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DARTS fans can rejoice as the Czech Open is FINALLY underway – and some of the biggest names are in action!

Michael Smith, Peter Wright and Raymond van Barneveld begin their campaigns tonight.

While Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen and Luke Humphries all take to the oche tomorrow.

This is the final chance for players to qualify for the European Championship later this month.

• Start time: From 12pm BST
• TV/Stream: PDC TV
• Explainer: Full schedule and results

FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS

Follow ALL the action from the Czech Darts Open with our live blog below…

DOZENS of furious MPs have demanded Rachel Reeves freeze fuel duty amid fears she is about to unleash a crippling 7p-a-litre hike.

More than 70 Tories wrote an explosive letter to the Chancellor, warning her not to wage war on Britain’s 37 million motorists in the Budget.

PA

They say any increase in fuel duty would crush working families and small businesses already drowning under rising costs.

Their battle cry comes amid reports Ms Reeves is plotting one of the biggest Budget tax raids in history as she looks to fill a £40bn blackhole in the public finances.

She is said to be looking at increases in inheritance tax and stamp duty as well as a freeze in income tax thresholds – which will push hundreds of thousands of workers into higher tax brackets.

And for hard-pressed motorists, a 7p fuel duty increase looms large, potentially adding an extra £3.85 to the cost of filling an average family car.

The hike would come from scrapping last year’s 5p cut and reinstating the annual fuel duty rise – a move The Sun has successfully fought against since 2011.

Our relentless Keep It Down campaign alongside FairFuelUK has forced ministers to keep fuel duty frozen for more than a decade.

Backing this year’s push, the letter to the Chancellor boasts the signatures of 73 Tory MPs, including Shadow Deputy PM Sir Oliver Dowden, Shadow Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho, and former Home Secretary Dame Priti Patel.

It says: “Fuel duty has remained frozen for the past 14 years, currently standing at 6p less than when your party was last in power.

“This has been of immense benefit to Britain’s motorists and has significantly benefitted the Treasury.”

The letter, organised by Saqib Bhatti MP and Howard Cox of FairFuelUK, also highlights analysis showing a 5p hike would not only slow economic growth and cost jobs but could also add an estimated £160 to annual fill-up costs for families.

Mr Bhatti told The Sun: “People rely on their cars to get to work, take the kids to school, and run small businesses. It’s not a luxury. But this Labour Government looks set to betray every single one of them, siding with the greedy Treasury to squeeze even more cash out of already struggling people.”

Former Cabinet Minister Dame Priti added: “With pensioners already feeling the pain of losing the winter fuel payment the last thing Those struggling to pay the bills needs now are higher costs to full up their tank.

“If Labour hike up fuel duty in the Budget this month they will be declaring war on Britain’s motorists.”

Founder of FairFuel UK Mr Cox also said: “Along with the scrapping of the winter fuel allowance and an inevitable National Insurance increase on employers, a hike in fuel duty will be economic and political suicide.

“In opposition, Labour always supported a continuing freeze on Fuel Duty, but now in Government, they see the UK’s driver only as an easy cash cow to pay for their virtue signalling Net Zero fantasy.

“According to the Centre for Economics and Business Research, the long-term impact of increasing fuel duty now could lead to a staggering tax revenue collapse of more than 60% within five years.”

Mr Cox and Mr Bhatti will be delivering a 130,000 signatures petition calling on the Chancellor to maintain a freeze in duty to No 10 on Tuesday.

Downing Street today declined to say whether whether a fuel duty hike would mean higher taxes on working people.

A Treasury spokesperson said: “Difficult decisions are ahead because of the £22 billion hole we inherited and the Chancellor will take decisions in the round at the Budget.”

The Chancellor needs to do right by the hardworking people of Britain

By Tory MP Saqib Bhatti

As we approach the much talked about doom and gloom budget, it’s important we understand the looming implications of a Labour Government that seems hellbent on hurtling us headfirst into economic and social chaos.
My fellow Sun readers, we must face the uncomfortable truth: whilst Sir Keir Starmer hopes to bury the stain of his party’s donations scandal, he will do so on the backs of hardworking Brits.
First, it was pensioners who felt the sting when the Chancellor unceremoniously axed their much needed Winter Fuel Allowance, to fund her union mates.
Now, it is the turn of Britain’s 37 million motorists. 14 years of Conservative government meant fuel duty was either frozen or cut year on year.
The socialist Sir Keir and his trusted sidekick, the Chancellor Reeves, on the other hand, have failed to rule out a freeze let alone a cut.
Let me be clear: such a move would spell disaster for Britain’s motorists.
Think of the families on the school run and the small businesses that rely on vans and lorries to keep the wheels of our economy turning. And let’s not forget our fellow citizens in rural areas, who need their car to get around.
Some of you may remember the tumultuous 70s when oil prices were sent spiralling due to conflicts abroad. Today, with turmoil erupting in the Middle East and Europe, fuel prices are perilously placed, susceptible to global upheavals.
The Chancellor needs to break free from her socialist shackles and do right by the hardworking people of Britain.
That is why over 70 Conservative MPs, myself included, are united in urging Rachel Reeves to freeze fuel duty.
To raise it would be a reckless move igniting inflation, jeopardising jobs, and stifling our economic growth.
If she cannot definitively rule out a freeze in fuel duty she will be betraying our hard working families and our small business owners, much like she has already betrayed our pensioners.

