1 day agoworld NewsComments Off on Why Mavericks’ hype video is receiving immense backlash
Dallas Mavericks fans have been going through a lot since Luka Doncic was shockingly traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, and it seems like something new comes out every week that tests their patience. One of the latest things that the Mavericks did was create a hype video for the team, but in some parts […]
1 day agoworld NewsComments Off on Yankees’ Marcus Stroman gets 100% real on rotation uncertainty
After getting the Grapefruit League opener, New York Yankees pitcher Marcus Stroman is doubling down on his comments regarding the starting rotation. Despite the uncertainty around his role, Stroman has “zero” worries about how things will shake out. Stroman looked alright in Friday’s game against the Rays, allowing two singles in a 13-pitch scoreless inning. […]
1 day agoworld NewsComments Off on Ukrainian soldier sends message to Donald Trump as he vows to keep fighting after US President’s attack on Zelensky
US attacks on President Zelensky have only steeled Ukraine’s troops further — with a soldier telling The Sun: “F**k Trump, we’ll keep fighting.”
The US President was unrepentant last night as he justified freezing the Kyiv leader out of peace talks with Russia.
Donald Trump has been criticised for cutting Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky out of peace talksEPAUkrainian soldier Oleksandr Sokolenko says they will keep fighting with or without US supportThe Sun
And he tore into PM Sir Keir Starmer and French leader Emmanuel Macron, accusing both of doing nothing to stop the war.
Days before the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion, Donald Trump said of the Ukrainian president: “I don’t think he’s very important to be in meetings . . . he makes it very hard to make deals.”
The US President added: “I’ve been watching him negotiate with no cards. He has no cards and you get sick of it . . . I’ve had it.”
The stakes were raised as Ukrainian military intelligence announced Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is preparing to declare victory against Mr Zelensky and Nato on Monday.
On social media platform Telegram, the HUR foreign service said the Kremlin has instructed media outlets to push narratives that “the West has betrayed Ukraine” and “neither Moscow nor Washington are concerned by the opinion of Europeans and Ukrainians”.
Ex-intelligence chiefs in Kyiv warned the move was a “bluff” calculated to deepen the rift in relations between the US and Europe.
A former Ukrainian intelligence chief told The Sun: “Putin will declare victory, but Ukraine cannot stop fighting while our territories stay occupied.
“When we continue the war, Putin will use this as an excuse to accuse Ukraine of breaking a ‘ceasefire’ we never agreed to — and legitimise firing more drones and missiles across the border.”
Meanwhile, Washington’s Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he was “personally very upset at President Zelensky”.
Mr Rubio hit out at Kyiv for rejecting Mr Trump’s pleas to access rare earth minerals in exchange for military aid.
He said: “We discussed this issue about the mineral rights, and we explained to them, look, we want to be in a joint venture with you — not because we’re trying to steal from your country, but because we think that’s actually a security guarantee.”
European leaders are split over Donald Trump’s actions and aggressive wording towards ZelenskyGetty
At the Conservative Political Action Conference on the outskirts of Washington, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz insisted Mr Zelensky “will sign a mineral rights deal soon”.
He said: “Here’s the bottom line. President Zelensky is going to sign that deal, and you will see that in the very short term.”
The messaging from Mr Trump’s top team struck a different tone to the White House’s Ukraine envoy General Kellogg, who after visiting the country claimed to have had “positive discussions”.
Writing on X/Twitter, the General hailed Mr Zelensky as “the embattled and courageous leader of a nation at war”.
In Europe, Sir Keir, Mr Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz continued to rally behind Kyiv.
But ahead of both the British and French leaders visiting the White House next week, the US President said on Fox News: “They didn’t do anything, no meetings with Russia. They haven’t done anything.”
While praising Mr Macron as a “friend” and Sir Keir as a “nice guy”, the tirade will be met with unease in Paris and London.
There is no other way to stop the bloodshed and achieve lasting peace in Ukraine except with the support of the United States.
