ACTRESS Lynne Marie Stewart, famous for her role in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, has died aged 78.
The heartbreaking news was confirmed by her fellow Hollywood friend Cassandra Peterson.
More to follow… For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos.
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MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry have “opposite goals” in their post-royal life, according to a royal expert.
The Duchess of Sussex, 43, is about to launch her lifestyle brand, As Ever, alongside her Netflix cooking show, and is focusing on an influencer-style approach to her fans.
However, Editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine Ingrid Seward told Fabulous that Prince Harry is struggling to find his place after stepping down from royal duties in 2020.
She claimed: “I am not sure that Harry knows what his goals are any more.
“As a couple they talk a lot about sustainability and the natural world and then Meghan takes private jets everywhere.”
Ingrid claimed Harry is “more conscience” of what he does and any criticism he gets – but he just wants to focus on charity work.
She continued: “Harry also has his late mother’s ability to engage with the disadvantaged and has always been brilliant with children.
“When his energies used to these ends, he is without fault.
“If Harry wants to finish what his late mother started, (as he once said) he is heading in the right direction.
“Harry likes having Meghan at his side, but she stifles him. Harry needs to have the guts to risk her displeasure and continue to go it alone.”
Royal author Tom Quinn echoed this and claimed Prince Harry is reportedly “bored” in LA as he “doesn’t have anything to do”.
Harry and Meghan now live in a £12million mansion in the A-list enclave Montecito, with Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three.
Tom – author of the new book Yes Ma’Am, The Secret Life of Royal Servants – claims that former friends in the UK have told him that Harry, who spent many years of his life living at Kensington Palace, “is not finding life in LA all he hoped it would be.”
He shared: “He just doesn’t have anything to do: from childhood he has been trained to be a royal, attending charitable events and meeting the public and he has thrown all that away.
“Friends say he’s made a decent stab at helping around the Montecito mansion, walking the dog and looking after the children.
“But the truth is he is bored.
“He can’t leave the mansion without a security detail and the couple’s neighbours – many of whom are far more famous than the royal couple – take little notice when they spot Harry out and about.”
Speaking of Meghan’s new lifestyle brand, As Ever, Ingrid said that Prince William and Princess Kate are “keeping well out of the way.”
She continued: “As far as they are concerned anything is better than her penning what would no doubt be a scathing autobiography.”
Harry likes having Meghan at his side, but she stifles him. Harry needs to have the guts to risk her displeasure and continue to go it alone
Ingrid Seward
The new As Ever website features a photo of Harry and Meg’s rarely seen daughter Lilibet, three.
However, it has already come under fire after fans spotted similarities between her logo and the Coat of Arms of Porreres in Majorca.
The royal editor said that the logo may be the least of Meghan’s worries, with her products being more questionable.
Meghan promised she would still be selling jams, saying “my jam is my jam”, and it thought that other household items could follow.
Ingrid added: “I can’t see the brand being a sellout.
“If she was flogging her own clothing designs it would be, but most people have little need for more tablecloths and napkins. “
Meghan’s lifestyle brand had originally been called American Riviera Orchard, a nickname for where she grew up in Santa Barbara.
However, this was re-branded after Meghan was instructed by officials she can’t have exclusive rights to ‘American Riviera’ because it is a commonly used place name to describe the California coast.
Meghan did not mention such matters in her video, however, instead said the name “limited” her to selling items manufactured only from the area.
Ingrid shared how the name change may not affect sales, saying: “Having to change the name and logo just generates more publicity for Meghan and her brand.
“I don’t think the name matters to anyone except her and Netflix.”
This comes ahead of With Love, Meghan debuting on Netflix on March 4, after being delayed following the LA fires.
There will be eight 33 minute episodes featuring a host of Meg’s various Hollywood friends trying her simple, yet “elevated” food.
MEGHAN Markle's new Netflix documentary trailer shows her cooking with Hollywood pals.
The Duchess of Sussex gave fans an insight into her show, With Love, Meghan, which airs soon.
There will be eight 33 minute episodes featuring a host of Meg’s various Hollywood friends trying her simple, yet “elevated”, food.
