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Birmingham City dismantled Wrexham 3-1 on Monday night in front of Tom Brady and David Beckham

Birmingham City players celebrate Tomoki Iwata’s goal against Wrexham

Birmingham City finally showed their teeth in the League One promotion race – after Wrexham striker Paul Mullin insisted he didn’t show his to Alex Cochrane.

Melee aside, or ‘nonsense’ as Blues manager Chris Davies put it post-match, Blues came from behind to beat Wrexham 3-1 in convincing fashion. Record signing Jay Stansfield was at the double and Tomoki Iwata added the third on his league debut for Blues.

Blues moved up to second in the League One table, level on points with leaders Wrexham having played a game less. It was a performance to match all the razzmatazz in the stands where former England captain David Beckham was seated alongside NFL icon Tom Brady.

Here are our findings from a memorable night at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park…

Lift off, at last

Davies dubbed it Blues’ best performance of the season and it’s hard to disagree with him. Once the nerves had settled in the opening 10 minutes, Blues took complete control.

It is easy to disagree with Davies’ opposite number Phil Parkinson who thought they were dominant before Blues’ equaliser. The statistics don’t lie in this case and Blues, with 68 percent of the ball and twice as many shots on target as Wrexham, thoroughly deserved their three points.

We finally got the performance that Blues’ quality has been threatening.

Two negatives

It wasn’t perfect. Bailey Peacock-Farrell should have done better for Jack Marriott’s opening goal. The goalkeeper has come in for criticism due to errors against Leyton Orient and Wigan and he did little to silence his doubters. Peacock-Farrell flapped at a right-wing corner and Marriott punished him with a clinical finish.

Rotherham boss Steve Evans was watching and you can guarantee an aerial bombardment awaits Peacock-Farrell at the New York Stadium. With the capable Ryan Allsop waiting in the wings, Peacock-Farrell has to improve.

Peacock-Farrell’s cause won’t be helped by Krystian Bielik’s suspension. A rush of blood saw Bielik dismissed for two quickfire yellow cards late on and he will now miss the trip to Rotherham.

Blues will miss his leadership skills but, arguably more importantly, his presence on set pieces. The pressure will be on Peacock-Farrell – if Davies persists with him – Christoph Klarer and Willum Willumsson to command their box in Bielik’s absence.

Birmingham City captain Krystian Bielik was sent off against Wrexham
Bend it like Cochrane

It was quite fitting that we were all left purring over a cross with Beckham in the house. Beckham is arguably the greatest crosser of a ball English football has seen and Blues left-back Alex Cochrane gave his best impression when he curled a ball onto Stansfield’s head for Blues’ second goal.

Cochrane has been asked to perform a defensive role in Blues’ set-up, in and out of possession, meaning we haven’t seen much of his ability going forward. He arrived from Hearts in the summer with a reputation for scoring goals and providing assists, and we have now seen how dangerous he can be in the final third.

Strike it like Iwata

The signing of Stansfield ensured the deadline day arrival of Iwata went under the radar, yet the Japanese midfielder is arguably the most decorated and proven player in the Blues squad. This time last year Iwata was playing in the Champions League with Celtic.

He joined Blues to reach the Premier League and Iwata showed he has what it takes to compete at the top-end of the Championship with a dynamic display against Wrexham. The 27-year-old was defensively dominant and decisive when the chance presented itself in the 59th minute.

We shouldn’t overlook the part Paik Seung-ho played in Iwata’s goal with an exquisite touch. Japan international Iwata and South Korea star Paik dovetailed sublimely.

“I thought he was very solid in there with Paik,” Davies said of Iwata’s performance. “He’s physically strong, keeps it simple, moves it quick, and he stepped in, saw the space in front of him and had a shot. I had a great view of it, it was a hell of a strike.”

It should be easy to sell this in America

On a night where Blues rolled out the blue carpet for the A-Listers, played in front of an American audience and had multiple filmmakers capturing footage, the atmosphere of St Andrew’s was palpable.

All of those watching must have sensed that St Andrew’s is a bit special on nights like this. The rendition of Keep Right On shortly before the players emerged was spine-tingling.

