For 22 years, LeBron James has built arguably the most complete career in the history of the National Basketball Association. 10 NBA Finals appearances, four NBA Titles, four regular season MVP Awards, more points than anyone in the history of the league, and too many records to list in what intends to be a 400-500 […]
The post LeBron James gets brutally honest on any Slam Dunk Contest ‘regrets’ appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Milwaukee Bucks’ superstar Damian Lillard has been in the spotlight since his entry to the league and has quickly built a reputation as one of the most clutch players in the game today. He’s also one of four active NBA players with a lifetime contract under a sneaker brand in Adidas. Over NBA All-Star Weekend, […]
The post Damian Lillard, Adidas officially unveil the Adidas Dame X appeared first on ClutchPoints.
A CENTER Parcs holiday is a bucket list break for most British families, thanks to its secluded lodges, wide-ranging activities, onsite restaurants and subtropical waterparks.
While it’s the ideal spot for a half-term break, the price of a family holiday can triple in the school holidays leaving some Brits priced out.
However, there is another way to experience the popular family resort without paying inflated prices or being fined for removing children from school during term-time.
A seven-night stay during the February half term at Center Parcs Whinfell Forest in Cumbria cost a staggering £2,578 for a basic lodge for my family of four.
The same trip at Center Parcs Les Villages Nature near Paris costs £1,237, working out at £1,341 cheaper.
A European trip to Center Parcs is still cheaper even when the cost of flights is factored into the equation.
For example, direct flights from Edinburgh (where I live) to Paris came in at £216 for my family of four.
It means by choosing Center Parcs Les Villages Nature, we would save £1,125.
My family visited Les Villages Nature last year, and it has all the trappings of a traditional Center Parcs break, including the much-loved subtropical water park, countless activities, soft play and play parks.
This resort is also one of the newer parks and we found it bigger and better than its UK counterpart.
Compared to Whinfell Forest, there were more water slides and activities, such as the poolside climbing wall.
And on our last trip, our booking came with a couple of free activity passes, which our daughter used on a pony ride and a chocolate-making class – both of which would have cost an extra €20 (£16.63) each.
We found the food options to be much better in Paris too.
There is something quite magical about going for a morning walk and grabbing some fresh bread and pastries in France.
As well as the amazing bakeries, there was also a pizzeria and grocery store that had lots of fresh cheese and hot food selections.
Everything was just fresher and tastier and all quite affordable.
Center Parcs escapes are known for their seclusion, with most holidaymakers at UK resorts opting to stay within the resort for their whole stay.
We felt Les Villages Nature gave families more options.
For instance, on our week-long trip, we visited Disneyland Paris, which was a short 20-minute drive away, and Park Asterix – around 40 minutes away.
With 26 Center Parcs locations in Europe, you’ll be spoilt for choice on where to go, and most of them will offer more affordable trips than the UK versions.
Some of the other bargain breaks we found during half term were Center Parcs Park Nordseeküste in Butjadingen, Germany, which cost only £515 for the same week in February.
There’s also Center Parcs Port Zélande in Ouddorp in the Netherlands which only costs £779.
Of course families do have to factor in the cost of travelling to Europe.
But even when flights are factored in, breaks were still cheaper, so it seems like a no-brainer to jump on a plane.
Mum Catherine Lofthouse visited a Netherlands Center Parcs to save money.
We paid just £680 for a week’s stay, for five of us in a lodge.
We booked in the summer for an Easter break with our lodge five minutes from both the beach and the pool and two minutes from the soft play.
The extra activities seemed cheaper than you would pay in the UK.
We even opted for a couple of free activities, including a beach litter pick, which was a fun way to spend an hour looking after the environment, and toasting marshmallows over a fire pit.
Another trick to make your holiday money go further is to keep an eye on the Too Good To Go app, which offers reduced price food that’s coming to the end of its sell-by date.
The Center Parcs supermarket was offering a bag of food most days for just €4.99 (£4) with a BBQ meat pack, veggie mince, squash, biscuits and snacks.