Poland president Andrzej Duda
Next week, the PM will meet Mr Trump for the first time and is expected to present a “peace plan” offering up 30,000 British troops in Ukraine.
His Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: “This is a critical moment in the history of Ukraine, Britain and all of Europe.
“That is why now is the time for Europe to double down on our support for Ukraine, in pursuit of peace through strength.
“On the battlefield we remain committed to providing £3billion of military support a year to put Ukraine in the strongest position possible, and being ready and willing to provide UK troops as part of peacekeeping forces if necessary.
“Off the battlefield, we will work with the US and European partners to achieve a sustainable, just peace, and in doing so, remaining clear that there can be nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.”
Ukrainian president Zelensky has been described as a ‘dictator’ by Donald TrumpGettyRussian president Vladimir Putin is continuing his barrage of drone strikes on the UkraineReuters
At a drinks reception for tech leaders in Kyiv, former Tory MP Jack Lopresti — who moved to Ukraine to join the military after losing his seat — said: “I’m incredulous at Trump.
“The UK is now in a unique position and we have to give a lead to our European allies to say that if Americans disengage, we are here. Ukraine must remain.”
Mr Scholz said that while it is too early to discuss peacekeeping missions, Mr Zelensky can “rely on Germany and Europe as a whole”.
But Poland’s President Andrzej Duda urged Mr Zelensky to continue “calm and constructive cooperation” with the White House.
He insisted: “There is no other way to stop the bloodshed and achieve lasting peace in Ukraine except with the support of the United States.”
Twelve civilians were killed and six were injured as 160 drones were fired by Putin’s army.
Ukraine’s air force said it shot down 87, but the remaining weapons left dozens of homes and infrastructure damaged in their wake.
In Kyiv, soldiers on a break from the frontline accused the US, “who we thought were our friends”, of abandoning the fight for Western democracy against a bloodthirsty dictator with whom their army pales in comparison.
Private Oleksandr Sokolenko said his army “thought the US were our friends”.
The soldier told The Sun: “Today I want to say f**k Trump. But it’s not a problem for Ukrainians because we’ve been betrayed so many times before.
“If you don’t need us, we will keep fighting.”
Turning to Britain, Oleksandr said his country needs “everything for fighting”.
He told The Sun: “We need cars and drones.”
The vast majority of Ukrainian power on the front line is now drones and the understanding among military chiefs and ministers in Kyiv is AI, innovation and technology will be key to winning.
1 day agoworld NewsComments Off on We’re suing TikTok to find out why our children died doing the ‘Black Out’ Challenge – we’ve been forced down this route
AS paramedics frantically worked on 14-year-old Jools Sweeney’s lifeless body, his mum clung to him thinking: “I’m not letting my baby go.”
But in the end, Ellen Roome could only watch in anguish as attempts to save her beloved son failed following what appears to have been an online game gone tragically wrong.
Jools Sweeney, 14, is just one suspected victim of the ‘blackout challenge’ which has spread on TikTokAdrian SherrattMum Ellen said: ‘He was chirpy. His last words to me were, ‘I love you’. He used to say, ‘Best mum ever’ and I replied, ‘Best son ever’’Adrian SherrattPAArchie Battersbee, 12, watched a seven-minute TikTok video before his death[/caption]
Louis WoodMum Hollie said: ‘ On TikTok two days ago we found a video of someone taking part in a challenge which risked asphyxiation ’[/caption]
Jools is just one suspected victim of the “blackout challenge” which has spread on TikTok.
Still grieving and “barely functioning”, Ellen, 48, from Cheltenham, Gloucs, recalls little about the months after her son’s death in April 2022.
But desperate for answers, she sold her mortgage business last year to lead a campaign for Jools’ Law, which would give parents the right to access their children’s online activity if they die unexpectedly.