A montage of various clips in the nearly two-minute video showed Meghan walking through vegetable patches and fields.
She was also filmed browsing florists, hand-selecting beautiful flowers for table arrangements, showing off her creative side.
The Duchess even tried her hand at beekeeping, fully suited up, as she collected honey.
In the exciting new trailer, Meghan shared: “I’ve always loved taking something pretty ordinary and elevating it.
“Surprising people with moments that let them know I was really thinking of them.
“I’m going to share some little tips and tricks. I see what colour I gravitate to, and everything goes from there. And how you incorporate these practices every day.
“This is about connecting with friends… I love that we’re doing this together for the first time. Making new friends… and just learning.
“We’re not in the pursuit of perfection. We’re in the pursuit of joy. I have to get it totally wrong, to get it totally right.”
The trailer showcased many “candid” moments, from Meghan accidentally squeezing some lemon juice in her eye, to knocking freshly baked goodies off a plate.
Prince Harry featured at the end of the video, embracing his wife in a warm hug.
IT MAY seem a long way off but it won’t be long before we’ll be sitting outside enjoying the spring weather.
However, there is nothing more disappointing than going to use your garden furniture to find that it’s covered in mould.
So if you have left your sunloungers to fester over the winter months, Lena Gierasinska has shared her expert tips with Barker and Stonehouse on furniture care and maintenance.
Lena says: “Garden furniture is constantly exposed to the elements, which can cause significant wear and tear if not properly maintained.
“Rain, wind, sun, and temperature fluctuations all take their toll on materials, leading to deterioration over time.
“Wooden furniture is particularly susceptible to moisture, which can cause rot, warping, or splitting, while metal pieces are at risk of rust and corrosion if they aren’t protected.
“Even synthetic materials like plastic or rattan can fade, crack, or become brittle when exposed to prolonged sunlight.”
Here Lena shares four jobs to get your furniture in top condition before Spring arrives.
Early spring is the perfect time to give your garden furniture a thorough clean, before the weather truly warms up and you start using it daily.
A deep clean with soapy water or specialist cleaner takes just an hour or two but will prevent mould, mildew, and dirt build-up, keeping your furniture looking its best all season.
For wooden furniture, use warm soapy water and a soft brush to lift dirt, then rinse thoroughly and let it dry completely. Metal furniture benefits from a wipe down with a damp cloth and rust treatment for any problem spots.
Rattan and plastic can be washed with a mild detergent and a hose, just avoid pressure washers, as they can weaken the material over time.
To keep your wooden garden furniture in top condition, regular care is essential and the best approach depends on the type of wood. Materials like polywood are the easiest to maintain, simply clean it with warm, soapy water as needed.
Teak should be washed occasionally with water and a soft brush to remove dirt, using a suitable teak cleaner once or twice a year and you should avoid power washers, as they can cause damage.
Acacia benefits from an annual light sanding and reapplication of a PU coating.
If your wooden furniture needs a refresh, aim to sand and re-coat it in March or April, when temperatures are consistently above 10°C but before the heat of summer.
Regularly tighten screws, and when not in use, protect the furniture with a weatherproof cover, ensuring it is clean, dry, and well-ventilated before covering. You must avoid storing acacia in artificially heated spaces, as temperature fluctuations can cause cracking and if left uncovered in extreme weather, it may fade over time.
For all wooden furniture, make sure to purchase protective mats for drinks or objects before the spring and summer months, which will help to prevent stains and damage.
Spring is the ideal time to check for loose screws, rust, or weather damage on metal and rattan furniture.
A quick maintenance check, taking no more than 30 minutes, can prevent minor issues from becoming costly repairs later in the season.
Gardening experts over at Toolstation have revealed the garden laws you need to be aware of not breaking.
While some of these laws could land you with a fine of up to £20,000 in extreme cases, a friendly chat with your neighbours can usually resolve any issues.
Tree removal and pruning: If you have a tree in your garden you want to get rid of you better think twice and do your research.