And here are the UK holiday parks ‘like Center Parcs without the crowds’.
Travel writer Catherine Lofthouse has tried several Center Parcs-alternative holiday parks in the UK, here’s what she thought.
WRESTLING legend The Great Muta has given his brutal opinion on British cuisine.
The WWE Hall of Famer paid a visit to Old Trafford Wetherspoon’s in Manchester over the weekend.
Muta, 62, flew to the North West to attend a fan convention at the BEC Arena.
He met supporters and gave a talk at For the Love of Wrestling – but was less than taken with his food options.
Muta – real name Keiji Muto – popped into the Bishop Blaize by Manchester United‘s Old Trafford stadium.
He was joined by fellow wrestlers including Mark Henry and Debra McMichael.
But after ordering some ramen noodles, the Japanese legend was far from impressed.
Uploading a picture of his dish and a disgusted face to X, Muta spluttered: “As for ramen…what the heck is this?!”
The wrestler also tackled a chicken katsu curry, which he declared was simply: “Okay.”
Despite his disastrous dinner, the wrestler wasn’t put off entirely and returned to the same pub later in the weekend.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
This time he played things a little safer – ordering a steak and chips.
One of the first wrestlers out of Japan, Muta is considered among the greatest and most influential of all time.
He spent 39 years in the ring and was a nine-time world champion.
In total, he held 32 championships and also went by the names The Black Ninja, Kokushi and Bach Mutoh.
Despite never appearing in the WWE, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame following his retirement in 2023.
A NEW Channel 5 series is set to follow the police as they investigate the brutal murder of Jonathan Hutty.
Murder Suspect No. 1 will provide viewers with a behind-the-scenes look as detectives take on the case and attempt to catch the killer.
In February 2024, Jonathan Hutty, 49, was found with serious injuries in his flat in Padstow House, Hull.
He was immediately transported to the hospital, however, Mr Hutty never regained consciousness.
He was left in a ‘’deep coma’’ after suffering serious face and head injuries.
Following the attack, three suspects were initially arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, however, on March 11 – 16 days after the incident took place – Mr Hutty died in hospital as a result of his injuries.
According to a statement shared by Humberside Police: “The post-mortem examination concluded the cause of death was a severe head injury, likely as a result of an assault.”
Following Mr Hutty’s death, a murder investigation was launched.
This included conducting house-to-house enquiries, reviewing CCTV footage, extensive analysis of phone data, and forensic examinations.
Detective Chief Inspector Ben Robinson, who led the investigation, said at the time: “I understand an incident of this nature is likely to cause concern within the local community, however, I’d like to reassure people that we do believe this to be an isolated incident between individuals known to each other.”
“Since we received the report, I have had a dedicated team of detectives conducting extensive lines of enquiries, including house to house and reviewing CCTV footage in and around the area.”
After reviewing hours of CCTV footage in and around the area, three suspects were captured inside Padstow House and later seen entering a lift to travel to Mr Hutty’s flat.
Discussing the findings, Detective Chief Inspector Ben Robinson said: “All three men later left the flat, making no attempt to help Jonathan and leaving him for dead, before a friend later found him on the floor with a serious head injury and alerted emergency services.”
‘’Whilst Jonathan was receiving treatment in hospital, officers attended the property and conducted extensive enquiries where it was established that Jonathan had been kicked, stamped and punched.’’
The detective added: “All three were subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder.”
Investigating officers also seized clothing worn by the suspects on the night of the attack.
The post-mortem examination concluded the cause of death was a severe head injury, likely as a result of an assault
Humberside Police
Following forensic and DNA testing, blood which was confirmed to be that of Mr Hutty was identified on the footwear of two suspects – Ian Smalley and Gavin Leaning.
Forensic testing also found blood on Smalley’s jeans.
Text messages sent by Smalley were also recovered, in which he admitted he had killed Mr Hutty.
