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Stephen Maguire PUNCHES table in anger after threatening to ‘wreck the place’ in tense Welsh Open snooker final

STEPHEN Maguire could not hide his frustrations during a tense Welsh Open final.

The Scot, 43, was facing off against Mark Selby at Venue Cymru in Llandudno.

Snooker player leaning over a snooker table.
Stephen Maguire can’t hid his disappointment after a poor positional shot

At 2-1 down in frames, Maguire made a costly mistake that cost him the frame against The Jester from Leicester.

On Fire was losing the frame 30-24, when he played a poor positional shot that left him in a sticky situation.

After analysing the situation, he was forced to play for safety instead of going for a pot.

But, before he played his shot, Maguire banged the top of the table as he rued his bad effort.

To make matters worse, he left the door open for Selby who went on to clear the table with a break of 78.

Maguire is back in a ranking final after a five year wait.

After beating Ali Carter in the semi-final, he admitted he could struggle to keep his emotions in check if the final against Selby begins to slip away from him.

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“Who knows what to expect,” he told the BBC.

“In hindsight Mark has probably played better than me all week, I’ve been scraping my way through just winning matches somehow.

“I’m just hoping that I can find some form somehow and play the way that I should. Right now I’m not thinking about the rankings, I just want that title.

“I don’t think either of us played that well, but I just thought that I wasn’t going to win that with the way things were going. I couldn’t quite finish it off and when I did, little things were happening. I’m just glad I got over the line.

“I found it easy to keep my composure because I was playing him (Carter). He was cracking up, the rest was getting thrown about, extensions were getting thrown about. I thought, is that the way I act? I think I better change if that’s the way that I act.”

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Man, 45, dies after being restrained by cops rushing to ‘stop child being assaulted’ inside house

A MAN who resisted arrest after police rushed to “stop a child being assaulted” inside a house has died.

Officers had been called to High Street in South Norwood, London, at 1.27am on Sunday following reports a child was being assaulted.

After gaining entry into the property, police found the 45-year-old man suffering from a medical emergency.

Police say he was very agitated and was actively resisting against officers.

The 45-year-old was later restrained and paramedics were called.

However, once paramedics arrived and he was transported into an ambulance, the man became seriously unwell.

Although he was rushed to hospital, he later died despite the best efforts of medical professionals.

T/Commander Andy Brittain, who is overseeing the response to this incident, said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the man who has died.

“We will ensure they are fully supported.

“I know the community in South Norwood will want to be reassured that the incident was handled appropriately.”

They continued: “The IOPC is conducting an investigation to provide that independent scrutiny.

“We must also acknowledge the impact that incidents like this have on the officers involved.

“In this case they were responding to an emergency call involving a child in danger and on arrival at the scene, were met with a very challenging situation.

“No officer ever wants to be involved in an incident where someone loses their life and we will ensure they get all the support they need.”

Metropolitan Police confirmed that a referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and that the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards was aware of the case.

In a statement, the Met said: “A referral in these circumstances is not an indication that officers are believed to have done anything wrong.

“It is a mandatory step when anyone dies or suffers serious injury following contact with the police or while in their custody.”

South Norwood High Street, UK, with clock tower.
The man died after police were called to a property on High Street, South Norwood, following reports of a child being assaulted
Google Maps

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Seven weird and wacky hot cross bun flavours hitting shelves ahead of Easter

NOTHING says Easter like a hot cross bun with some quirky and fun varieties hitting shelves this year.

Shoppers have an abundance of weird and wonderful flavours to choose from including apple crumble and lemon curd.

Hot cross bun on a dark background.
Getty
Supermarkets are battling it out to offer the wackiest hot cross bun flavours this year[/caption]

Other retailers are selling salted caramel buns or strawberries and cream varieties.

We’ve rounded up some of the standout options on offer to shoppers looking to indulge this Easter.

M&S – Lemon curd-filled, £3

Four lemon curd filled hot cross buns.
OCADO
M&S has caused a stir with their new lemon curd-filled hot cross buns[/caption]

M&S is known for its indulgent sweet treats, but has caused a real stir with its extremely lemony hot cross buns, new to shelves this year.

The retailer describes them as “fluffy, lemony, with an oozy, zingy lemon curd filling”.

Shoppers can pick up a pack on Ocado for £3 while prices vary in M&S stores.