And Ellen is not alone. She and three other British families who suspect their teenage children died trying to copy the “blackout challenge” in the same year are suing Chinese media giant TikTok, which has more than one billion users, in order to get hold of the data.
Having made little progress in the UK, they have turned to an American legal team and the US courts.
The other shattered parents, all from Essex, are Lisa Kenevan, 51, whose son Isaac, 13, took part in a blackout challenge-type video; Liam Walsh, 49, whose 13-year-old daughter Maia passed away after viewing disturbing messages; and Hollie Dance, 49, whose son Archie Battersbee, 12, watched a seven-minute TikTok video before his death.
It was only when they got together that they realised how disturbingly similar the cases are.
All four kids were seemingly happy and popular, enjoyed doing TikTok challenges and are believed to have died from asphyxiation.
We are not going to describe the means of their deaths because we do not want others to copy them.
But their parents believe more children have already lost their lives in a similar way and are urging affected families to join the civil action.
Ellen says: “I’ve been contacted by other families. I think if we bring together more parents, it will help reveal what went on.”
Unravelling that mystery drives the campaign. And speaking to the parents, it is clear they will not give up until they have answers.
Like many others, Ellen thought TikTok was about fun dances and “silly challenges” when she allowed Jools to download it in lockdown.
Looking out over the hills where her son used to make dens, she recalls: “He was chirpy. His last words to me were, ‘I love you’. He used to say ‘Best mum ever’ and I’ve replied, ‘Best son ever’.”
Landmark ruling
Jools, who had no history of self-harm or depression, had played in a boat and toasted marshmallows with pals on the day he died.
At 8.46pm on April 13, 2022, he was laughing as he said goodbye to a friend, yet by the time Ellen returned at 10.30pm, he was lifeless in his bedroom.
It is any parent’s worst nightmare and one that Lisa Kenevan knows all too well.
On March 8, 2022 — when her son Isaac didn’t come down for dinner — Lisa, from Basildon, who works in sales, found the bathroom door locked and got no reply to her shouts.
She recalls: “I went downstairs to the garage and got a hammer, then bashed the lock off the bathroom door. And that’s where I found him, unresponsive.”
Lisa tried CPR but neither she nor paramedics could save him.
During a search of Isaac’s smartphone, police found three videos — two showing a blackout challenge-type act and another with a TikTok logo on it.
Lisa says: “The coroner said it looks like Isaac has seen something on social media, or he’s been influenced by someone who has seen it.”
Cops only saw that potentially incriminating material as it was stored on Isaac’s electronic devices.
They did not get to view all his TikTok browsing history or “for you”, which shows what the social media firm was recommending he see.
This vital information, which should be held on the firm’s servers, is what all four families want.
If they get hold of the data, it will tell them whether their children were seeking out dangerous challenges or if TikTok’s algorithms were pushing it to them unsolicited.
That is key following a landmark ruling last August, when a court in the US state of Delaware judged TikTok is liable for its algorithms which promote content to users.
Previously, social media firms were immune from prosecution for material produced and uploaded by others.
SuppliedIsaac Kenevan, 13, took part in a blackout challenge-type video[/caption]
SuppliedMum Lisa said: ‘The coroner said it looks like Isaac has seen something on social media ’[/caption]
Liam WalshMaia Walsh, 13, passed away after viewing disturbing messages[/caption]
Louis WoodDad Liam said: ‘I said on her death bed . . . nothing about the scenario makes any sense’[/caption]
In the past, they could dodge legal responsibility if clips of blackout challenges had been recommended on TikTok.
The Social Media Victims Law Center is representing the British parents, and more than 1,200 others, in social media lawsuits.
Their lawyer, Matthew Bergman, claims: “TikTok’s algorithm purposely targeted these children with dangerous content to increase their engagement time on the platform and drive revenue.
“It was a clear and deliberate business decision by TikTok that cost these four children their lives.”
But TikTok denies the blackout challenge was ever trending on its platform and claims it removes such harmful content.