Detectives also discovered that prior to the incident, Smalley had visited his bank to report that his bank card was missing, which he had wrongly accused Mr Hutty of stealing.
Detective Chief Inspector Ben Robinson explained: ‘’Due to the accusation over a missing bank card, Smalley and Leaning went to Jonathan’s flat with one intention – to cause him serious harm.
“Jonathan was killed by people he knew and trusted and regarded as his friends, having done nothing to warrant the brutal attack inflicted upon him.”
Three individuals, including Smalley and Leaning, were charged with murder.
Following a four-week trial at Hull Crown Court, in December 2024, Gavin Leaning, 52, of Padstow House was found guilty of manslaughter.
He was jailed for 13 years.
Ian Smalley, 54, of Hutt Street, pleaded guilty to murder; he originally denied the charge but later asked to change his plea.
He was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 17-and-a-half years.
A third individual was acquitted after the jury found him not guilty of murder or manslaughter.
After the sentencing, a statement shared by Humberside Police read: “This has been a long and complex investigation, with hours of CCTV footage being trawled in the initial weeks to establish the events leading to Jonathan’s death.
‘’Once our suspects were identified; we then had the task of carrying out various forensic and mobile phone data analysis to build a strong evidential case against them.
“Whilst we welcome the outcome, we recognise nothing can reverse the horrendous actions committed by Smalley and Leaning or take away the heartache and pain Jonathan’s family have to live with for the rest of their lives.
“Finally, I’d like to commend my dedicated team of investigating officers within our Major Crime Team who have worked relentlessly to bring these violent men to justice.
“We will always do everything we can to seek justice for those who come to harm at the hands of others, and to ensure those who commit the crime are held to account for their actions.’’
Murder Suspect No. 1 will air at 9pm on Channel 5 on Monday, February 17, 2025.
A second instalment will follow at the same time on Tuesday, February 18.
Previous episodes are available to watch on My5.
EMMERDALE star Jeff Hordley opened up about his life-changing health transformation after decades of struggles.
Famed for his role as the Dales bad boy Cain Dingle, actor Jeff Hordley has bravely opened up about how he completely turned his life around after battling ongoing health issues for years.
The ITV soap star, 54, shared the personal journey that helped him regain control and transform his health.
Jeff has a chronic health condition that he has been battling since his 20s, Crohn’s disease.
He has revealed how he has stayed healthy without medication, after he discussed his health during an appearance on the Another Day Another Collar podcast.
Host Steve Mann asked him about his ambassadorship for Crohn’s disease.
Jeff said: “Crohn’s; no, I’m not anymore, but I was for years because I’ve had Crohn’s since I was 24, 25, and I’ve now managed to keep it under wraps because of diet.
“We eat very much seasonally; we eat from our allotment, from definitely June through to now.
“So that’s how I’ve managed to do it and exercise and things like that. I’ve managed to avoid any medication, which not every Crohn’s sufferer manages to do, but that’s the way I’ve managed it.”
Jeff revealed that many people are often in search of “quick fixes” rather than adopting a more holistic approach to their well-being.
He explained that instead of focusing on their rest, exercise, and the food they consume, many people today turn to pills, calling it the “modern way” of dealing with health issues.
The NHS has identified Crohn’s disease as one of the two primary forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the other being ulcerative colitis.
These conditions affect over half a million individuals in the UK.
Jeff was diagnosed with Crohn’s after he sadly lost his mother, who also had the condition.
He went on to be an advocate who campaigned to raise awareness.
The Emmerdale legend also recently admitted that he’s “worried all the time” whenever there is a huge stunt on the soap.
CROHN's disease is a lifelong condition where parts of the digestive system become inflamed.
It is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which, along with ulcerative colitis, affects almost half a million people in the UK.
Symptoms usually start in childhood, but the disease affects people of all ages. These include:
There is no cure, but treatment can help reduce or control symptoms.
Some people take medication to lessen inflammation in the digestive system, while others might have surgery to remove a small area.