There has been plenty of reaction to the citrussy buns on Facebook, with one customer branding them “amazing”.

Tesco – Rhubarb and custard, £1.80

Package of four rhubarb and custard hot cross buns.
Tesco
The Tesco hot cross buns can be picked up online and in-store[/caption]

Tesco‘s rhubarb and custard hot cross buns are ideal for anyone who’s a fan of the classic British dessert.

A pack of four comes in at £1.80 or Clubcard customers can get two for £3, working out at £1.50 per pack.

You can sign up to the Clubcard scheme for free via Tesco’s website.

Shoppers can buy the buns in-store or online, with them sparking quite the discussion on social media.

Some customers are keen to try the new creation while others aren’t so keen on the idea of the traditional recipe being tampered with.

Co-op – Apple crumble, £2

Package of Co-op Irresistible Sweetly Spiced Apple Crumble Hot Cross Buns.
Co-op
Shoppers can pick up a pack of four for £2[/caption]

Another variety based on a classic British dessert, Co-op has these in stores for £2 for a pack of four.

The buns combine sultanas with candied apple pieces, apple compote and cinnamon crumble on top.

Some shoppers are keen to get hold of them with one pronouncing on Facebook: “Now these are me!”.

But others are sceptical, with one not convinced they have much flavour.

Asda – Tiramisu, £1.43

Package of four tiramisu hot cross buns.
Asda
Asda’s hot cross buns are the cheapest out of the quirky ones we found[/caption]

Coffee lovers will be keen to bag these “exceptional” hot cross buns based on the classic Italian pudding.

The pack of four will set you back £1.43.

The sweet buns combine dark chocolate pieces with Brazilian coffee powder and mascarpone cheese for an indulgent bite.

Shoppers are keen to give the themed breaded treats a go, with one saying they would “get right on them” on their next trip to Asda.

Sainsbury’s – Chocolate and salted caramel, £1.80

Package of four chocolate and salted caramel hot cross buns.
Sainsbury's
These Sainsbury’s hot cross buns are made with sourdough[/caption]

Sainsbury’s‘ Taste the Difference chocolate and salted caramel hot cross buns are on sale for £1.80.

The buns are made with sourdough and topped with dark chocolate chunks, caramel fudge and brown sugar for “extra indulgence”.

One shopper on Facebook branded them “really tasty” but another said the concept was “totally silly” and “too commercial”.

M&S – Cheesy, £2

Package of four extremely cheesy hot cross buns.
OCADO
M&S has launched savoury cheese hot cross buns[/caption]

Failing to stick with the sweet theme, M&S’ cheesy hot cross buns are perfect if you’re looking for a savoury morning or afternoon snack.

The soft buns, costing £2 per four-pack or £3.50 for two on Ocado, come loaded with chunks of Red Leicester and Cheedar cheese.

Shoppers are divided over the quirky twist on the classic version though.

One on Facebook branded them their “absolute fave” while another simply posted a sick person emoji, making their feelings towards the buns quite clear.

Tesco – Strawberries and cream, £1.80

Package of four Tesco Finest strawberries and clotted cream hot cross buns.
TESCO
Tesco has a range of wacky hot cross buns on offer this year[/caption]

Tesco has also launched these Finest strawberries and cream hot cross buns as part of its Easter range this year.

Shoppers can pick up a pack for £1.80 or two for £3 if they’ve got a Clubcard.

The sweet buns combine clotted cream, strawberry jam and strawberries making for a quintessential British bite.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

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Man Utd ‘in for 18 months of pain’ predicts Redknapp as Sky Sports pundit says ‘they need to get rid and change culture’

MANCHESTER UNITED are set for “18 months of pain”, according to Jamie Redknapp.

And he believes there needs to be a serious overhaul of the culture at Old Trafford to turn the mess around.

Jamie Redknapp in a Sky Sports interview.
Sky Sports
Jamie Redknapp had his say on the current state at Manchester United[/caption]
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim leaving the pitch.
Rex
Ruben Amorim has struggled to have the positive impact he would have wanted[/caption]

Ruben Amorim has struggled since replacing Erik ten Hag in November, losing eight of his first 20 matches in charge as United sit 15th in the table going into the trip to Tottenham.

He has also binned Marcus Rashford, Antony and Tyrell Malacia out on loan while the club’s woes run far deeper than just on-field issues.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe needs to sort out the financial chaos – but his methods of increasing ticket prices, job redundancies and staff perk cuts are proving unpopular.