Dad Liam Walsh, a senior engineer from Basildon, thinks UK police should do more to probe deaths with a potential link to social media.
He points out that, under British law, it is a criminal offence to encourage suicidal acts.
Liam’s daughter, Maia, who had no history of mental health issues, was found unconscious in her bedroom at her mum’s home in Hertford in the early hours of October 7, 2022.
Her dad could see content she had liked on TikTok before her death, including two messages which appeared to encourage suicidal acts.
Liam recalls: “I said on her death bed, holding her hand, I want her data scooped because nothing about the scenario makes any sense.
“She was an A-grade student. She was funny. She was confident, an articulate young lady blossoming into a woman. How on earth could this have happened?”
But the police don’t have all of her TikTok data. One officer told Liam he wished he could have done more, but that regular criminals were treated as a priority.
‘I want accountability’
Liam claims: “He suggested that because she wasn’t a drug dealer or a terrorist, she didn’t tick enough boxes for her equipment to be examined or interrogated.”
Ellen Roome only considered that social media might have played a role in Jools’ death after she heard the story of Archie Battersbee, which was widely reported in 2022.
His mum Hollie, 49, from Southend, had fought through the courts to keep his life-support on after he was found unconscious at his home on April 7 that year.
She suspected he could have taken part in the blackout challenge as he had watched a seven-minute TikTok video just before he died.
But unless Hollie gets hold of Archie’s full data, she will never know what was on that clip.
A coroner ruled his death an accident, most likely caused by a “prank or experiment that went wrong”.
TikTok claims they blocked the blackout challenge in 2020 and have strengthened their safety procedures since 2022.
But Hollie reveals: “We went on TikTok two days ago and found a video of someone taking part in a challenge which risked asphyxiation.
Lisa has sent The Sun recent TikTok clips which challenge users to hold their breath, with one asking: “U still alive?”
TikTok’s senior government relations manager, Giles Dennington, claimed in a radio interview that the youngsters’ data is most likely deleted as data protection laws require firms to remove such info when they “no longer need it”.
Under the US legal system, the families should be able to see what happened to the information if they get to what’s known as the legal “discovery stage”.
But Ellen’s fight will not end there. She insists: “I want accountability.”
AFPLisa has sent The Sun recent TikTok clips which challenge users to hold their breath, with one asking: ‘U still alive?’[/caption]
1 day agoworld NewsComments Off on Martin Bakole is 20st powerhouse who built his own shopping centre and became Saudis’ hero after misheard message
MARTIN BAKOLE was out digging ditches in a Congolese wasteland three days ago and now fights on the biggest boxing stage imaginable.
The 6ft 6in, 20st powerhouse set up training camp with Billy Nelson in Airdrie, Scotland, 16 years ago but has his family and child back in Kinshasa.
GettyMartin Bakole is standing in for Daniel Dubois in Saudi Arabia[/caption]
GettyBakole will take on Joseph Parker[/caption]
Despite having a USA fight scheduled for May, Bakole was enjoying himself — and building a shopping centre to be named in his honour.
But when Daniel Dubois was pulled out of tonight’s IBF heavyweight world title defence against Joseph Parker on Thursday night, the 33-year-old put up his hand.
Promoter Frank Warren had a couple of English heavyweights training nearby Dubai who would have been quicker to ship in and easier for Parker to agree to… and to beat.
But credit to the fearless Kiwi, 33, for signing off on Bakole.
Thankfully for the British Boxing Board of Control medics — and their expensive scales — he does not need to make weight and did not arrive in time for last night’s preliminaries.
Bakole is a big boy at the best of times, even when training in Greengairs or jetting around the world for sparring.
But when he has treated himself to a rest or is wrestling with an injury, he really fills out.
Before his October 2023 win over Carlos Takam here in Riyadh, Bakole was floored by a crippling back injury.