Knighthead want to sell Blues to an American audience and it’s only a matter of time before the club ventures stateside – Tom Wagner and Brady mooted Las Vegas pre-match. The people making a racket in the stands are essential to the product Knighthead are creating.

Beckham, who was arguably the biggest name on a star-studded guest list, should tell his friends over in the States about his St Andrew’s experience.

The Loose Women studio erupted in chaos today as Charlene White and Janet Street Porter clashed over racism at the Ukrainian borders, as people desperately try to flee what’s happening at the hands of Russia

Loose Women panellists Charlene White and Janet Street Porter clashed over racism at the Ukrainian borders on the ITV show today.

The duo appeared on the lunchtime programme on Tuesday, where they were joined by Katie Piper and Coleen Nolan, as they discussed the big news stories of the day.

Understandably, top of the list, was the conflict in Ukraine, with Charlene raising awareness of the devastating stories shared by some people from the border who say they are not being allowed to pass through because of the colour of their skin.

Discussing it, Charlene told her fellow panellists: “But there is one thing that has really shone a light on where I’m concerned, that has really stuck out to me, is that in the midst of all of this, the midst of people trying to flee from their homes, the midst of them trying to dodge bullets and bombs, they still have time for racism.

Charlene spoke of some people’s experience of racism at the Ukraine border ( 
Image:
ITV)

“Because you’ve got thousands of Black, Asian, Syrian, Arab students and workers who have also been trying to get out of Ukraine and have been prevented from doing so due to the incessant racism that they have experienced. They’ve not been allowed to go through the border into Poland from example, where they’ve been pushed back.”

She added: “There are posters up saying no black … It really does shine a light on the fact that it doesn’t matter how devastated someone is, how scared somebody is, it seems like there’s always time for one of the worst traits of society.”

She clashed with Janet over it ( 
Image:
ITV)
Charlene was then interrupted by Janet, who said: “I hear what you saying, and I completely understand it and on the news last night, they did show some of the students talking about how bad they were treated and the effort it had taken for them to actually get on the train and get across the border. But I also think Poland, for example, has exceeded all expectations in accepting 150,000 refugees.”

Charlene put heads in hands as she says: “Oh my goodness! I understand that – but if you have thousands of refugees, you can’t stand there and say oh you 50 people come in, you 4 people with darker skin sorry.”

At one point, Charlene had her head in her hands ( 
Image:
ITV)The pair continued to speak over one another, as Janet said: “This isn’t a surprise for anyone or any asylum seeker who has moved across Europe has met this in Hungary,” before being interrupted again.

Charlene then added: “For a lot of people, it will come as a surprise. It didn’t come as a surprise to me because I am a black woman who has travelled through Europe.

I’m A Celebrity returns on Sunday for its latest series and the Mirror was given a tour of the new look camp this week ahead of stars like Coleen Rooney and Oti Mabuse moving in

This year’s I’m A Celebrity will kick off with a huge competition challenge and a new look camp as part of a series revamp.

Executive producer Olly Nash gave the Mirror a guided tour of camp which now has a Leaders Lodge complete with bed and rocking chairs as well as shelter from rain. A pair of celebs will be joint leaders in the camp after winning an opening competition – dubbed Snakes And Leaders – which is a race to the finish line once the famous faces choose teams.

It’s a huge makeover as the show normally starts with a Walk The Plank style opening on top of a building in the Gold Coast. But Olly explained: “Every year, we try and create something new, and try and create a better or different race to camp or different journey to camp.

“This year we’re going out for an ultra competitive series, you’ve got a really positive cast, everybody’s really happy and up for it, very few sort of nerves. Everybody’s terrified, but can’t wait to get in. So the advantage with all of them, is that faced with the competition from the very beginning will hopefully lead on to healthy competitions throughout the run.”

The Mirror’s Mark Jefferies had a tour of this year’s I’m A Celebrity camp, including the Leaders Lodge ( 
Image:
James Gourley/Publishd)

Amongst those pairing up will be WAG Coleen Rooney, singer Tulisa Contostavlos, Coronation Street star Alan Halsall and McFly ‘s Danny Jones. After heading into camp, exec Olly showed off it’s new area and added: “There is a new building that is called the Leaders Lodge that will have wonderfully comfy beds sheltered from the rain, nice plush pillows and big duvets, or doonas, as they call them, in Australia, which will keep them nice and snug and warm. As opposed to everyone out here who’s exposed and sleeping in Swags.