The gardening experts reveal: “If one neighbour wishes to remove or heavily prune a tree that the other neighbour values, disputes can arise over the impact on the view, shade, or privacy. “
While it might cause a row, if it is in your property boundary it is ultimately your choice, unless it has a Tree Protection Order on it.
“But, some trees may be protected by a Tree Protection Order which makes it an offence to uproot, top or destroy them, the experts warn.
The maximum fine for breaking this law is £20,000, so make sure you double check if it does have a TPO.
You can find out by contacting your local council for a map that shows this information. Alternatively, you can ask to speak with your local tree officer.
Property boundaries and fences: One of the main causes of neighbours falling out is through arguing over property boundaries and fencing.
To avoid this situation, the gardening pros recommend checking the deeds of your property to determine the correct boundaries
“Most of the time, it’s easy to determine who owns the fence as the fence posts will usually be on the owners side,” they add.
“Additionally, the height of fences or hedges can cause disputes between neighbours if one party feels the height has exceeded the two metre guidance.
“Hedges and fences should be no more than two metres high, and you could be asked by the council to take them down if a neighbour complains about the height.
“Luckily, standard fence sizes are less than two metres tall so you shouldn’t have a problem.”
Garden structures and additions: A pergola is the perfect addition to a garden if you want somewhere to relax in the shade.
But if it obstructs your neighbour’s view or violates local building regulations it could cause a dispute, as can sheds and other garden structures.
“If you’re not sure, have a chat with your neighbours to let them know what you’re planning and, if there’s an issue, get in touch with your local council who can give you more guidance,” advise the gardening experts.
Overhanging branches and plants: “When branches, vines, or roots from one neighbour’s tree or plant extend into the neighbouring property, it can lead to disagreements over potential damage to structures, blocked views, or the burden of maintenance,” reveal the pros.
However, it’s important to note you can only trim overhanging branches up to the boundary of your property otherwise, it could be seen as trespassing.
You can climb into the tree to carry out the work if needed, but only on your property and make sure to stay on your side of the fence if you don’t have permission to enter your neighbours garden.
Tighten any loose screws and bolts to keep your furniture sturdy. For metal pieces, inspect for rust and treat it with a rust remover before applying a protective sealant.
Rattan furniture can sometimes unravel so use a strong adhesive to reattach any loose strands. Dealing with these small issues early means your furniture will be safe and comfortable when the warm weather arrives.
Investing in good-quality covers or storage solutions in early spring can save you time and money in the long run.
It only takes a few minutes to cover furniture when not in use, protecting it from April showers and extending its lifespan.
Choose breathable, waterproof covers that fit snugly but allow airflow to prevent condensation. If you have the space, storing cushions indoors or in a weatherproof storage box will keep them fresh and mould-free.
PROPPED up on the sofa in a nightie, Ivy Davies appeared to be watching the TV when she was found by her daughter.
The mum-of-seven had been battered to death with a steel tool and had one side of her body “ripped apart”.
Ivy’s horrific killing became known as the “Orange Tree Murder” after the cafe she owned by the same name in Westcliff, Essex.
Despite three potential suspects being identified – including “Devil’s Disciple” Patrick Mackay – her death remains a mystery.
Now, on the 50th anniversary of her killing, we revisit a chilling murder that horrified the nation.
Ivy, 48, was a well-known figure in the local community due to her popular cafe.
On February 4, 1975, fears were immediately raised when the mum failed to show up for work.
Daughter Madeline went round to her home nearby and discovered Ivy had been beaten to death.
She had multiple wounds to her head as well as a ligature mark around her neck.
Ivy’s skull had also been shattered by a steel pry bar, which was found close to her body.
Police immediately launched a murder probe and took more than 900 statements as they hunted for the killer.
Officers believed they had a breakthrough when an arrest was made following the discovery of a bloodstained carpet.
The rug had been stored in a neighbour’s loft since Ivy’s murder and led police to arrest their first suspect.
But fluids found on the carpet did not match anyone in the police database so the case went cold.
Then in 2004, a mystery caller phoned Crimestoppers claiming to have information on the murder.
Police said the person had more details about Ivy’s details than had previously been released but they never came forward again.