GettyBakole beat Jared Anderson in Los Angeles last year[/caption]
Bakole has been helping construct a shopping centre in CongoThe shopping centre will be named in his honourHe has now flown out to Saudi Arabia on short notice for Saturday’s fightThe powerhouse has touched down and is ready to cause an upset
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
Nelson hired him a live-in masseuse called Anna and — despite ballooning to 21st — he pulled off a brilliant win.
Incredibly, one of the reasons he was a hit with the young Saudi crowd was his repeated thanks to Anna for her work.
The young Muslim fans thought he was celebrating Allah and cheered furiously.
If the videos of him helping with the construction are anything to go by, Bakole is injury free but not exactly fighting fit.
A middle-aged-dad paunch poked out of his midriff as he waited to fly here. So do not be surprised if the roly-poly puncher bounces into the ring somewhere near 22st.
Bakole’s odyssey to the Gulf of Aden has been so hasty that his Boxxer promoters and Sky Sports did not manage to reach him for a video interview to help plug the fight — and he was due to arrive here at 3am this morning
Thankfully, the loveable giant connected with fans on Insta and vowed to put Kinshasa back on the heavyweight boxing map — 51 years after Muhammad Ali and George Foreman’s Rumble in the Jungle.
The underdog said: “I will shock the world. A boxer is like a soldier… any time they ask you to go to war, be ready.”
With his two best wins coming in America in August and the desert ten months earlier, Bakole is most famous among UK fight fans for being Anthony Joshua’s favourite sparring partner.
AJ became richer and more famous with every camp while Bakole seemed to be largely avoided.
Yet, before he went to Los Angeles to batter local favourite Jared Anderson last time out, he issued a warning: “For years I have been known as ‘the sparring partner’.
“I was happy to travel, happy to take little pay, happy to stay in a cheap place, happy to do as I am told.
“But soon I will get my chance. And nobody will ever be able to call me just ‘a sparring partner again’.”
Instagram @martin_bakole_ FollowBakole is a sparring partner for Anthony Joshua[/caption]
instagramHe has also sparred with Tyson Fury[/caption]
xOleksandr Usyk has felt the force of his punch too[/caption]
1 day agoworld NewsComments Off on Oasis fans fuming as Liam Gallagher ‘reveals’ surprisingly short set at big-money reunion tour this summer
OASIS fans have been left fuming after Liam Gallagher ‘revealed’ the band’s surprisingly short set at their big-money reunion tour this summer.
The highly anticipated comeback, which will see the Britpop icons reunite for the first time in 16 years, has been met with huge demand, with tickets selling out within minutes.
GettyLiam Gallagher has ‘revealed’ Oasis’ surprisingly short reunion tour set[/caption]
PAOasis’ UK reunion tour will begin in July[/caption]
With such hype surrounding the shows – and sky-high ticket prices – fans had been expecting an extensive setlist packed with their biggest hits.
But when Liam dropped his bombshell, it quickly dampened excitement for the gigs.
In response to a tweet asking how long the set would be, Liam casually replied: “59 minutes 59 secs.”
Fans soon took to Reddit to voice their concerns.
One wrote: “I hope this isn’t real I will by flying from Florida to Chicago! Knowing Liam it probably isn’t.”
Another added: “No way they do anything under 2 hours after the prices they charged and the media hype. 30-40 minute Noel set to get them to 2 hours I bet.”
Someone else suggested: “I would say he’s on a wind up but I went to a show where he played less than an hour. Maybe Noel can pick up hour 2.”
A fourth claimed: “I saw Liam in Washington DC in 2018. He performed for 54 minutes with no opening act. Needless to say, I was a little disappointed.”
In a well-meaning attempt to stamp out the use of “bots” to buy tickets, Ticketmastercancelled up to 50,000 of them which it deemed suspicious, however, some ordinary fans have been punished in the process.
Liam later had his say, but it didn’t provide any comfort for affected fans.
One fan asked on X: “Liam, what do you think of the ticket situation? Thinking fans are bots and getting their money returned?”