“The reason why there’s a leader chair for two and the Leaders Lodge is because this year, our walk in, our journey to camp is an epic race. All the celebrities will be pairing up into pairs, and those five pairs will go head to head in a number of challenges.

Leaders Lodge offers two campmates beds, rocking chairs ands shelter from rain ( 
Image:
James Gourley/Publishd)
“The winners will become the first leaders of camp, exempt from all chores, and live in the leaders Lodge, and they’ll be running camp, setting up the way they want and the way they like for the first few days. There is a twist coming, which will give them more power than they expected before. So there’s more stuff to come, and there are additional perks that they don’t get. I would imagine they will be leaders at least until the end of that first week.”

The new look camp and lodge also got the thumbs up from last year’s King of the jungle Sam Thompson who is back in Australia for an ITV2 spin off show running alongside the main series from Sunday night. After being shown the lodge, Sam said: “We never had this! This is going to be the most amazing sleep that they’ve ever had. What I think is quite interesting is, we’re bringing this in at the start, and I think it’s going to be great because you’re going to get people seeing how the other half live in the camp.

A host of celebrities will be living in the camp for the new series of the ITV show, which launches on Sunday ( 
Image:
James Gourley/Publishd)
“For this year, it’s going to be really interesting how people cope, because there’s a lot of strong characters in this year. I’m kind of going against myself here… I think this is one of the best years, in terms of lineups, that we’ve ever had.”

There have been other small tweaks to the camp, with a pair of people required to pump water in order to get a hot bath. A red Leaders chair also has pride of place by the fire whilst the other campmates will have to make do with logs for seats.

Filming for the new series is expected to start Thursday with the ten celebrities which also include former Strictly Come Dancing pro Oti Mabuse and podcaster GK Barry. I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! starts this Sunday November 17, on ITV1 and ITVX.

Sam Thompson predicts 2024 winner

Reigning I’m A Celebrity winner Sam Thompson says he thinks he will lose his crown as the king of jungle to a queen.

Last year’s ITV king Sam, 32, is co-hosting the new ITV2 spin off show I’m A Celebrity…Unpacked with comedian Joel Dommett and radio presenter Kemi Rodgers. Sam said: “Who’s gonna win? You can’t ask me that! I have a top three who I think are going to win it, not who I want to win it. I will say this: I think this year there are a lot of strong women, really strong personalities which I think is going to be fascinating to watch. I think it will be a queen.”

Asked the best way to win or go far on I’m A Celebrity, he said: “Everyone has up days, everyone has down days. Happy or sad it is about being yourself… It’s such a boring answer, but there are people who will come in here who are like, ‘ooh, if I do this, if I do that, maybe if I get a trial I can do this, and airtime’.

“It goes straight out the window. You get found out immediately if you have a game plan. You cannot be in a place like this and not be yourself. You just can’t.

“I would say to anyone who’s going to go far, it will be the person who just lives the experience. The best part about the jungle is the sounds, the routine of traipsing up and down there to get water, going out there and going into the Bush Telegraph, making friends.”

Sam also admitted he is hoping the recent storms around the Gold Coast continue so the new camp doesn’t have things too nice or easy. He said: “The best part about the jungle is the sounds, the routine of traipsing up and down there to get water, going out there and going into the Bush Telegraph, making friends.

“The worst part… when it rains, it sucks a little bit. So I kind of hope it rains a bit, because now I’m working as a viewer, I kind of want to see people struggling a little bit.”

‘I tried despicable I’m A Celebrity 2024 eating trial and made one grave error’

The Mirror’s Mark Jefferies has tried out the Bushtucker trials ( 
Image:
James Gourley/Publishd)After successfully completing many challenges in the past I saw red when it came to eating a bull’s penis. The Trials team told me we were guinea pigs for the day trying out a new trial dubbed Davy Jones Cocker.

I had 60 seconds to eat food from the treasure chest and win a star, but if I failed I would be dropped into water below. But it wasn’t just any water. It contained 75 kilos of fish guts and I got a kilo thrown over my head for good measure.