The cold case became even more disturbing in 2017 when officers investigated claims Ivy had met an escapee from a mental hospital when he visited her cafe before the murder.
He had allegedly posed as a charming doctor escorting a group of patients who had also absconded from Runwell.
But again, no further information was found and the claims became just another theory over the killing.
Ivy’s death has also long been linked to serial killer Mackay, who carried out a bloody rampage across London and Kent in 1975.
The monster hacked up the body of a priest in a bathtub and slaughtered two other victims.
But Mackay, who was previously the UK’s longest serving prisoner, confessed to four other murders while rotting in jail before retracting his statements.
The killer admitted he knew Ivy’s cafe and had considered robbing it – leading some to suspect he had murdered the mum in a burglary gone wrong.
But Mackay has never been arrested or charged over the horrific case.
One person who believes Mackay is behind Ivy’s death though is her son, Victor.
By Holly Christodoulou, Digital Court Editor
DEPRAVED Patrick Mackay, 67, at one stage was the UK’s longest serving prisoner after being convicted of a gruesome killing spree across London and Kent in 1975.
The “psycho” hacked-up the body of a priest in a bathtub and is said to have slaughtered a widow and her four-year-old grandson.
Despite his grisly crimes, Mackay – dubbed the “most dangerous man in Britain” – became a forgotten serial killer.
The monster was convicted of three killings at trial but is suspected of a further eight. His first victim was widow Isabella Griffiths, 87, who was strangled and stabbed at her home in Chelsea.
He then strangled Adele Price, 89, in Kensington before upping his grisly killing technique.
The brute butchered Father Anthony Crean, 63, using his fists, a knife and an axe, before leaving his mutilated body in a bath full of bloody water.
He was charged with five counts of murder but was convicted of three counts of manslaughter due to diminished responsibility.
The other two cases were allowed to lie on file – meaning prosecutors believed they had enough evidence but a trial was felt not to be in the public interest.
Among those suspected of being Mackay’s other victims are popular cafe owner Ivy.
The killer also allegedly confessed to four other murders while rotting in jail – including Stephanie Britton and her four-year-old grandson Christopher Martin in 1974.
Another chilling confession was to the murder of au pair Heidi Mnilk, 18, who was knifed in the neck on a train between London Bridge and New Cross before being hurled on to tracks.
Mackay became known as the Monster of Belgravia, the Devil’s Disciple and The Psychopath when he was finally brought to justice.
Speaking previously, he said: “The way she was killed was his MO (modus operandi).
“She was ripped apart on one side of the body. Whoever did it had undressed my mother, put her in a nightdress and put her on her bad side, then turned the TV on.
“It’s never going to go away.
“It makes me wonder if anybody is ever convicted whether it will make any difference.”
Essex Police have issued a fresh plea for information and confirmed the case remains open.
A spokesperson told The Sun Online: “Ivy Davies was found murdered in her home in Holland Road, Westcliff, on February 4, 1975.
“Her brutal and tragic murder remains unsolved but no case is ever closed. We periodically review these cases and continue to seek opportunities as DNA technology continues to advance.
“We would urge anyone who may have information about Ivy’s murder to do the right thing and come forward.
“Over time loyalties change, but what has not changed is the pain Ivy’s family endure by knowing that her killer has not yet faced justice.”
Anyone with information can call police on 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
KAYLA SIMMONS narrowly avoided a wardrobe malfunction in a tiny swimsuit.
The stunning blonde is often hailed as the “world’s sexiest volleyball star”.
Kayla, 29, shared a short video of herself on Instagram wearing a white swimsuit.
The tiny costume barely covered her up as she admired the view out of her window.
The model captioned the post with three dove emojis.
The clip was uploaded for her one million followers on the platform.
Fans were thrilled with the raunchy post as they flooded the comment section.
One posted: “Holy moly Jesus wept a river.”
A second commented: “Sexy beautiful Kayla.”
A third wrote: “Magnificent beauty.”
A fourth said: “Simply Beautiful!”
A fifth pined: “Perfection.”
Another added: “Always so beautiful.”
Kayla’s online presence has seen her become one of the internet’s top sports influencers.
