber, the man behind the music in Sunset Boulevard, has heaped praise on former X Factor judge Nicole and her vocal abilities.

He said: “Nicole is one of the finest singers I have worked with, and I can’t wait to get started on this exciting show with her and the rest of this brilliant team.”

Sunset Boulevard, based on the 1950 film of the same name, tells the story of Norma, a faded star of silent movies.

Living in a decaying mansion, Norma is desperate to return to her former glory and a chance meeting with a young screenwriter serves up just the opportunity.

After the Pussycat Dolls disbanded in 2010 Nicole launched a solo music career which saw her score five UK top 10 singles.

She made her West End debut back in 2014 when she starred as Grizabella in the musical Cats.

She also performed at the Coronation Concert for King Charles last year.

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Gary O’Neil at centre of FA probe after Wolves boss claimed refs have ‘subconscious’ bias towards big clubs

THE FA have launched a probe into Gary O’Neil’s claims that refs have a “subconscious” bias to the Prem’s big clubs.

Wolves boss O’Neil has been contacted by football chiefs after his  post-match comments following John Stones’ controversial 95th-minute winner for Manchester City on Sunday.

a man wearing a blue hoodie with a white emblem on it
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Gary O’Neil is facing a probe after his comments[/caption]
a soccer game is underway and the score is 1-2
Sky Sports
Bernardo Silva was judged to have not impeded Jose Sa[/caption]

Referee Chris Kavanagh ruled out Stones’ header for offside against  Bernardo Silva — but changed his mind in a pitchside review after VAR intervened to hand City a 2-1 win.

Now O’Neil will have to explain his remarks before the FA decide on any further action.

O’Neil said: “There’s no chance people are purposely against Wolves.

“But is there something in the subconscious around the decision-making, without even knowing it? Are you more likely to give it to Man City than Wolves?

“My senses are heightened when we are facing Man City. Are the officials the same?

“If I had to upset someone and there’s a big and a little guy, I’m upsetting the little guy.”

City’s winner hinged on whether Silva, who was standing in an offside position, had unsighted Sa as he attempted to keep out Stones’ bullet header.

Silva appeared to step away from the keeper just before Stones’ effort, with Kavanagh judging Sa was not prevented from being able to see the ball.

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The Premier League explained the decision in a statement that read: “Stones’ goal was disallowed on-field due to Bernardo Silva being in an offside position and in the goalkeeper’s line of vision.

“The VAR deemed Bernardo Silva wasn’t in the line of vision and had no impact on the goalkeeper and recommended an on-field review.

“The referee overturned his original decision and a goal was awarded.”

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