He responded: “I don’t make the rules. We’re trying to do the right thing. It is what it is. I’m the singer. Get off my case.”
In another tweet, Liam doubled down, writing: “I know loads of people that ain’t got tickets even family members and there upset but there not being mean and shouting hurty wurty stuff.”
The Manchester band issued a stark warning last year that “thousands of fake tour tickets” had been sold.
PAIt will see the Britpop icons reunite for the first time in 16 years[/caption]
APSome Oasis fans were left angry over ticket cancellations too[/caption]
Sales companyTicketmastercame under fire after upping prices in line with huge demand – which brothers Noel and Liam both condemned.
In a further blow, some devastated buyers have now received emails cancelling their tickets and accusing them of being illegal purchasers.
The messages state that Ticketmaster “identified that bots were used to make this purchase.”
It then urged customers to fill out a form to try to solve the dispute for entry to the shows, which kick off in July.
One Oasis fan Leighah Conroy, 24, slammed Ticketmaster and told ITV: “To say that we’re bots is totally out of order for Ticketmaster because we tried all day to get the tickets.
“Our heads have been pretty battered these past 24 hours.
“I felt sick in the stomach. It’s a band you’ll never experience or see again and it’s been on my bucket list for years.
“It just feels like my dreams have been completely crushed.”
She added: “A lot of fans are wanting answers as to why this has happened, and we’ve just got no answers whatsoever.”
Leighah then told of the financial implication of the purchase and said the ticket, accommodation and travel for the gig had amounted to around £400.
A spokesperson from Ticketmaster told ITV: “Anyone who has been contacted and believes a refund was made in error has been sent a form to fill in for the tour’s promoters to review.”
Last year, the band announced they were reuniting for a run of dates in London, Dublin, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Manchester.
The gigs are the band’s first since the Rock en Seine festival in 2009 at which Liam and Noel famously fell out.
Oasis 2025 tour dates
OASIS brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher have revealed a 17 gig comeback tour next summer - here are the details
The Wonderwall hitmakers will delight crowds as follows:
JULY 2025 4th – Cardiff, Principality Stadium 5th – Cardiff, Principality Stadium 11th – Manchester, Heaton Park 12th – Manchester, Heaton Park
16th – Manchester, Heaton Park 19th – Manchester, Heaton Park 20th – Manchester, Heaton Park 25th – London, Wembley Stadium 26th – London, Wembley Stadium
30th – London, Wembley Stadium
AUGUST 2025 2nd – London, Wembley Stadium 3rd – London, Wembley Stadium 8th – Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium 9th – Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium
12th – Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium 16th – Dublin, Croke Park 17th – Dublin, Croke Park
1 day agoworld NewsComments Off on Racing at one of UK’s most iconic courses under threat from bizarre government green plan
RACING at one of the UK’s biggest courses is at risk from a solar farm that could spook the horses, the local MP has warned.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband is being urged to cancel the Sunnica site to safeguard Newmarket’s future.
GettyEnergy Secretary Ed Miliband is being urged to cancel the Sunnica site to safeguard the future of Newmarket[/caption]
GettyCampaigners have warned that the glint and glare from the panels threatens to distract both the horses and their jockeys during races[/caption]
Campaigners have warned that the glint and glare from the panels threatens to distract both the horses and their jockeys during events at the nearby Suffolk venue.
The area’s Tory MP Nick Timothy told The Sun the farm’s threat to the livelihoods of those working in the racing industry was a “scandal”.
He added: “Newmarket is the jewel in the British horse racing crown.
“But the Energy Secretary is ignoring the interests and opinions of a beloved national industry.
“This is the reality of Mindless Milibandism.”
Concerns have been dismissed by the Energy Department, which carried out impact assessments.
The planning decision said: “These conclude that reflections from the PV panels to the horse racing industry receptor locations during operation will either not be geometrically possible or will be sufficiently screened.”