However, Redknapp gave his backing that Amorim can be the manager in the dugout to help lead the transformation with the right people above him.

But he warned it will not be a comfortable ride for anyone connected to United – with plenty of players needing to be pushed out of the exit door along the way.

The Sky Sports pundit said ahead of the Spurs game, in which United were forced to put eight untried teenagers on the bench: “For what it’s worth on Amorim, I like him. I think he’s got something about him. And I totally get the performances haven’t been good enough. 

“But I actually like what he’s doing more off the field than actually what he’s doing on the pitch. Because that club needs a change of culture. 

“We’ve spoken about how it works. Get people like Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho that have left and one or two others who have had a mention about leaving. 

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“Now, if they’re not going to buy into having a good way of living and coming in and training correctly and being involved and helping the group and create a winning mentality, they’ve got to be surplus to requirements.

“I see Manchester United as having still much more pain, even 18 months more pain, because they need to get rid. 

“Whoever’s been in charge or even managers have gone so far and then they’re panicked and then they’ve gone and bought 30-year-old players that aren’t going to maybe take the club any further forward. I think now they have to take their time. 

“They’re trying to get… Jermain [Defoe] mentioned getting the best in class. People like Jason Wilcox, they’ve got the guy from Manchester City, the CEO there [Omar Berrada]. They’re trying to do things slowly and I think that’s how they have to do it.”

Amorim has not been afraid to show his ruthless attitude during his time in charge – in more ways than one.

He exiled £325,000-a-week academy graduate Rashford – even publicly slamming him by saying he would rather play his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach – and declared this is the “worst United team in history”.

But despite his difficult start in terms of results and becoming the quickest United manager in history to reach five home Premier League defeats, Amorim refuses to budge from his 3-4-3 system.

And Redknapp feels like that lack of adaptability could be costly.

He added: “I like what he’s trying to achieve but it might take a bit more time than what you’d like.

“You know, I think he’s got to be more flexible in the system. 

“When I hear a manager having one system, that worries me because you’ve got to adapt in game each time you’re playing against another team.

“But I think Manchester United will get there. It’s just going to take a bit of time but they have to go all in on it. 

“They can’t just go, ‘We’re going to panic now and go buy more average players’, because the players right now aren’t good enough to produce the performances that Manchester United want, hence why they’re in this position.”

Manchester United substitutes on the bench.
United’s bench was packed with kids
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United looking dejected.
Getty
United are 15th in the Premier League table before facing Tottenham[/caption]

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Michael O’Sullivan described as a ‘beautiful person’ as tributes pour in following jockey’s tragic death

WILLIE MULLINS described tragic Michael O’Sullivan as ‘a credit to his family’ while Barry Geraghty said he was a ‘beautiful person’ amid a flood of tributes for the late jockey.

There is widespread grief in racing circles after the deeply upsetting death of the 24-year-old, 10 days after a terrible fall at Thurles.

Jockey Michael O'Sullivan covered in mud after a race.
PA
Tributes have poured in for the late jockey Michael O’Sullivan[/caption]
Jockey Michael O'Sullivan wins the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
PA
He enjoyed his finest day in the saddle at Cheltenham when Marine Nationale won the 2023 Supreme[/caption]

But the reaction and tributes from his friends and colleagues in Britain and Ireland paint a picture of a young man who was as well-liked as he was respected.

And his talent was not just confined to the saddle. Before turning professional, the Cork native earned a degree in Agricultural Science and the University College of Dublin and he was fluent in French.

He stood out as a tremendous riding talent, though, and burst onto the scene in 2022 after teaming up with Barry Connell, winning Grade 1s on Marine Nationale and Good Land.

That partnership came to an unfortunate end in November when the two men had a disagreement about schooling arrangements for some of Connell’s horses.

As a result, O’Sullivan was given opportunities by several different trainers, including champion trainer Mullins for whom he rode a Grade 3 winner on New Year’s Day.

Mullins said: “It’s dreadful news which puts all our problems into context. He will be much missed here and there is a real sadness over the whole of Closutton today.

“He was here two mornings a week and was very much a part of the team at Closutton and his part here was only going to get bigger. He was such a natural rider who was very modest, friendly and understated.

“He had a great understanding of horses and racing and given the horse, he was the man.

