16 hours agoLatest NewsComments Off on Love Island legend reveals he pulled out of All Stars TWO days before show kicked off
LOVE Island legend Scott van-der-Sluis has confirmed he pulled out of the current run of All Stars with just two days to go.
The star rose to fame on the tenth series of the dating show and quickly followed it up with two more stints on other editions of the programme.
GettyScott van der Sluis dropped out of All Stars just two days before the show kicked off[/caption]
PeacockIt would have been the star’s fourth stint on the programme[/caption]
Mere weeks after being dumped from the villa the first-time around, Scott took part in Love Island USA before also going on to compete on the US based spin-off Love Island Games just weeks after that.
It saw Scott compete in three series of the programme within six months but since then he has stayed far away from the franchise.
However, now the Welsh goalkeeper has confessed that he was lined up to take part in this year’s All Stars edition of the show but chose to drop out of the line-up with just two days to go.
Speaking on his Snapchat story, Scott said: “I was going to do [All Stars].
“I pulled out two days before the show started for various reasons.
“I sat down with my family and there was quite a few reasons why I decided to go against it.
“But I was on FaceTime to [Luca] every day for about two months straight before he went on.
“He had lost [access to] his phone by the time I’d pulled out so he doesn’t actually know that I’m [not] going in there.
“He is still expecting me to go in!”
Had Scott entered the villa, it could have been a chance for him to attempt to rekindle things with his former villa love, Catherine Agbaje.
Scott and Catherine had a connection during their first stint on the show and the TV beauty is currently taking part in the programme.
It left fans aghast that it could have been a chance to see the pair reunited.
One fan said: “So you’re telling me we were robbed off a Scott & Catherine agaiiiinnn.”
Another added: “That’s so annoying we could’ve had him and catherine.”
Before a third wrote: “Honestly I think of a lot of Luca constantly reassuring Catherine was fueled by the knowledge that he thought Scott was coming in.”
Love Island All Stars couples 2025
Throughout the series the couples will chop and change as each recoupling happens
16 hours agoLatest NewsComments Off on Taylor Swift is ‘desperate not to be center of attention at Super Bowl’ as plans to help Travis Kelce focus are revealed
IT’S hard to be low-key when you’re one of the most famous people on earth.
The sporting world will be tuning into the Super Bowl this weekend to see if superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes can land a historic three-peat for the Kansas City Chiefs.
GettyTaylor Swift celebrates with Travis Kelce after the Chiefs beat the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship Game on January 26[/caption]
GettyTaylor (pictured at a game on January 26) wants to be ‘low key’ during Super Bowl week in New Orleans[/caption]
GettyAs revealed by The U.S. Sun, Taylor has invited a host of A-listers to watch the Super Bowl (pictured in her box with Caitlin Clark last month)[/caption]
SHINING SPOTLIGHT
But, of course, plenty of cameras will be trained on the New Orleans Superdome posh seats where Taylor Swift will be cheering on boyfriend Travis Kelce with some well-heeled pals.
Wherever Taylor goes, there is always a frenzy of excitement.
However, a source close to the A-list power couple has told The U.S. Sun that the Cruel Summer singer is determined to keep a low profile this weekend.
This time last year, all the talk before the Chiefs clashed with the San Francisco 49ers was how quickly Taylor could jet back from Tokoyo to Las Vegas to catch the big game.
The insider says the 34-year-old “loved” seeing Travis win his second Championship ring despite the madcap, transatlantic dash.
Fast-forward 12 months, however, and Taylor is said to be “way more rested and relaxed” thanks to a much-needed break at the end of her grueling Eras tour schedule.
She is “excited” about the whole Super Bowl New Orleans experience.
But just as Travis manfully supports her career and has become one of her biggest cheerleaders, now it’s his time to step onto the global stage and produce the goods.
“Taylor doesn’t want to be the center of attention,” the source told The U.S. Sun, “she just wants to support Travis and help him focus on the game.”
The insider claims she will arrive in NOLA “a maximum of two days” before Sunday’s big kick-off, stressing there were never any plans to stay for the traditional whole week of build-up.
“She wants Travis to enjoy his Super Bowl week experience and be at 110% for Sunday, as she is dreaming about him making history and reaching another dream of his, winning another Super Bowl and making a three-peat,” said the source.
“He loves that she is super supportive, and he is the same with her, as they got each other’s back whatever happens.”