The £600million project, which covers 2,500 acres, was first proposed under the Tories and was signed off by Mr Miliband.
A government spokesman said: “The issue of glint and glare was considered thoroughly at the time, and it was concluded there was no evidence it would impact racehorses at Newmarket.”
GettyConcerns have been dismissed by the Energy Department, which carried out impact assessments[/caption]
Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme –Sun Club.
1 day agoworld NewsComments Off on Carla Ward’s reign as Ireland manager off to ideal start as Kyra Carusa goal bags narrow win vs Turkey in Nations League
CARLA WARD’S reign as Republic of Ireland manager is off to an ideal – if imperfect – start following a narrow 1-0 win over Turkey.
Kyra Carusa’s goal at the end of the first-half proved to be the winner in Tallaght as the Girls in Green got all three points in the Nations League.
Kyra Carusa scored the winner as Ireland beat TurkeyStephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
GettyJames Alexandrou has reacted after Martin Fowler’s death in EastEnders[/caption]
BBCHe was the second actor to play Martin; appearing from 1996 to 2007[/caption]
BBCMartin Fowler was killed off in the 40th anniversary live episode[/caption]
Viewers were heartbroken after Martin tragically died in the BBC soap’s 40th Anniversary live episode.
Meanwhile, James took to social media to acknowledge his former alter-ego’s passing.
He joked in his Instagram story: “Somehow reckon I’ll still be asked ‘When are you going back to EastEnders?’
James accompanied this message with a snap of Martin’s death scene.
Meanwhile, James Bye had played Martin from 2014 until the character’s demise.
Much of the live episode focused on paramedics attempting to help the fruit and veg stall holder.
After being given morphine by paramedics while firefighters tried to lift the beam, Martin and Stacey had a final conversation.
He proposed to her, declaring that he loved her – all of her.
As they spoke about their lives and futures – in or away from Walford, Stacey realised something was wrong.
Stacey couldn’t bring herself to tell Martin what was happening, but he realised.
He decided to tell her what he’d say at their wedding, telling her: “No pressure but I have loved this woman since the very first moment I saw her.
“I thought she was the sexiest thing I’ve ever clapped my eyes on. It’s alway been Stace because she feels like home and adventure wrapped into one.
“I know that this time and we are going to be in here in the Vic celebrating our anniversary in 40 years time.”
She begged him to hold on and they kissed before emergency services began to lift the beam.
EastEnders' 40th anniversary cameos so far
With the 40th anniversary of EastEnders coming up, fans are looking forward to some more incredible cameos from iconic faces of Walford's past. But who have we had so far?
Tracy-Ann Oberman – Oberman returned as Chrissie Watts, a character she last played nearly two decades ago.
Paul Bradley – Bradley returned as Nigel Bates, a character he last played over 25 years ago.
Micheal French – French returned as David Wicks, a character he last played two decades ago.
Patsy Palmer – Palmer returned as Bianca Jackson, a character she last played in 2019.
Ricky Groves – Groves returned as Garry Hobbs, a character who has not been seen since 2009.
Cliff Parisi – Parisi returned as Minty Peterson, a character who was last seen on the square in 2010.
Ross Kemp – Kemp has returned to play Grant Mitchell, a character he first played in 1990. The BBC has described Kemp’s storyline as “explosive”. Kemp said it was an “absolute honour” to return to the show.
Other aspects of the EastEnders 40th anniversary celebration include: A wedding between fan favorites, A huge explosion at the Queen Vic, and A live interactive episode.
Martin told Stacey: “It’s going to be alright.”
Tragically, Martin suffered a cardiac arrest and died leaving Stacey screaming in devastation.
How will Albert Square move forward after losing a pillar of the community?
EastEnders continues on BBC One and iPlayer.
InstagramJames Alexandrou reacted to his former character’s death[/caption]
BBCJames Bye took over the role in 2014[/caption]
1 day agoworld NewsComments Off on I visited Europe’s beer city you can get to by train and ferry… and found the best ways to keep kids entertained
BEAUTIFUL Bruges in northwest Belgium is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe.