“I think Closutton will be a much poorer place without him and we, as a family, will miss him. He will be much missed in the yard and we have his family in our thoughts and our prayers are for them now. He was a credit to his family. May he rest in peace.”

Connell and O’Sullivan’s working relationship came to an abrupt end a few months ago, but news of the jockey’s death hit the trainer and his staff especially hard.

He said:“He was a bright, rising star as a jockey and we were lucky to have had a very close association with him.

“Everybody in the yard is devastated. He was such a lovely personality to have around the place, he fitted in really well. He was widely liked by his colleagues and everyone who met him.

“I think everyone in racing is stunned today and all we can do is express our sympathy to his parents, William and Bernadette, and his brother, Alan. He will be sadly missed.”

O’Sullivan’s famous victory at Cheltenham on Marine Nationale in 2023 was the first-leg of an opening day Festival double, as he later bagged the Fred Winter on Gordon Elliott’s Jazzy Matty.

Connell added: “We were in the parade ring the following day and one of the officials came out with the golden armband and gave it to me and said ‘put that on Michael’.

“He was the leading rider after the first day of Cheltenham which was a remarkable achievement. He was an inspiration to lots of young jockeys in Ireland.”

Legendary rider Barry Geraghty, who retired in 2020 while O’Sullivan was still an amateur, said his death will have completely devastated his colleagues.

Geraghty said: “He was such a lovely, kind person. He was quietly spoken, humble and very intelligent and well educated.

“He had a lovely way about him and the weighing room is a broken place because of that. They’ve lost such a beautiful person.”

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Simon Pegg looks world’s away from his Hot Fuzz days as he shows off slimmer physique on BAFTAs red carpet

ACTOR Simon Pegg looked rather different from his Hot Fuzz days as he showed off a slimmed down physique as he hit the BAFTAs red carpet.

The 55-year-old looked worlds away from his early 2000s movie days as he attended the star-studded awards ceremony in London.

Simon Pegg at the EE BAFTA Film Awards.
Getty
Simon Pegg looked strikingly different from his Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead days[/caption]
Simon Pegg at the EE BAFTA Film Awards.
Getty
He sported a slimmer physique with a more defined facial structure[/caption]
Simon Pegg at a Fair Play Concert in aid of Oxfam.
Getty
It is a notable change from his earliest film roles[/caption]

Simon looked smart in a black suit which featured a shimmering silver detail across both the jacket and trousers.

He added a pair of thick-rimmed glasses as his hair was styled back into a quiff.

The actor showed off a more defined facial structure for his outing with his cheekbones and jawline more prominent than ever.

He also went for a clean-shaven look as he ditched his usual stubble and moustache for his photo opportunity on the red carpet.

Simon first rose to fame as the co-creator of the Channel 4 comedy Spaced in 1999 before achieving more recognition for his roles in a trilogy of hit movies with co-star Nick Frost.

The duo kicked off their partnership with 2004’s Shaun of the Dead, followed by 2007’s iconic Hot Fuzz and 2013’s The World’s End.

They also starred in the 2011 comedy film, Paul, together.

Simon was not the only star out in force at the Royal Festival Hall for this year’s BAFTAs.

Molly-Mae Hague mingled with A-listers including Camila Cabello and Ariana Grande at the celeb-packed event.

Pamela Anderson also posed up a storm as she headed into the glitzy event.

Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, in police uniform, eating ice cream cones in a car.
©Universal Studios
He rose to fame alongside co-star Nick Frost[/caption]

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YOUR favourite movies could have been very different as we reveal which A-listers missed out on huge roles

HOLLYWOOD history could have been very different as some of your all-time favourite movies nearly looked unrecognisable.

Just last year, Robbert Eggers’ released his version of the 1922 original Nosferatu.

What many may not know is that Harry Styles was initially cast in a significant role in the film.

In a conversation with IndieWire, director Eggers revealed that Harry was cast as Hutter, the husband of Lilly Rose-Depp in the film, a role that Nicholas Hoult ended up playing.

Eggers further explained that the project had faced significant hurdles, saying, “I don’t know if it will happen. It’s fallen apart twice.”

He went on to reveal: “I’ve been trying to get the word out because the word did carry that Harry Styles was going to be in the movie.

“I just want to be clear that he was going to be Hutter and not Nosferatu himself.”

From shocking near-castings in Barbie to major switch-ups in Spider-Man and The Notebook, we reveal the megastars who just missed out.