LOUIS Tomlinson has been seen for the first time since his One Direction bandmate Liam Payne’s tragic death.

The singer, 32, was pictured looking sad on a family holiday in California after sharing a touching tribute to the “brother he’d always longed for”.

BackGrid

BackGrid

One Direction star Liam, 31, fell to his death from the third floor of his hotel in Buenos Aires on Wednesday afternoon.

Champagne, prescription drugs, white powder and foil wraps were all found in his trashed hotel room after he fell from the balcony at around 5pm (9pm UK time).

Louis paid tribute to the star after his death writing on Instagram: “I am beyond devastated to be writing this but yesterday I lost a brother.

“Liam was somebody I looked up to everyday, such a positive, funny, and kind soul.

“I first met Liam when he was 16 and I was 18, I was instantly amazed by his voice but more importantly as time went on I got a chance to see the kind brother I’d longed all my life for.

“Liam was an incredible song writer with a great sense of melody, we often spoke of getting back in the studio together to try and recreate the writing chemistry we had built up in the band.

“And for the record, Liam was in my opinion the most vital part of One Direction. His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on. Thank you for shaping us Liam.

“A message to you Liam if you’re listening,

“I feel beyond lucky to have had you in my life but I’m really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye.

“I’m so grateful that we got even closer since the band, speaking on the phone for hours, reminiscing about all the thousands of amazing memories we had together is a luxury I thought I’d have with you for life.

“I would have loved to share the stage with you again but it wasn’t to be.

“I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me I will be the Uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was.

“I wish I got chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you.”I wish I got chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you.

“Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. Sleep well X”

Liam’s autopsy revealed the star suffered severe injuries that led to “internal and external haemorrhaging”.

Fellow hotel guests revealed the star had been acting in a “disturbing” manner shortly before his fall, with Liam admitting to one woman: “I used to be in a boy band – that’s why I’m so f**ked up.”

Friends said Liam had been in a dark place in the past few weeks and turned to drink as he struggled with his career and other personal issues.

Liam’s record label Universal also reportedly dropped the star just a few days ago.

His family released an emotional statement and paid tribute to the “kind, funny and brave soul”.

One Direction also released a group statement that read: “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.

WILD rumours are circulating about a fix in the Big Brother house concerning an on-screen romance – with some saying it was all plotted before they even entered the house.

Big Brother fans are convinced that Nathan and Baked Potato (AKA Rosie) knew each other before.

Rex

Rex

Rex

One fan took to X, formerly Twitter, to say: “I’ve just heard a conspiracy theory that Baked Potato and Nathan knew each other before Big Brother…. her reaction to seeing him on launch night and the whole “they know about us”…

Another fan said “This is the weirdest romance in the history of Big Brother,” to which another fan replied: “…Nathan’s playing a game that involves a four year plan.

Someone else said: “I’m actually so confused by his romance, literally the most unlikely romance in Big Brother history.”

Nathan King, 24, is a pork salesman who in another life used to serve in the Royal household, as the reigning monarch’s butler.

Meanwhile, Rosie Williams is a dental assistant who has promised to donate her winnings to help fund her friend’s IVF treatment.

Housemates have been told they must call Rosie Baked Potato for the foreseable future after a dare in the first week.

Fans were surprised when the pair revealed saucy feelings for one another during Thursday night’s show.

Nathan confessed he felt attracted to Rosie just minutes before she walked into the Big Brother house.

But another contestant, Lily, leapt in with a surprise kiss.

The romance blossomed between Nathan and Rosie after a fire alarm evacuation where cameras recorded a secret chat.

The pair discussed dating each other when they get out, with Nathan asking Rosie if she’d like to visit a winery together when they emerge from the house.

But viewers have been speculating that it is all little too pre-planned and organised – and there must be more than meets the eye.

Big Brother is presented by Will Best and AK Odudu and is on its second series on ITV and ITVX, formerly being shown on Channel 4 and presented by Davina MaCall.

SIMON Cowell has paid tribute to Liam Payne following his tragic death at 31.

Last night it was confirmed singer Liam had died after falling from his third floor balcony at a Buenos Aires hotel.

Shutterstock

Instagram

PA Wire

Now Simon, 65 – who first met Liam when he was 14 – has shared a touching post on his Instagram grid page.

It read: “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 with his long essay, 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.”

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

“I had to tell you when you were 14 that this wasn’t your time. And we both made a promise that we would meet again.

“A lot of people would have given up. You didn’t. You came back and within months the whole world know Liam.

“And you never forgot the fans. I watched you spending so much time with people who had wanted to meet you. You really cared.

“You came to see me last year. Not for a meeting. Just to sit and talk. And we reminisced about all of the fun times we had together.