The exact cause is unknown, but genes, problems with your immune system, smoking, stomach bugs and gut bacteria imbalances are believed to play a part.
Source: NHS
Jeff addressed fears of his character being killed off in the limo crash.
He told Metro: “When you hear that they’re doing stunts you instantly think, ‘Somebody’s going to die, somebody’s going to cop it here.’
“Or people being hospitalised, that’s the kind of thing that happens when you do sequences like this.”
Asked if the crash’s implications worried him, Jeff replied: “I’m worried all the time! Not all the time, that’s a little bit over the top.
“Every time there’s news of this it can unsettle us as a cast because we know the shelf life of characters is not forever in soaps and it’s down to the producers or the writers to steer the ship and take us in the direction they want to take us.”
Harrowing scenes that aired on Friday saw two groups set off on separate journeys across two limos.
Tensions were running high – with Caleb’s anger towards brother Cain at boiling point.
A devastating turn of events saw Caleb forced to swerve violently to avoid an oncoming truck.
Meanwhile, Charity’s limo veered dangerously after she caught sight of Noah stumbling into the road.
Chaotic moments saw passengers thrown around, glass shattering and residents crying in distress.
One of the limousines ultimately ended up being stranded on a frozen lake.
The occupants woke up to the terrifying realisation that they are balancing on dangerously thin ice.
Monday’s episode will see one villager die and THREE lives left hanging in the balance.
One villager will be pronounced dead, leaving the group devastated.
But with the limo sinking further into the icy lake, there is no time to grieve.
As they try to escape one by one, one villager plunges through the ice and into the freezing water.
Struggling to break through the ice, they fight for air – only to be met with a chilling sight beneath the surface… a dead body.
And with people still trapped in the sinking limo, who will make it out alive?
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 or stream from 7am on ITVX.
CHILDREN aren’t getting enough play time outdoors, quality family time, and healthy snacks, according to their parents.
Apparently, kids aged three to 10 are missing out on a few crucial things, with time in nature being the main component.
According to a new poll which surveyed 1000 parents, 29% said their children need more time in nature, 25% said more fruit and veg is needed, 27% said more focus is needed on chores and 18% said one-to-one attention was key.
As many as seven in 10 claim they struggle to make sure their child is getting the right amount of everything they need on a weekly basis – due to busy schedules and children’s fussiness.
The study, carried out by kids’ fruit smoothie brand, GoGo squeeZ, also found that despite the lack of these things, 59% say quality time is a key ingredient for a fulfilled child.
This is followed by good nutrition (51%), laughter and fun (42%), and spending time outdoors (25%).
On a mission to help support parents and kids, the brand has released its new ‘squeeZ the Day’ report, which focuses on three key pillars – Good Nutrition, Quality Time, and Outdoor Adventures – highlighting the essential ingredients for nurturing children’s physical, emotional, and social wellbeing.
A spokesperson for the food company, which counts as one of your five a day, said: “We believe that nourishing kids with the right foods is key to helping them thrive.
“Finding snacks they love – and that are good for them – is a small victory, but it’s an important step in supporting their growth and development.
“By partnering with an insightful group of industry experts, we’ve created this report to offer practical advice and insights that make it easier for families to embrace healthy habits; supporting children as they grow up well and develop a strong sense of identity and confidence.”
The study went on to find parents spend an average of eight mealtimes a week with their children, and around 10 hours each week of ‘quality time’.
Despite this, the average 3-to-10-year-old spends just four hours each week playing outdoors – excluding PE lessons- with 31% of parents citing a preference for TV and video games (31%) as the reason for this.
More than four in 10 (44%) feel they give in to their child too much, with screen time, extending bedtime, and treats when out cited as the top things they are most lenient with.
It also emerged 31% often let their little one consume sugary snacks or drinks.
With 35% regularly feeling ‘parent guilt’ when it comes to making sure their son or daughter is getting the right amount of everything they need.