Its picturesque canals, cobbled streets and ancient squares make for the perfect photo backdrop, while its excellent transport links from the UK mean it’s easy to visit on a whim.
Moment Open - GettyBruges in northwest Belgium is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe[/caption]
AlamyBruges is also famous for its beers – there are more than 3,000 different beers in Bruges alone[/caption]
ShutterstockA canalside bar is a great place to enjoy a drink[/caption]
WHY SHOULD I GO? Aside from its incredible history and great beer — Belgium produces some of the strongest lagers in Europe — the city is surprisingly affordable to get to, by train, ferry or plane.
My family of four packed the car, took the ferry from Dover to Dunkirk and within a few hours were wandering the streets and winding canals framed by old buildings.
As well as pretty architecture, food is another part of what makes Bruges so special, so pack your eating trousers and come hungry.
STREETS MADE FOR WALKING? The city isn’t large, so it can be easily covered on foot in a couple of days.
Bruges boomed in medieval times and by huge luck dodged the destruction caused by the world wars, which reduced other nearby cities to rubble.
It is now a Unesco-preserved area of magnificent 17th-century buildings, so a stroll around the historic streets is a great way to spend the day.
We left our car at the apartment and didn’t use it once during our three-day stay.
Instead, we relied on a decent map app. Just make sure you pack a sturdy pair of shoes.
ANYTHING FOR THE BUCKET LIST? I’d thoroughly recommend buying a museum pass — around £27 for adults, £20 for under-25s and £14 for 13-17-year-olds (see museabrugge.be) — which gives you 72 hours of access to all the key sights, including Sint-Janshuismolen, one of four old windmills in the city.
You can also visit Groeninge Museum, which houses paintings from the 14th century to the 20th.
Our favourite attraction was the 83-metre Belfort tower in central square the Markt, which gives a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. You just have to clamber up its 366 steps first.
If one charming square isn’t enough, then next door is the Burg, the centre of the city in the Middle Ages.
It includes the Basilica of the Holy Blood, where a cloth said to be stained with Jesus’s blood is stored.
That may not appeal to the kids, but a canal trip sure will.
These cost around £12 per adult and £7 per child and will take you on a 30-minute tour of some of the city’s most scenic spots (see visitbruges.be).
WHERE SHOULD I EAT? With so many sights to see, the many cafes dotted about in the side alleys were our top choice, offering quick, light bites.
Avoid the tourist traps around the main squares, though.
French fries are a must in Bruges — the Belgians claim they invented chips and pretty much everywhere in the city does them well.
They’re often served with mayonnaise, but there are plenty of designated fry shops that have an abundance of other sauces to choose from.
Wash them down with locally-brewed beer and finish with some traditional chocolates for the complete Belgian culinary experience.
ShutterstockVisit the 83-metre Belfort tower in central square the Markt[/caption]
I FANCY A DRINK! If you don’t go to Bruges for the history, then the beer is another main lure.
Internationally known for its brewing skills, Belgium isn’t shy of boozers and it is estimated that there are more than 3,000 different beers in Bruges alone.
De Halve Maan brewery, south of the city centre, is a popular spot that offers behind-the-scenes tours of the brewing hall, as well as those all- important samples.
Most bars serve a decent pint, just make sure to quiz the — usually English-speaking — bar staff on the alcohol content.
We struggled to walk home in a straight line after ours.
WHERE SHOULD I STAY? There’s an array of hotels and apartments within walking distance of the centre.
We decided to rent The Guesthouse Next Do, a two-bedroom house just over a mile out of town, which is a beautifully-decorated property with all the mod cons.
Shops and bakeries are on its doorstep and, best of all, there was a free parking spot, which some of the hotels in the city walls don’t provide.
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ShutterstockFrench fries are a must in Bruges and are often served with mayonnaise[/caption]