ONE FINAL PUSH
The U.S. Sun has exclusively revealed the couple has big plans for the postseason.
They are desperate to return to Italy – buying a love nest in Lake Como is still on their minds – and enjoy some rest.
Travis will also cash in his birthday present by enjoying a day racing around the iconic Monza Formula One circuit.
But writing themselves into legend—whether on a football field or by selling out world tours—trumps everything.
As revealed by The U.S. Sun, Taylor has invited a host of superstars to watch the action alongside her, including Blake Lively and husband Ryan Reynolds.
They will all roaring Travis and his Chiefs pal towards glory.
“They love spending time together but also enjoy supporting each other to make history,” confirmed the insider.
“They know when to step back for each other so they can focus and be fully prepared. Their understanding of what each other needs is fantastic.”
'A great escape'
Kelce and Swift have been constant presences at each other’s events, and Reid shared that he thinks they enjoy getting out of the spotlight.
“He can handle it. I think there’s a great escape for him,” Reid told the Athletic.
“I said that about Taylor too. I mean, she comes to the game, she can kind of escape having to be the show.
“And when he goes to her concerts, she’s the star and he can be hanging out there and be the support or the waterboy.”
GettyTaylor Swift has been enjoying watching Travis Kelce and his all-conquering Kansas City Chiefs over the last couple of years[/caption]
GettyTravis and Taylor, according to a well-placed insider, are fully supportive of their respective careers[/caption]
16 hours agoLatest NewsComments Off on Kelsey Grammer Says 30-Year Feud With ‘Cheers’ Costar Ted Danson Got ‘Blown Out of Proportion’
Kelsey Grammer revealed what caused the feud between himself and Cheers costar Ted Danson which led to a feud where the men went 30 years barely speaking. “It got a little blown out of proportion. There really wasn’t an argument. It was at a time in my life when I was actually going through a...
16 hours agoLatest NewsComments Off on Mikel Arteta ‘disappointed’ Arsenal made mess of transfer window but says ‘powerhouse’ Havertz can carry Arsenal attack
MIKEL ARTETA is really “disappointed” Arsenal messed up the January transfer window.
But the Gunners boss says “powerhouse” Kai Havertz can carry their attack until the end of the season — starting against Newcastle.
PAMikel Arteta has admitted his disappointment at not adding another attacker to the Arsenal squad[/caption]
GettyArsenal were in for Ollie Watkins at one stage but failed to strike a deal[/caption]
ReutersBut Arteta believes Kai Havertz can lead them to glory[/caption]
Instead, the North London giants must chase down Prem leaders Liverpool and reach the latter stages of the Champions League with a squad weaker than most of their rivals.
Arsenal have just one fit centre-forward in ex-Chelsea man Havertz, 25, having decided to stick with what they have instead of bringing in a body to bolster the team.
The closest Arteta came to fixing his striker crisis was a futile £45million approach for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, 29, late in the window that was quickly rejected.
But Emirates chiefs decided to back out of a move before Tottenham swooped to sign the Frenchman. Mikel Arteta insists the Gunners’ lack of transfer activity is NOT a “gamble”.
The Spaniard claims Arsenal can now splash the cash in the summer — with top targets such as RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, 21, valued at £60m.
Ahead of trying to turn around a 2-0 deficit in tonight’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg at Newcastle, Arteta defended the club’s cautious stance.
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Amid the horror ACL injury to Jesus last month, the Gunners chief explained: “We had a clear intention to explore opportunities to improve our squad with players that can impact it.
“We haven’t achieved it so we are all disappointed.
“But, as well, we are very aware that we only want to bring certain kinds of players to the club and have to be very disciplined.
“Nobody knows whether it is better to have done it or not. We will know probably at the end of this season.
“It’s not a gamble — it is reality. We have the players that we have and some of them are on loan.
“We’ve never had a squad of 35, 40, 45 players. So many other clubs, they have 45 players in their list.
“We just don’t have that size at the moment. We have had to do so much in the last few years and that’s where we are.
“So we’re going to have to evolve there as well and have more and more players from the academy.
“And the ones that are here need to be fitter longer. We need to be on our toes.”
Arteta warns stars against firing up Toon
By Jordan Davies
MIKEL ARTETA wants Arsenal to go “full gas” tonight and seal a spot at Wembley.
But the Gunners boss urged his stars NOT to fire up a raucous St James’ Park crowd.
Arteta’s side face a daunting task trying to overturn Newcastle’s 2-0 lead from the first leg of this Carabao Cup semi-final.