As well as her huge Instagram account she has a further 800,000 on TikTok.
Before she took the influencer lifestyle, she attended the Marshall University in the US.
She was granted a full athletic scholarship and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism.
Now she shares her glamorous lifestyle online and recently treated her followers to a snap wearing a giraffe-print bikini.
GLADIATORS has delighted legions of fresh fans with the BBC re-boot.
Yet as well as the terrifying challenges, tough stars and nasty injuries, there have been a slew of red-faced moments from the original series, celeb spin off and new Gladiators instalments.
Here we take a look at the best funny bits.
Back in 1993, show bad-boy Wolf took on gymnast Roddy Mackay in a game of Hang Tough.
It was the semi-final stage and the rings were in store for the two challengers.
Yet after just a couple of swings, blue vest-clad Wolf reached Roddy.
He clung on to his torso and proceeded to wriggle around, pulling off his shorts in the process and exposing his pants.
Former BBC Breakfast host Louise Minchin was left red-faced when she stumbled on the iconic eliminator.
The broadcaster was in the line-up for the show’s celebrity special earlier this year, yet despite her athleticism, took a tumble during the final stages.
After being helped over the first hurdle of the eliminator by referee Mark Clattenberg, when her legs were left hanging over the bar, she then tripped on a flat strip of flooring.
Yet the telly favourite was quick to see the funny side, posting a screen grab of the moment to her page on X with the words: “Me trying to tackle 2025! I hope it goes better for you.”
Meanwhile, another red-faced moment saw the show forced to be stopped after a wardrobe malfunction.
It came as one show star lost their shoe before the Powerball challenge.
Within seconds of the first game, Powerball, referee Mark was forced to blow his whistle as Phantom found himself in an unfortunate situation.
The audience at the arena were left stunned as the commentators debated why the game had been pulled to an early stop.
However, it quickly transpired that Phantom had lost his shoe during the game.
The Gladiators final takes place on Easter Saturday at 5.30pm on BBC One.
After ten gruelling weeks facing the superhuman Gladiators, four contenders have made it through to the grand final.
The Gladiators 2024 finalists are:
Finlay Anderson – Army officer Finlay, 34, from Edinburgh has made it to the final despite being injured in the quarter-final.
Wesley Male – Even though he joined in the quarter-final stage, part-time Leeds wrestler Wesley, 35, has proved a force to be reckoned with on the Gladiators gauntlet.
Bronte Jones – This 23-year-old firefighter from Sheffield is the youngest contender in the final.
Marie-Louise Nicholson – Hailing from Dublin, Marie-Louise, 28, is a fitness coach who has scored maximum points five times on Gladiators.
Speaking to the audience, Mark said: “Because the Gladiator lost the shoe, we had to delay the match.”
CRISTIANO RONALDO exploded in a fit of rage after Jhnon Duran was sent off for Al-Nassr.
The former Aston Villa striker made the move to Saudi Arabia in a £64million January transfer.
Duran, 21, has already scored four times in three Saudi Pro League games for the club.
However his last outing was cut short as he was given his marching orders against Al-Ettifaq.
The Columbian was sent off for SLAPPING rival player Abdulelah Almalki on the back of the head.
The light slap saw the Ettifaq ace throw himself to the ground and convince the official that it was worthy of a red card.
Ronaldo, 40, was left infuriated by the moment as he was left baffled by the referee’s decision.
He could then be seen raging towards the touchline as Al-Nassr lost one of their star players.
Al-Nassr were 2-1 ahead in the 81st minute but threw away the three points as Mohammed Al-Fatil put through his own net.
To make matters worse, former Liverpool and Newcastle United midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum then netted his second of the game to win the game for Ettifaq.
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Manager Stefano Pioli admitted he was “not happy” with the red card during his post-match press conference.
He said: “We could play better, and the mistakes cost me a lot today and caused the loss.
“I repeat the same answer that I mentioned in the previous conferences, after the match, we work for two or three days for the next and most hospitalised match.
“We started well and we advanced the result, but what made the difference is the mistakes.