Twilight

Kristen Stewart as Bella.
© 2008 Summit Entertainment N.V. All Rights Reserved.
Kristen Stewart bagged the infamous role of Bella Swan[/caption]
Emily Browning at the Australian premiere of "Class of '07".
Emily Browning was actually creator Stephenie Meyer’s first choice for the lead role
Getty
Michelle Trachtenberg at the Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party.
Getty
Michelle Trachtenberg had joked that she was considered for the role simply because “there aren’t many pale girls in Hollywood”[/caption]

In 2008, Kristen Stewart bagged the infamous role of Bella Swan in the hit franchise Twilight which catapulted her into international stardom.

Fans might be surprised to learn that actress Emily Browning was actually creator Stephenie Meyer’s first choice for the lead role.

Before the movie was even cast, Meyer mentioned Browning in a blog post as her ideal pick but due to scheduling issues Browning turned it down.

Other well-known actresses that had ties to the role were Michelle Trachtenberg who had joked that she was considered simply because “there aren’t many pale girls in Hollywood.”

Lily Collins auditioned for the part as well as Jennifer Lawrence who also tried out for Bella before landing her breakout role in The Hunger Games.

Edward Scissorhands

Edward Scissorhands portrait.
Edward Scissorhands became one of Johnny Depp’s most iconic roles
© 1990 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.
Tom Cruise at the premiere of Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One.
Getty
Production company 20th Century Fox originally wanted Tom Cruise for the role[/caption]
Tom Hanks at the AFI FEST premiere of "Here."
Getty
Tom Hanks was offered the part but declined[/caption]
Gary Oldman at a photo call.
Getty
Gary Oldman passed on the role after admitting he didn’t understand the script[/caption]

This 1990 Tim Burton classic saw Hollywood Star Johnny Depp claim one of the most iconic roles of his entire career history.

Production company 20th Century Fox originally wanted Tom Cruise for the role, but it turns out he wasn’t director Tim Burton’s ideal choice.

Tom Hanks was offered the part but declined in favor of starring in The Bonfire of the Vanities.

Actor Gary Oldman passed on the role after admitting he didn’t understand the script and even comedy genius Jim Carrey was also among those considered.

Barbie

Margot Robbie in a pink gingham dress and hat, waving.
Alamy
Margot Robbie officially stepped into the role of the iconic doll in 2023[/caption]
Amy Schumer at the Kinda Pregnant premiere.
Getty
Comedian Amy Schumer was originally set to star in the film[/caption]
Anne Hathaway at the New York premiere of "The Apprentice".
Getty
The Devil Wears Prada alum Anne Hathaway signed on in 2018[/caption]
Gal Gadot at the Golden Globe Awards.
Margot who is also a producer on the film didn’t originally envision herself but Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot
Getty

Before actress Margot Robbie officially stepped into the role of the iconic doll in 2023, several other A-listers were in the running.

Top of the list was comedian Amy Schumer who was originally set to star in the film but she had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts.

After her departure, The Devil Wears Prada alum Anne Hathaway signed on in 2018, ready to bring the character to life in a completely different version of the movie.

Meanwhile, Margot who is also a producer on the film didn’t originally envision herself but Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot – but due to scheduling conflicts Gadot couldn’t do the role.

Ultimately, the part went to Robbie, and the rest is history.

But imagining Barbie with a completely different lead makes you wonder how different the movie could have been.

The Notebook

Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams kissing in the rain in *The Notebook*.
Alamy
Rachel McAdams won the iconic role of Allie Hamilton in The Notebook[/caption]
Britney Spears at a Pre-Grammy Gala.
Getty
Popstar Britney Spears was a top contender having previously worked with Ryan Gosling the main lead[/caption]
Scarlett Johansson at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.
Getty
Actress Scarlett Johansson tried out for the part competing against a strong pool of talent[/caption]
Jennifer Lawrence at the Governors Awards.
Getty
Jennifer Lawrence was deemed too young for the role at the time[/caption]

Before Rachel McAdams won the iconic role of Allie Hamilton in The Notebook, several well-known actresses were in the running.

Popstar Britney Spears was a top contender, having previously worked with Ryan Gosling the main lead on The Mickey Mouse Club when she was 11.

According to Gosling, the singer did a great job during their chemistry test, making her a serious consideration for the part.