And the Spaniard wants his players to stay calm — three days after Myles Lewis-Skelly and Gabriel taunted Erling Haaland during a 5-1 win over Manchester City.
Asked about keeping emotions in check, Arteta said: “We talk about those things and have to understand that each ground is different.
“Playing home or away is very different. Their attitude, what they celebrate and what they don’t, is really very different up north as well to here in London.
“It’s part of the context of the game. They’re a very difficult team to play.”
Arteta learned how riling up fans can change a game — once clashing with Jurgen Klopp at Anfield and helping inspire Liverpool to a 4-0 win over Arsenal in 2021.
He has bad experiences of St James’, losing his last two visits there 1-0, including a controversial clash in November 2023 that saw the Spaniard charged for his comments towards officials.
Goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon helped the Toon sink Arteta’s men in the first leg on January 5.
But Arsenal have won four games on the spin, scoring 11, and are looking forward to a mid-season Dubai break after tonight’s clash.
Arteta explained: “When you compare the emotional state of the team after the defeat to Newcastle and how we are today, it’s so different.
“We come from some very strong performances and great wins, especially the last one against Man City. So it is momentum.
“Next stop is a Wembley final so we know how big that is and you can feel it.
“We have a break after this game as well.
“So it’s the moment to go full gas and try to approach it in a way we believe is best to win that final.”
Left-back Lewis-Skelly, 18, is likely to be thrown into another battle from the off after netting his first senior goal against City on Sunday.
Fellow academy kid Ethan Nwaneri, 17 — who scored against Pep Guardiola’s men as well — is also in with a chance of starting tonight.
Arteta added: “It’s about how they compete, not just how they play. In order to be very emotional, very stable, you have to be composed and confident in yourself.
“They will try to expose you as well. But those boys have gone through these challenges.
“The bigger the game got, the better they became, which is not so easy to do.”
Following the resignation of Edu in November, Arsenal have relied on inexperienced interim sporting director Jason Ayto to negotiate deals, alongside Arteta, managing director Richard Garlick and head of recruitment James Ellis.
Arteta revealed the club will make a decision on who takes up the post permanently “relatively quickly”.
He explained: “When you try your best and you do things with the right process, and see the people that we all share the same intentions and wills, and after you don’t achieve it, for sure there are things to learn from it. There always are.
“Jason and the team have done a really good job. But then it’s the transfer market — and it’s complicated.
“But you have to move on. Now I focus on the numbers that we have and just how to maximise them. It’s remarkable what the team have done so far.
“There are times when we have only had 13 players out there training — that’s just super, super low.
“So I’m expecting when the players who are not fit return we’re going to be better.”
Arsenal player ratings vs Man City
ARSENAL stunned Man City 5-1 at the Emirates on Sunday evening.
It was an incredible result against their rivals of recent years.
Here, we take a look at how the Gunners rated…
David Raya – 7/10 Had very little to do in the first half but made a brilliant save in the 22nd minute to deny a goalbound header from Josko Gvardiol. Made another stunning save two minutes from the half-time interval, stopping a deflected Savinho shot from close range. Powerless to stop Erling Haaland’s 55th-minute header from briefly levelling the scores.
Jurrien Timber – 6 Didn’t offer his usual attacking threat going forward but was solid defensively. Picked up a pointless yellow breaking up a harmless counter-attack in the 24th minute. Almost scored late in the second half.
William Saliba – 5 Didn’t have much to do in the first half but won all his aerial battles in the first 45 minutes. Marshalled the defence well early in the second period but was embarrassingly outjumped and outmuscled by Haaland for City’s equaliser – a major flaw of his that continues to be exposed.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 6 Like his defensive partner, he was seldom called into action in the first half. Dominant in the air in his battles with Haaland, who he trolled after Odegaard’s goal.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 8 Continues to endear himself to the Emirates faithful with composure and tenacity beyond his years as he brilliantly floated between left back and midfield. Put real daylight between the two sides with a thumping finish just after the hour mark. This young lad is a real bright prospect for both the Gunners and England. His trolling of Haaland by copying the Norwegian’s ‘Lotus’ celebration went down a storm with fans.
Thomas Partey – 7 Steady in the heart of midfield and broke up play well when required. Fired the Gunners back into the lead in the 57th minute with a deflected shot from outside the box.