But first I could try to avoid that by eating a chunk of boiled bull on a cocktail stick. I made a huge error by nibbling a small piece instead of putting it in my mouth whole as many celebs do. The texture was rubber but then the revolting taste took over. My nose was also picking up on the smell of the fish guts below and I began to retch. I love my job but even I have my limits. I used the sick bucket but only to spit some out and I gamely tried one more bite before I gave up. It had been like eating a car tyre and with no water swallowing seemed impossible.

As I was dropped into the water I thought the celebrities had a lot more guts than me, except at that moment when I had an abundance fish guts stuck on my legs and my shoulders. The trials will come thick and fast this series and they are working on a number of new ones they told me. The good news is I won’t be the only one to suffer like this as they have another 600 kilos of fish guts on order. Insects and other creepy crawlies and grim foodstuffs await this year’s camp. I was glad to get me out of there before it all starts.

This year’s camp will see the likes of Coleen Rooney, GK Barry and Barry McGuigan take on the trials. Rumours had suggested former WAG Coleen, who is married to ex-Manchester United manager Wayne Rooney, would be exempt from a number of the tasks in camp. However, she was adamant that wouldn’t be the case and was prepared to throw herself into the whole experience.

She said in a video on social media: “I’m looking forward to doing the trials. There’s been a lot of news saying that I can’t do trials because of certain illnesses and that, but I can confirm I can do every trial. So I am not excluded from any that was just a load of rubbish, and I am, yeah, I’m looking forward to it.”

On Friday night, BBC viewers tuned in for the annual Children in Need extravaganza where large funds were being raised to help kids across the country.

This year, BBC viewers saw Ade Adepitan, Mel Giedroyc, Rochelle Humes, Vernon Kay, Chris Ramsey, and Lenny Rush take to the stage to present this year’s Children in Need.

The 2024 hosts were on hand to oversee the three-hour special, which promised hilarious comedy sketches and star-studded performances.

From an Outnumbered reunion special, Gary Oldman reading a CBeebies Bedtime story and the return of Graham Norton’s Red Chair.

In a first for Children in Need, BBC viewers will see TV sensation Bluey will be transported into the glitz and glam of the Strictly Come Dancing World.

However, viewers quickly took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the show, with many unimpressed with the number of presenters on stage.

BBC Children In Need 2024’s Mel Giedroyc, Lenny Rush, Vernon Kay, Rochelle Humes, Ade Adepitan, Chris Ramsey ( 
Image:
BBC)
One person said: “I love them all but surely they only need two hosts at the most?!”

Someone else commented: “6 presenters. Really???? #childreninneed”

“Haven’t watched #childreninneed for years … turned it on, and why on earth are there 6 presenters! Just carnage and only 7 minutes in,” wrote another.

However, some were left confused over the three-hour slot as some viewers highlighted the time change over the years.

One person said: “Does anyone remember when shows such as #ChildrenInNeed used to go on until 1am?”

Someone else tweeted: “Why are there so many hosts though? I get having that many when Children In Need went on until like 2am like the old days but now? There are only 3 hours you only need like 3 or 4 of them #childreninneed” (sic)

One viewer was thrilled with the presenters, commenting: “Glad Rochelle and Vernon are hosting.”

With another adding: “Lenny is so savage and I love him! He is just so funny.”

People were less then impressed with how many presenters were on stage
However, this marks Mel Giedroyc’s eighth year hosting the show, and she spoke about returning once again. She commented: “It’s one of my very favourite “work” nights of the year.

“If you can call it work! It’s the incredible feeling in the studio in Salford of everybody coming together for this brilliant life-affirming reason – hearing from kids and watching their stories. That’s what it is all about. I think it brings out the very best of us all.”

It’s not just Mel who spoke fondly about hosting the show, as BBC star Vernon Kay detailed his special connection.

He commented: “BBC Children in Need has always been a big deal in our house, as you’ll know Tess presented for years alongside Sir Terry, so it’s a really big deal for me to be a part of it.

Vernon spoke about hosting Children in Need for the first time

“There’s the emotional element of being part of something that’s doing so much good, but also the practical (terrifying!) element that it’s a massive production and millions of people will be tuning in.