Jennifer Lawrence also auditioned but was ultimately deemed too young for the role at the time.

Similarly, Scarlett Johansson and Claire Danes both tried out for the part, competing against a strong pool of talent.

Spider-Man: Homecoming

Tom Holland as Spider-Man in front of red curtains.
SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT
Spider-Man: Homecoming saw Tom Holland step into the role of Marvel’s web-slinging superhero[/caption]
Timothée Chalamet at a film premiere.
Getty
A-Lister Timothée Chalamet also screen-tested for the role[/caption]
Paul Rudd at the Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania UK Gala Screening.
Getty
Paul Rudd, who was filming Marvel film Ant-Man around the same time and almost stepped into the Spidey suit[/caption]
Asa Butterfield at the Second Best after-party.
Getty
Nanny McPhee’s Asa Butterfield also auditioned for the role[/caption]

Spider-Man: Homecoming saw Tom Holland step into the role of Marvel’s web-slinging superhero in 2017.

But it was A-Lister Timothée Chalamet, who was relatively unknown at the time, who orginally screen-tested for the role.

He later admitted that he left his audition “sweating in a total panic”- since then, Chalamet has steered clear of comic book films.

Then there was Paul Rudd, who was filming Marvel film Ant-Man around the same time and almost stepped into the Spidey suit.

Sex Education’s Asa Butterfield and Nat Wolff also auditioned for the role, each bringing their own spin to the iconic character.

The Matrix

Keanu Reeves as Neo in The Matrix Reloaded.
Warner Bros
Keanu Reeves played Neo in the hit franchise The Matrix[/caption]
Johnny Depp at Andrea Bocelli's 30th anniversary concert.
Getty
Johnny Depp was actually directors the Wachowskis’ first choice for the role of the iconic hacker[/caption]
Photo of Brandon Lee wearing a black leather jacket.
Getty
Brandon Lee was also considered for the part in the 1999 flick until tragically passing away before filming[/caption]
Sandra Bullock at a screening.
Getty
Sandra Bullock was considered with the filmmakers open to making Neo a female character to fit her[/caption]

When it comes to The Matrix, it’s hard to imagine anyone other than Keanu Reeves as Neo, but the casting process was full of unexpected twists.

Johnny Depp was actually directors the Wachowskis’ first choice for the role of the iconic hacker, but things didn’t work out.

In the early stages of development, Brandon Lee was also considered for the part in the 1999 flick—he was a top contender until he tragically passed away before filming.

Then there’s Will Smith, who was offered the role but turned it down to star in Wild Wild West instead.

Most shockingly, Sandra Bullock was considered with the filmmakers open to making Neo a female character to fit her.

In the end, the role went to Reeves but it’s interesting to think what could have happened if one of these other stars had taken the red pill!

Read More »

Ultimate DIY hacks hidden in your iPhone including secret spirit level and photo trick to use before EVERY trip to B&Q

YOUR iPhone is secretly a DIY dream device – just don’t plonk it down in the toolbox.

The gadget is better known for making calls, showing you cat videos, and annoying you with text messages, but it’s also great for doing a bit of work around the house.

Illustration of two smartphones displaying a level app, one showing 10° and the other 0°.
Apple
Yes, your iPhone really does have a built-in spirit level[/caption]

We’ve rounded up five clever home improvement hacks that all iPhone owners should know about.

SPIRIT LEVEL

First up is the iPhone’s easy-to-miss spirit level trick.

It’ll very helpfully let you know when an object is level with the ground.

And if it isn’t, you’ll be shown how many degrees it’s off by.

You’ll find it in the Apple Measure app (which is tucked away in the Utilities folder by default).

Now just tap on the Level button and hold your iPhone against something – like a picture frame.

You can then adjust the frame until it’s level, which will be signified on screen with the colour green.

If you want to match the slope of an object, tap the screen to capture it.

Then hold your iPhone against another object and rotate both of them until the screen turns green.

If you want to reset the level at any time, just tap the screen again.

MEASURING UP

If you hadn’t guessed, the Measure app also does something else that’s very useful.

It lets your camera work as a tape measure so you can check the size of almost anything.

At its most basic, you just need to open the Measure app, and then wiggle the camera so your iPhone can understand what it’s looking at.