Martin Odegaard – 7 Was in the right place at the right time to benefit from the aftermath of an uncharacteristic Manuel Akanji error and break the deadlock. Was at the heart of everything good the north Londoners did going forward.
Declan Rice – 6 Combative, as always, in the middle of the park and played a role in the home side taking the lead, teeing up Havertz who squared the ball to Odegaard.
Leandro Trossard – 6 Was particularly lively on the left in the first half, giving Matheus Nunes a real run for his money. His end product, however, wasn’t the best.
Gabriel Martinelli – 6 Lively on the right wing in the early goings. Found the back of the net in the fifth minute after some beautiful play from Odegaard but was needlessly offside. Forced a good save out of Ortega with a rasping effort in the 68th minute.
Kai Havertz – 6 Lively early doors, testing Stefan Ortega with a tame shot in the first minute. Teed up Odegaard for a tap in a few moments later. Missed a golden opportunity to double the lead in the 25th minute, dragging the ball wide with the goal at his absolute mercy. Made amends for his howler by finishing an even harder chance in the 76th minute. He well and truly needed that as he looked absolutely devoid of confidence.
SUBS
Ethan Nwaneri – 83 (on for Trossard) – 7 Put the cherry on top of the cake with an outrageous effort in second-half stoppage time.
Forward Jesus’ major knee operation will potentially keep him out for the rest of 2025, while Gunners talisman Saka is targeting a March return.
So Arteta must rely solely on Havertz to deliver the goods for the rest of the campaign.
Havertz boasts 15 goals in all competitions so far — a career best in England — and has started 29 of Arsenal’s 37 games this term.
If he got injured, it would be a hammer blow ahead of a Champions League last-16 tie next month and as they try to close the six-point gap to Arne Slot’s Reds who also have a game in hand.
Havertz scored in Sunday’s 5-1 win over Manchester City. Asked if he could start every game until May, Arteta said: “It’s possible.
“He has played a lot of football but his robustness, his availability, has been unbelievable.
“Genetically, he is a powerhouse. He’s so well-built. He’s a player that anything you ask him, he is happy to do. His body just absorbs everything.
“And when you see the professional side, how he lives his life, it is immaculate.
“When something works, don’t touch him.”
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16 hours agoLatest NewsComments Off on Tottenham agree transfer 24 hours after deadline to make wonderkid, 17, first £1m Irish star… but he can’t join yet
TOTTENHAM are set to sign Irish wonderkid Mason Melia.
A deal worth £1.6million plus add-ons has been agreed with St Patrick’s Athletic for the young striker.
Tottenham have won the race to sign Irish prodigy Mason MeliaSportsfile
Though due to Brexit rules, the 17-year-old cannot join the club until the first window after his 18th birthday.
It means he will officially join Spurs on January 1, 2026.
Melia is regarded as one of the most exciting youngsters to come out of Ireland for some time.
16 hours agoLatest NewsComments Off on Meghan Markle posts new vid opening T-shirts donated from Billie Eilish for mum whose home devastated in LA wildfires
MEGHAN Markle has posted a new video opening T-shirts donated from Billie Eilish for a family whose home was devastated in the LA wildfires.
The blazeshave killed 25, destroyed 12,000 buildings and other structures and burned through more than 60 square miles of land.
Meghan revealed the surprise opening on InstagramInstagramInstagramMeghan was excited to share the news[/caption]
InstagramThe Duchess showing off merchandise[/caption]
In the post on Instagram, Meghan spoke about getting in touch with a mum and daughter who were affected by the raging LA wildfires.
The Duchess of Sussex sadly revealed that the daughter was badly missing a prized Billie Eilish t-shirt after it was reduced to ash in the tragedy.
But Meghan revealed she had managed to secure merchandise signed by the pop star for the youngster.
Meghan, who was visibly excited, showed off the goods including a pile of t-shirts and clothing.
She also held up what she described as a “lunch-box” thing and jokingly quipped she “felt really old”.
The Duchess thanked everyone who “showed up in big and small ways” and helped victims of the California wildfires.
She added: “Huge thank you Billie Eilish, this is going to mean so much to her.
“Honestly to Adam Levine and Bahati, you guys helped get this over the line.”
The caption read: “Let’s keep supporting those affected by the California wildfires.
“Thanks to everyone who made this possible but most importantly, thank you to our first responders who are the community’s real heroes.
“As ever, Meghan.”
The Los Angeles wildfires that occurred in January 2025 are predicted to have cost in excess of$135bn (£109.7bn).