“Everyone is responsible for errors, I am the first responsible for correcting mistakes and we are working seriously, and I am not happy with the red card.”
Duran could now face a suspension for the upcoming games, which could further dent Al-Nassr’s title hopes.
The club are currently fourth in the Saudi Pro League after playing 21 games and eight points behind leaders Al-Ittihad.
AS arguably the greatest player of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo lives a life befitting such a superstar.
Ron loves a fast motor almost as much as scoring goals with his vast car collection including one costing £9MILLION.
Upon moving to Saudi – Ronaldo moved into a luxury skyscraper hotel before swapping it for an Arabian mansion.
As a globetrotter, Ronaldo likes to travel in style like onboard this luxury private jet.
Behind every great man is a great woman, and Ronaldo has one in partner Georgina Rodriguez.
Georgina opened up on the moment they first met when she was working as a shop girl, saying it was “love at first sight”.
Before meeting Georgina, Ronaldo dated some of the world’s hottest women including Kim Kardashian and Irina Shayk.
Now it’s all about the family, with Ronaldo’s offspring now capable of making up a five-a-side team.
Ronaldo’s very well paid on the pitch, but he makes a ton of money off it too with endorsement deals ranging from KFC to his own range of underpants.
He’s also a prolific investor and owns a string of hotels.
He’s currently building a holiday resort in the Red Sea which has been dubbed “a new paradise”.
Ronaldo gives back too – which is one of the reasons he doesn’t have any tattoos.
He’s highly dedicated, as a look inside his health and fitness regime shows.
That dedication saw him transform from a weedy teen to hulking Adonis.
Head here to read more on Cristiano Ronaldo.
A WOMAN has revealed how she became a stepmum at the young age of 18.
Jess, from the US, explained that her stepdaughter was just eight years her junior, and first met when she was 18 and her stepdaughter was 10.
Taking to social media, the young mum, now aged 35, filmed a video with her stepdaughter, now 25.
The young woman told her step mum, who married her dad, Mike, that she thought she was a b**ch when they first met.
Now, the daughter says her opinion hasn’t changed but she’s glad Jess is ‘her b**ch’.
“Oh s**t, bonus daughter has officially entered the chat,” Jess captioned the post.
In another video, Jess responded to a comment that claimed her relationship was weird for the 16-year age gap she and her husband have.
“The fact that you were 18, it’s definitely weird,” wrote the viewer in regards to Jess’s relationship.
While some have found it odd her now husband was 34 and dating an 18-year-old, Jess explained why it’s not as bad as some might think.
She said: “My family dynamic probably plays a really big role in why our relationship has just worked and it’s because when I was born, my oldest sister was 17 years old, Mike (her husband) was 16 years old, my brother was 15 years old.
“So I literally grew up and was raised in the generation of my older siblings that Mike lands right in the middle of.”
Jess also added that her parents were both older when they conceived her, so she always got on better with older people.
She also said she would never support an 18-year-old pursuing a man with such a large age gap, but that they were an ‘exception’.
Jess continued: “We are the exception to the rule.
“I wouldn’t encourage any 18-year-old girl to go out and pursue a 34-year-old single father by any means.
“I wasn’t necessarily even looking for a long-term relationship when I pursued him but he and I just worked and I think the fact that we’ve been together for almost 16 years is a testament to that.”
People were quick to comment on Jess’s TikTok videos on her account @thats_just_jess.
While many thought her age gap was odd, some said her explanation helped them understand how the couple fell in love.
One person wrote: “That most definitely sheds more light on how it wasn’t as weird to you or your families but would be to us just looking in. Thanks for the explanation.”
Another commented: “This makes so much sense honestly!! I always hung out with my grandpa and older cousins., older sister and parents…..there were no kids my age, just a couple younger BUT I always acted more mature.”
“Definitely makes sense. My brother’s 10 years older than me my partner is 8 years older. Just more comfortable,” penned a third.
Meanwhile a fourth said: “I love how you explained that. Honestly, some of us just need an older man! lol.”
“Why do you have to explain your relationship to these people. If you find love and they make you happy age doesn’t matter. You both are adults. Love you both as a couple,” claimed a fifth.