Working alongside GoGo squeeZ to help bring the report to life, mum of three, Billie Shepherd, said: “As a parent, it’s always a challenge to juggle everything—work, family time, and making sure my kids are eating enough fruit and veg.
“With everything going on, it’s easy to feel like I’m not doing enough – but it’s not about being perfect, it’s about making small, realistic changes that can really make a difference.
“With my husband Greg and I both working, the advice from this report has helped us find balance and feel more confident in the choices we’re making for our children’s health and happiness.”
It further emerged 22% of parents would like to reduce their child’s intake of unhealthy snacks and drinks, while 36 per cent want to see their child eat more fruit and vegetables.
In fact, seeing their offspring eat something good for them is one of life’s little wins for 91% of parents, according to the OnePoll.com data.
But when it comes to choice of kid’s nutritional snacks, 33% believe there isn’t currently enough on offer when out and about, as 57% say they find it difficult to source any.
Doctor Zoe Williams said: “Nutritious snacks are vital for children’s energy levels, focus, and overall well-being.
“Choosing snacks that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and natural ingredients can help fuel their bodies and minds throughout the day.
“It’s all about making better choices whilst recognising the demand for convenience as our lives are busier than ever.”
As well as Dr Zoe Williams, also feeding into the report is child nutritionist Lucy Upton, and child psychologist Professor Sam Wass, from The Secret Life of 4-& 5-Year Olds.
AN IRISHMAN has been arrested after trying to fly from the Costa Blanca to the UK with around €200,000 of cannabis.
The 36-year-old was held after the suitcase he had checked in for his flight from Alicante airport to Liverpool was found to contain 18 kilos of the drug.
Airport security staff alerted police that the suitcase could contain banned narcotics after passing it through an x-ray scanner.
The unnamed Irish national was held at a boarding gate after police started working on identifying and locating its owner.
He was about to board a Ryanair flight when he was pulled out of the queue and asked to open his suitcase in front of officers.
The suspect was formally arrested on suspicion of drug smuggling and drug trafficking after the vacuum-sealed bags, clumsily hidden inside among clothes, were confirmed to contain cannabis.
The Irishman was released on bail pending an ongoing criminal investigation following a first court appearance before a judge based in Elche south of Alicante.
The judge could have opted to remand him in custody but decided to grant him conditional bail instead.
The conditions are understood to include a travel ban and the obligation to sign on at court every fortnight.
It was not immediately clear today if he was travelling alone or with other people.
The man under continuing investigation declined to answer the judge’s questions and the final intended destination of the drugs found in his suitcase is not known either at this stage.
In February last year, Spanish police arrested an Irishman they accused at the time of being a “dedicated drug trafficker”.
The 36-year-old was held in the Alicante town of Rojales, in Alicante province’s Vega Baja region.
Detectives said he was part of a British-led gang that had been sending massive quantities of cannabis – amounting to hundreds of thousands of euros – to Ireland.
In June 2023, police went public with the operation to snare three Brits and a Romanian woman as they said they had smashed a gang after intercepting parcels that had been sent from the Costa Blanca and were on their way to Ireland by post.
They had launched a manhunt for the suspected ringleader of the gang – one of the men arrested – earlier in the year after he fled officers who went to tick him off for using his mobile phone in a petrol station.
The alleged drug trafficker mistakenly thought he was about to be arrested for the serious offences he ended up being held over.
It later emerged patrol cops only intended telling him not to use his phone at the filling station near Madrid.
The Brit abandoned his vehicle with 54 kilos of marijuana buds inside and vanished after fleeing on foot and jumping over several fences restricting easy access to high-speed train lines.
He was subsequently tracked down and arrested at a hideaway on the Costa Blanca two months later.
THERE’S nothing more annoying than finishing off your make-up, looking in the mirror an hour later and your lippy’s disappeared.
But there’s a new product on the market that’s got beauty fans racing to the high street – and it “lasts all day”.
It’s the Rimmel Lip Ink lip pen, which Emily tested out in a video on her TikTok page.