Once you’re ready, you can tap Add on the starting point of your measurement – and then move the camera slowly until you’re in position to add an end point.

iPhone screen showing the Measure app measuring a succulent in a black pot.
Apple
You can take multiple measurements of an object using the Measure app[/caption]

You can adjust these points afterwards if you want to tweak them.

And you can add multiple measurements (like the width and then height of a sofa).

For a start, this is way less faff than having to run around with an actual tape measure. You barely have to move.

But what’s very useful is that if you hit the shutter button, it’ll save a photo of what you’re looking at with the measurements still visible.

MEASURE SOMEONE'S HEIGHT

You can also meausre someone's height with an iPhone...

If your iPhone detects a person in the Measure app, it will automatically measure their height.

It’ll track it to the top of their head, hat, or hair, according to Apple.

And then if you hit the shutter button, the image will be captured with their height measurement included.

Apple served up the following tips for snapping someone’s height:

  • Make sure that you’re in a place with good lighting.
  • Avoid dark backgrounds and reflective surfaces.
  • Check that the person you’re measuring has nothing covering their face or head, like a face mask, sunglasses, or a hat.
  • Try to step back from the person you’re measuring. You might be standing too close.

Once you’ve got the image saved, you can edit it like any other snap in the Photos app.

Picture Credit: Apple

iPhone screen showing the Measure app measuring a framed picture; the picture's dimensions are 6 1/2" by 5" and its area is 33 sq in.
Apple will automatically show a measurement box if you’re trying to measure an object that’s a square or rectangle

That means you can snap up your kitchen and living room measurements, and then bring those images with you to B&Q.

And if you’re at the shop, you can take photos of objects there with measurements – and bring those back home to see if they’d fit in your living room or kitchen.

Try doing that easily with a tape measure. No thank you.

MAGNIFY-CENT!

Another often-overlooked DIY app on your iPhone is Magnifier.

Smartphone screen displaying Apple device information and brightness controls.
Apple / The Sun
The Magnifier app is extremely useful if you’re dealing with tiny text on instructions, labels, or parts[/caption]

You can swipe down from the top of the screen and search it if you’ve never used it before.

It does what it says on the tin: it magnifies small objects.

This is great for loads of DIY jobs. For instance, you can use it to read tiny instructions or labels, or to see the head of a screw clearly.

And there are special modes that adjust the brightness and colour profile, which can make hard-to-read text far easier to see.

You don’t even have to hold the Magnifier still – hit the shutter button and it will freeze the frame for you.

SEE AROUD CORNERS

Another DIY nightmare is when you’re trying to see a tricky location.

Maybe it’s under the sofa or cupboard, or behind a cupboard door, or some other nightmarishly awkward spot.

If you have an Apple Watch paired to your iPhone, there’s a very useful hack.

Apple Watch viewfinder showing four people walking down a tree-lined path; options to take a photo and choose settings are labeled.
Apple
Your Apple Watch can work as a viewfinder for your iPhone camera[/caption]

There’s an app on the Apple Watch called Camera Remote.

This lets you see through your iPhone’s camera on the watch screen.

So you can stick your iPhone in hard to reach places, and watch what it’s seeing on the Apple Watch.

It’s much more practical than putting your iPhone around an awkward corner, taking a photo, and bringing it back out to look at it again.

If you’ve ever tried to check the plumbing under your sink, you’ll know how annoying it can be. This could be the lifesaver trick that you’re after.

GARDENER’S DELIGHT

Lastly, one for the budding (ahem) gardeners out there.

Your iPhone is now very clever at working out what’s actually in the photos that you’re snapping.

And it can now very capably analyse photos of plants, flowers, trees, bushes, or whatever else is growing in your garden.

False Bird of Paradise flower.
Sean Keach / The Sun
Your iPhone can identify plants that you’re taken photos of[/caption]

Just take a snap of the flora, then head into your iPhone’s Photos app.

Then look at the menu at the bottom: you should see a small “i” symbol with some stars around it.

Tap that, then choose the option “Look Up Plant” at the top of the info box.

This will identify the plant and give you more info about what you’re looking at.

Red silicone iPhone case with Apple logo.
Apple
Your iPhone might be one of the most useful bits of kit you have when it comes to home improvement[/caption]

So if you’re puzzled by a strange weed in your garden, this will sort you out.

Similarly, if you spot a nice flower on a walk and you want it for your garden, snap a pic with this trick and then you can grab the seeds or the plant itself from your local garden centre. Genius.

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