Someone else added: “Your age gap is really not that big of a deal. It’s evident it works.”
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FRANK WARREN shoved Joseph Parker in jest as the pair jokingly faced off in Saudi Arabia.
Parker, 33, was due to face Warren’s fighter Daniel Dubois in Riyadh.
But the heavyweight champion pulled out at a late hour because of sickness.
Congolese boxer Martin Bakole will take his place but was still on his way to the Saudi capital when it was time for the pre-fight face-off.
So Warren, 72, stepped up in his place and stared down Parker with a smirk on his face.
The promoter then gave the kiwi a little shove as the pair broke out in laughter.
Warren admitted he was surprised by Parker’s request to fight 19-1 Bakole after Dubois’ withdrawal.
He said: “We had a list of fighters we talked about and this was the one he asked for – which I was a bit surprised about,” Warren told Sky Sports.
“I stood back and said ‘hang on a minute’. I want to see this guy do it now.
“How many people in boxing have seen much of Bakole? Let’s see what he’s about now.
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“The monster, the so-called avoided fighter… well he’s not being avoided by Joseph Parker.”
Dubois was deemed medically unfit to compete by doctors and so fast-rising star Bakole will take his place.
The 31-year-old took the call from his native Congo and agreed to step in for Dubois on just two days notice.
The Scottish-based heavyweight was back in his homeland on holiday before flying out to Riyadh.
GERWYN PRICE reckons he and Nathan Aspinall have silenced the doubters who questioned their involvement in the Premier League.
The top four on the PDC world ranking automatically qualify for the 17-week event but the other four names are chosen on a wildcard basis by bosses.
Tungsten throwers with an X Factor – as well as a crowd-pleasing walk-on music – get the slots ahead of those who are higher on the Order of Merit.
Belgian Mike De Decker, the World Grand Prix champion, was unhappy he was overlooked.
And world No.7 Dave Chisnall says spots should be awarded on merit and performance – “not on a song and a dance”.
Price, 39, beat Aspinall in Thursday’s week three final in Dublin and he said: “There were a lot of doubters before the Premier League, saying that us two didn’t deserve a place in it.
“Both of us getting to the final, well it has proven a point. On our day we are two of the best players in the world.
“And we can entertain. I’m glad I got to the final. We are probably proving people wrong.
“Nathan is probably not bothered about it all – and neither am I.
“As long as we keep playing well, keep getting to finals and keep playing in the Premier League, that’s all we want.
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“We do deliver. You know, we weren’t as consistent as we wanted to be last year or maybe over the last 12-18 months.
“But when push comes to shove, we will deliver, and we will put bums on seats and we will entertain. We want to do that every week. Week-in, week-out.
“Can Damon Heta, Mike De Decker and Dave Chisnall do that? Maybe. But they need to prove it a little bit more.”
The Premier League rocks up in Exeter next week – the smallest venue on the circuit – and then stars go to Butlin’s Minehead resort for the three-day UK Open.
Night 1 – Belfast: Humphries beat Dobey 6-1
Night 2 – Glasgow: Littler beat Humphries 6-5
Night 3 – Dublin: Price beat Aspinall 6-3
Night 4 – Westpoint Exeter – Thursday February 27
Night 5 – The Brighton Centre – Thursday March 6
Night 6 – Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham – Thursday March 13
Night 7 – Utilita Arena, Cardiff – Thursday March 20
Night 8 – Utilita Arena, Newcastle – Thursday March 27
Night 9 – Uber Arena, Berlin – Thursday April 3
Night 10 – AO Arena, Manchester – Thursday April 10
Night 11 – Rotterdam Ahoy, Rotterdam – Thursday April 17
Night 12 – M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool – Thursday April 24
Night 13 – Utilita Arena, Birmingham, Thursday May 1
Night 14 – First Direct Arena, Leeds – Thursday May 8
Night 15 – P&J Live, Aberdeen – Thursday May 15
Night 16 – Utilita Arena, Sheffield – Thursday May 22
Play-Offs – The O2, London – Thursday May 29