“And how proud you were to be a Dad. After you left, I was reminded that you were still the sweet, kind boy I had met all of those years ago.”

Simon also opened up on the bond he shared with Liam’s seven-year-old son, Bear.

“I have met your son, Bear. He has your smile and that twinkle in his eye that you have,” he wrote.

Simon Cowell's statement in full

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

I had to tell you when you were 14 that this wasn’t your time. And we both made a promise that we would meet again. A lot of people would have given up. You didn’t. You came back and within months the whole world know Liam. And you never forgot the fans. I watched you spending so much time with people who had wanted to meet you. You really cared.

You came to see me last year. Not for a meeting. Just to sit and talk. And we reminisced about all of the fun times we had together. And how proud you were to be a Dad. After you left, I was reminded that you were still the sweet, kind boy I had met all of those years ago.

I have met your son, Bear. He has your smile and that twinkle in his eye that you have. And he will be so proud of everything you achieved. And how you achieved it.

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.

Rest in peace my friend. And I am sending my love, thoughts and prayers to your family.

Simon X.

“And he will be so proud of everything you achieved. And how you achieved it.”

In his third slide, Simon 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.”

Liam I am devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty. And I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you

Simon Cowell

Liam first audition for Simon’s X Factor in 2008 but was unsuccessful. However he returned in 2010 and was put into One Direction, alongside Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson.

After working alongside the boys for their massive international success, Simon once confessed he was “annoyed” when Liam chose another label for his solo career.

He told The Sun: “It is a bit annoying if I am honest with you – mainly because it is a another label who has now got your artist who you worked with for so many years.

“We had spoken a lot, him and I, about what he wanted to do next.

Tributes to Liam Payne

SHOCKED friends, family and fans have paid heartbreaking tributes to Liam as news of the singer's death circulated across the world.

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 today.

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 today 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.”

But Simon admitted that he should have reached out to Liam and expressed interest in working with him as a solo artist.

He continued: “And I am guessing this because I haven’t spoken to Liam, but I guess he read about Harry’s deal and thought we weren’t interested.

“My impression was that he wasn’t in any hurry to make a record because he discussed this last year.

“He was more into songwriting and I was teasing him saying ‘if you come up with a great song Liam make sure it is for you and don’t give it away. When you’re ready, I am’.

You came to see me last year. Not for a meeting. Just to sit and talk. And we reminisced about all of the fun times we had together.

Simon Cowell

“So I was a bit surprised. You have to remember with Liam I auditioned him when he was 14 or 15 years old.

“He nearly made it as a solo artist, then he came back and ends up in One Direction.

“So of course, there is a part of you that goes ‘maybe we should have had the conversation’. That may be my fault but it has happened.”

Liam was was in Buenos Aires for pal and fellow 1D star Niall’s tour when he tragically plunged from the third floor on Wednesday afternoon.

Liam, who shared seven-year-old son Bear with ex Cheryl, shared a post on Snapchat only minutes before his death and showed him and his girlfriend Kate Cassidy looking into a mirror.

The singer-songwriter was staying at Hotel CasaSur in the neighbourhood of Palermo.

Crowds of heartbroken fans have now gathered behind a cordon outside the accommodation to pay tribute.

Rex

The Mega Agency

Getty - Contributor

DEAR DEIDRE: EVER since I came across some pictures of my ex-girlfriend’s son on Instagram, I have become convinced that I’m his father.

He is the spitting image of me. I now think she lied when she said he wasn’t mine.

I’m 35 and she’s 33. It’s been 13 years since we broke up, after she had a fling with another man and I found out her secret.

But I didn’t know she was pregnant. I only learned this after her baby was born.

At the time, I contacted her to ask if the baby was mine and I was fully prepared to support her and the child.

She flat out denied it, saying it was the other guy’s — even though he hadn’t stuck around — and so I got on with my life, got married then had two children of my own.

But a couple of months ago, I was online, when curiosity led me to search for my ex’s name.

Her profile showed pictures of her and her son, who is now 12.

I felt chills — it was like looking at childhood photographs of myself.

The boy has the same colouring, same cheeky smile and the same thick, blonde hair.

Since then, I have not been able to stop thinking about this, and wondering if I should contact my ex again.

I’ve spoken to my wife about it, and she’s supportive if I want to do that.

I don’t understand why my ex would lie, when I was offering to help her and wanted to be a dad. She’s also robbed her son of a relationship with his father.

I feel bereft.

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DEIDRE SAYS: Suspecting that this boy is your son is eating you up, and that’s not good for you, your marriage or your children.

Your ex must have her reasons for denying it. Perhaps she didn’t want a relationship with you or maybe she genuinely believed he couldn’t be yours.

But however much the child looks like you, it doesn’t prove anything.
Genes can skip generations.

The only way to know for sure is a DNA test. Unfortunately, you’d need your ex’s permission to do this.

Contact her again and ask her to consider this. But first, have some
counselling, so you can work through how you will feel if the child
is, or isn’t, yours. See my support pack about this.

Think about how this might affect the boy too.
For advice, contact Families Need Fathers (fnf.org.uk).