She began by applying the £9.99 pen – in the shade Felted Flush – like a liner, before filling in her pout slightly.
Once she was happy with the look, she applied some of Rimmel’s Butter Me Up gloss in the Bubblegum on the top.
“New Rimmel lip stain pen? I’m obsessed!” Emily wrote over the top of the video.
She added in the caption: “The way this actually lasted all day too!”
People were quick to comment on the video, especially when Emily revealed she’d managed to get her hands on one in Superdrug.
“Just ordered the lip combo!! Looks amazing on you,” one wrote.
“OBSESSED with this lip combo,” another said.
“I NEEED TO TRY,” a third raved.
“The colour omg! you look really gorgeous !!!” someone else gushed.
“You have just sold me on the lot!” another giggled.
“Omg this as a lip liner is a NEED,” someone else said.
With Emily replying: “It’s soooo good!”
“I love that lip stains are finally coming back,” another commented.
To which Emily said: “Me too! I’m obsessed with them!”
As an added bonus, the lip pens come in nine different shades – including a bright red and a dark brown.
Hayley Walker, Beauty Expert at Justmylook spoke exclusively to Fabulous about the big beauty trends for 2025.
Haircare
Hair gloss treatments are a must-have as beauty enthusiasts love the salon-quality shine and enhanced colour delivered by the trending treatment.
Hair glosses are multifunctional as they nourish the hair while offering a vibrant, healthy-looking finish, combining 2025’s core trends. This treatment is perfect for those seeking an affordable, at-home glow-up.
2025 will focus on skin repairing and texture-enhancing treatments.
Skincare
Rejuran treatment, a celebrity-endorsed procedure, will see a rise in demand this year as many seek to enhance the skin’s appearance. The procedure entails injecting polynucleotides derived from salmon DNA to enhance skin texture and elasticity. “Rejuvenation is expected to dominate 2025 skincare trends as many seek to a achieve flawless, youthful complexion.
Skincare routines will also include back-to-basic products for a simplified routine.
Ginseng cleansing oil and panthenol cream are among the trending products for 2025. The cleansing oil is excellent for dissolving makeup and impurities without clogging pores and is enriched with nourishing properties to leave the skin feeling and looking refreshed and radiant.
Makeup
Makeup trends will follow suit to achieve youthful and radiant looks. Under-eye brighteners will be sought-after products for delivering coverage while enhancing natural radiance. This beauty tool will complement natural beauty while improving and brightening dull skin.
Makeup looks will be bigger and bolder in 2025 with cluster lashes expected to surge this year. These lashes bring the glam to glamorous looks as they deliver dramatic volume to enhance everyday or special occasion looks.
Peel-off lip stains circulated the beauty industry in 2024 and are expected to dominate in 2025. The growing popularity of this product is due to its ability to provide long-lasting, transfer-proof colour to lips, enhancing a natural aesthetic. Additionally, cherry-coded aesthetics are expected to be everywhere this year as the deep, rich hue can be achieved using peel-off lip stains or bold lip looks for a dramatic effect.
Nails
2025 will be another year of countless, show-stopping nail trends. Goddess Nails and Aura Nails deserve an honourable mention as these designs channel an ethereal, celestial aesthetic for bold, self-expressing nails.
The positive reviews kept on coming on the Superdrug website too, with one writing: “Easy to put on! Can be used as a liner and then can cover the entire lip.
“Colour is nice. Slightly drying. Lasts for ages.
“Used and it took hours to have to redo! Would definitely buy other colours.”
“Absolute love this pen,” another raved.
“Stays put all day even after eating and drinking.
“Doesn’t leave a residue that dries your lips out like other brands.
“Highly recommend!”
“I’m a huge fan of lip tints, but I never find one with a thin enough applicator/never justify buying a darker shade for lining my lips but this was perfect,” someone else said.
“I apply it as a lip liner along with my usual lip product and it works brilliantly!”