“I’m going to be wearing my lucky underpants on the night, that’s for sure, and I’ll be tapping Tess up for some tips in these next few weeks.”

Loose Women star Denise Welch is set to make a triumphant return to the BBC’s high school drama Waterloo Road where she will reprise her role as French teacher Steph Haydock

Denise Welch is going back to school – as the French teacher at Waterloo Road Comprehensive School.

The 66-year-old Loose Women star appeared on the hit BBC series from 2006 to 2010 playing lingual expert Steph Haydock. The series was pulled off the air in 2015 after the conclusion of the 10th season of the show. But it was then revived in 2023.

The creators of the show are preparing to make the 15th season of the show after the 2024 season reached a climax last month. And fans can expect to see Denise back in character and in the classrooms of the smash show.

Denise – who only appeared in the first six seasons of Waterloo Road during its original run – has acted in other soaps in the past. She played Natalie Barnes in Coronation Street from 1997 to 2000 and she has previously explained that she considers herself something of a pioneer in the performing arts as she’s been able to work both as an actress and a lunchtime talk show star.

She originally starred on the show from 2006 to 2010 ( 
Image:
BBC)

Of her return to Waterloo Road, a source told The Sun: “Waterloo Road fans love a comeback, particularly when it is someone of Denise’s calibre. The character is certainly one which will live long in the memory of devotees, and it’s an absolute no brainer to have her return.” The Mirror has contacted representatives of Denise and the BBC for comment.

Denise previously told OX Magazine that she hated that people wouldn’t take her seriously as an actress because her career as a Loose Women star had overshadowed her acting. She said: “It’s very difficult in this country to be taken seriously in more than one genre; I’ve tried to cross those boundaries over. I remember Eamonn Holmes saying, ‘I can’t think of another person that’s doing an acting job and a presenting job on telly at the same time.’ That stuck with me, I felt there was a little breakthrough there.”

She also explained that she has been landing bigger parts since she entered her 50s – after being dismissed for roles in her youth. She said: “[I prefer roles] where you come on in Act Two as the maid and steal the show. That’s how I always was in my younger days; I always wanted to play the character roles I was too young for. So yes, there is that.”

Denise has been a panellist on Loose Women for decades – but previously admitted she will quit the minute she finds the show too stressful to deal with. She told Bella magazine last year: “In the 21 years I’ve done this show, I have never, ever. ever had an actual argument with anybody on that show. I can go hammer and tongs with them on set, but nothing afterwards, if it was a toxic environment, I wouldn’t work there. I don’t need to. I’m 65, I don’t need the stress…. I’d be out like a shot if I felt anxiety about going into a job,” and then insisting that the workplace – which has been rocked by rumours of backstage bitching in the past – is “very supportive”

Loose Women star Nadia Sawalha broke down in tears on Friday’s episode over an emotional message from her family as she celebrated a huge milestone

Loose Women star Nadia Sawalha was emotional on Friday’s episode as she celebrated a huge milestone live on air.

During the latest instalment, the panellists revealed that Nadia, whose birthday is on 18 November, was turning 60 as they dedicated the episode to her with plenty of surprises.

And it was one surprise in particular that left her breaking down in tears as her husband, Mark Adderley, and eldest daughter Maddie, 21, shared heartfelt messages to her which were played on air.

In her daughter’s message, she said: “I love you so much and I just want you to know how grateful I am to have somebody like you in my life, let alone as my mother. I am so thankful for all the hugs, all the advice, all the times that you’ve been there for me and supported me. All the times you’ve told me the truth even when I’ve been not wanting to hear it.

Loose Women star Nadia Sawalha was emotional on Friday’s episode as she celebrated a huge milestone live on air ( 
Image:
ITV)

“I just really want you to feel how loved you are today. You are an amazing woman and I hope to be a quarter of the woman you are when I fully grow up. You inspire me every single day and I just hope you see how truly incredible you really are. I just love you so much and just have a beautiful birthday and yeah, I love you.”

Nadia was left wiping tears after the message to which co-star Kaye Adams joked: “We knew we’d get you to cry at the end!” Talking about the sweet videos, Nadia said: “That was really beautiful, thank you! There’s no better present is there in the world.

“Maddie, she was born on Christmas Day, so no Christmas present will ever be better than that! To hear that, with all the worries we have as parents, that is very beautiful.”

Nadia’s husband Mark Adderley, and eldest daughter Maddie, 21, shared heartfelt messages to her which were played on airElsewhere on the show, Nadia was surprised by her sister, Dina Sawalha, who had baked her a birthday cake and presented it live on air, as well as sharing some sweet words about her sibling.

Taking to Twitter, now X, viewers couldn’t believe Nadia was turning 60 due to her age-defying looks. One person said: “I refuse to believe Nadia Sawalha is 60. Nope. #LooseWomen” while a different account added: “To be fair to Nadia, she’s wearing very well for 60. I thought she was about 50. #LooseWomen.”

After 27 years, the sole survivor of the car crash that claimed Princess Diana’s life has reportedly regained his memory, offering a startling revelation about the fateful night in Paris. Trevor Rees-Jones, Diana’s former bodyguard, who was severely injured in the accident, recently shared new insights into what he remembers. Rees-Jones, who had previously been unable to recall key details due to his injuries, now reveals that Diana could have survived the crash, but an unexpected event tragically changed everything.

In a candid recounting, Rees-Jones expressed his sorrow, explaining that under normal circumstances, Diana and the others in the car would have been safe. However, according to his recovered memory, an unforeseen occurrence led to a critical shift in their situation, making survival impossible. He did not go into full detail but hinted at complications that arose in the seconds before the crash. Rees-Jones’s testimony has stirred renewed interest in the events leading to Diana’s untimely death, with many now questioning if more could have been done to prevent it.

For years, theories have swirled around the accident, with some pointing to unusual behavior by the paparazzi or even hinting at more elaborate plots. However, Rees-Jones’s statements are now casting a different light, suggesting that Diana’s death may have been a tragic outcome of missteps or unexpected factors on the part of those present. The world remembers Diana as the “People’s Princess,” whose warmth and humanitarian efforts touched millions. Her sudden death left a deep impact, and the mystery around the crash has fueled speculation ever since.

Rees-Jones’s recollection, emerging after years of silence, has ignited fresh calls for transparency and justice. Families of the victims, as well as Diana’s supporters, have long sought to understand the true circumstances of her death. While Rees-Jones’s memory recovery might provide a piece of the puzzle, he emphasizes that he is not certain of every detail and that others involved may still hold answers.

For those who admired Diana, the news of Rees-Jones’s regained memory is bittersweet. It rekindles the grief of her loss while raising hope for closure in the future. As new questions arise, Diana’s legacy as a beloved public figure remains strong, with many continuing to remember her contributions to causes and her lasting impact on the world.

Former England and Newcastle striker Alan Shearer has hailed David Beckham’s impact on football and admitted it would be “huge” if the global icon invested in an English club

Tom Brady with David Beckham (Image: Getty Images)

Alan Shearer has shared his thoughts on the impact of David Beckham investing in English football, similar to what he’s achieved with Inter Miami.

Speaking on the influence Beckham could have, Shearer said in a recent Betfair chat: “We’ve seen what David Beckham has done with Inter Miami, bringing Lionel Messi to the club, and what that has done for soccer over in America.”

He added: “When you put Messi together with the brand David Beckham has, then it is huge for football, and it would be huge for an English side if Beckham were to invest here too.”

Shearer also highlighted the generous glow the EFL has received from star-studded ownerships such as Wrexham’s celebrity duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The former England captain stated: “When you’ve got high-profile owners who are determined to make a statement, and when you look at what Birmingham and Tom Wagner have spent, and where Wrexham have come from to where they are now, they’re both great stories.”

He further noted: “You’re getting Beckham sitting next to Tom Brady, with Rob McElhenney also in Birmingham on the same night, and the pictures of the three of them have been beamed all over the world, so it’s great for the EFL.”

Beckham indeed sprinkled some star quality onto the English game when he was spotted at the Blues vs Wrexham match alongside NFL icon Brady.

Shearer is all praise for the thriving EFL scene and particularly admires Wayne Rooney’s bold decision to step in as manager of Plymouth Argyle. Reflecting on a recent victory, he said: “I saw the reaction from Wayne Rooney and his coaching staff on the touchline when Plymouth got their winning goal vs Sunderland at the weekend. I was delighted for him because I was sat watching the scores come through for Match of the Day, and I’d seen Sunderland get it back to 2-2, but then the winning goal came so late on that you knew Plymouth had just won it.”

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Continuing to express his support for Rooney, Shearer added: “I’m pleased for Wayne because he’s shown some courage to go down to Plymouth and take that job on, and I really hope he can be a success. You saw what it meant to him and his coaching staff when the goal went in, and they were able to win the game against a team that had won their previous four games.

“It was a big result for Plymouth, and I hope they can take a lot from that. I’m really impressed with how Wayne wants to stay in football. He had his time at Derby, Birmingham and went back over to DC United as well. It takes a lot of courage. He loves coaching, managing and, because of his status as a player, it’d have been easy for him to sit back and do the job I’m doing in TV.”

On Rooney’s commitment to management over broadcasting opportunities, Shearer remarked: “I’m sure he’d have had plenty of opportunities to do so. However, he still wants to go and get his hands dirty on the touchline. It’s not an easy job to go all the way down to Plymouth, leave the family once again, so I admire him for doing it.”

The first responder at the scene of Princess Diana’s tragic accident recently shared his haunting memories of that night, recounting the moments he arrived to try and save her. Speaking for the first time in years, he described the overwhelming horror he felt, saying, “I couldn’t bring myself to look at her face.” His words convey the emotional weight of being one of the first to witness the aftermath of a tragedy that would soon rock the world.

The rescuer, who was part of the emergency team on August 31, 1997, described arriving to a chaotic scene under the Alma Bridge in Paris. The wrecked car, paparazzi flashing cameras, and the silence from inside the vehicle all set a grim stage. Despite the intense training and experience he had as a first responder, he found himself deeply shaken upon realizing who was inside the car.

He admitted that he initially hesitated, overwhelmed by the gravity of the situation. “It’s not something you prepare for,” he explained. “Knowing who she was, the responsibility of trying to save her life—it was nearly paralyzing.” While he worked to stabilize her, he couldn’t bring himself to look directly at her, fearing that the sight would stay with him forever. He focused solely on his duty, hoping his efforts would make a difference.

Over the years, he has carried the memory of that night, feeling the weight of both his professional role and the global significance of Diana’s passing. He shared that the night’s trauma lingered long after the accident, as he realized he had witnessed the final moments of one of the world’s most beloved figures. For him, the tragedy was a personal loss, not only because of her fame but because he, like millions of others, admired Diana’s humanitarian work and kindness.

The retelling of his experience has brought renewed sympathy and respect for those who were there that night, shouldering the responsibility of Diana’s final moments. As the world reflects on this new insight, the legacy of Princess Diana lives on, her memory kept alive by those who tried desperately to save her and the millions who continue to remember her with love and admiration.

David Beckham takes centre stage in a festive new Nespresso Christmas advert where he plays football in the snow.

The 49-year-old Inter Miami FC owner steps into wellington boots and heads outside to a wintery scene where a snowman waits as his goalie.

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Noticing the snowman’s sad demeanor, Beckham decides to cheer him up and dresses him up in a football kit and gloves from his wardrobe, setting the stage for a lighthearted kickabout.

The former England captain places a Nespresso pod on the snowman’s nose, only to swipe it back after scoring after noticing he’s run out of coffee in his mug.

Last November, Beckham was announced as the newest Nespresso ambassador, alongside George Clooney and Bridgerton’s Simone Ashley.

As part of his partnership, it was revealed at the time that the self-confessed coffee fan would share an exclusive view of the genuine coffee moments he enjoys.

Beckham steps into wellington boots for the ad
Instagram/Nespresso

These included quiet moments to himself around his hectic schedule, making his favourite Nespresso coffees and recipes, as well as highlighting how he needs a moment of mindfulness, either with family or to himself as part of his morning ritual.

Speaking about the campaign last year, the dad-of-four and husband to Victoria, said: “I’ve always loved Nespresso coffee.

“Whether I am having a quiet moment at home with my family or preparing myself for a business meeting, the variety of blends is great, it’s so simple to make, and every cup tastes incredible.”