admin

Emotional Sam Thompson spends Valentine’s Day with sister Louise after Zara McDermott split

EMOTIONAL Sam Thompson spent Valentine’s Day with his sister Louise after splitting from Zara McDermott.

Made in Chelsea star Sam, 32, marked the occasion with his 34-year-old sibling, who he lives next door to.

Couple embracing amidst falling papers.
Instagram
Sam Thompson spent Valentine’s Day with his sister Louise after splitting from Zara McDermott[/caption]
A man and woman reading from papers, surrounded by floating sheets of paper.
Instagram
Louise decorated her home with candles and pages from her book hanging from the ceiling on strings[/caption]
Person in pajamas surrounded by floating papers and candles.
Instagram
She captured the sentimental moment in a video shared on Instagram[/caption]

Both took to social media to share their love for one another, with Louise setting up a special surprise for her younger brother.

Louise decorated her home with candles and pages from her book hanging from the ceiling on strings, capturing the sentimental moment in a video shared on Instagram.

In the clip, she asked Sam if he had read the acknowledgements in her book – revealing that she had written a heartfelt dedication to him.

Louis said: “You’ve read a little bit of my book. Have you read the acknowledgements? I wrote a thank you to you,” catching Sam off guard.

As he began reading the passage aloud, he was visibly moved by the touching words.

He read: “My brother Sam, for visiting the hospital so regularly and for bringing your tremendous humour, for distracting me so thoroughly with chat about work and world domination.

“For knowing me better than anyone else because we share a mother and a father and a hell of a lot of DNA.

“Even though our lives have had an interesting interwoven nature over the years, sending us on separate journeys and then bringing us back together, we still share so many silly similarities. We are truly cut from the same cloth.

“Thank you for popping your head over the fence when I was camping out in the garden every day during the winter.

“Thank you for asking me how I was doing on repeat, even if I could only respond with the word ‘anxious’ 10,000 times. It must have been so scary for you to see your sister drift away.”

As Sam continued reading, he became emotional, touched by his sister’s words.

He went on: “I feel like we missed out on a fair share of precious memories together, but the good news is that we have all the time in the world to create loads more going forward.

“Boy, oh boy, will we appreciate them now. The real fun is only just beginning. Thank you for being the best fun uncle to Leo and making such a big effort lately. Nothing makes me happier.

“Thank you for taking on the role of the older sibling. I know I’ve always been the boss and controlling one, but I feel very safe and comfortable in your hands.

“I feel very grateful to be able to pass the baton for you to take the lead. The skies are the limit.”

A teary-eyed Sam admitted, “I didn’t even think I was going to cry.”

Louise, who has been open about her struggles with health issues in recent years, captioned the emotional video: “Happy Valentine’s Day. Celebrating a different kind of love this morning. A love of books. A love of acknowledging // thanking people. A love of family. A love of having awkward conversations.”

The touching moment between the siblings comes after Sam’s high-profile breakup with former Love Island star Zara.

Speaking on Love Island’s The Morning After podcast with Indiyah Polack and Amy Hart this week, Sam suggested Zara may have been responsible for the split.

He explained that Louise has always gotten on well with his girlfriends.

Sam continued: “Most of the time when we break up, it’s my fault and she’ll ask, ‘WHAT have you done?’

“And I’m like, ‘it’s not even me!’”

Although he didn’t explicitly name Zara, his comments appeared to imply that their split wasn’t his fault.

Sam and Zara have both been keeping busy since their shock break-up.

The I’m A Celebrity champ has been working on multiple TV projects including the Love Island podcast, whilst Zara has been working on a new documentary for BBC3 in Thailand.

Speaking on another recent episode of the pod, he revealed how much he’d love to do Love Island.

“I have never been in the villa, but I would LOVE TOO!” Sam revealed.

CHEATING SHOCK

The former couple first started dating in May 2019.

Just 16 months later Zara confessed to having a fling with music exec Brahim Fourad while taking part in The X Factor: Celebrity.

Zara and Brahim crossed paths when she signed up to the singing show in October 2019.

Sam then ended their 16-month relationship after getting wind of what happened, after The Sun exclusively revealed a year late she had been unfaithful.

They got back together after Zara publicly apologised on Made In Chelsea.

The pair then lived together in Sam’s house where they would often post loved up selfies, comedy reels and pictures of their home transformation.

Last month a devastated Sam broke his silence on his “tough” split with Zara.

On Sam and Pete Wicks‘s Staying Relevant podcast, Pete asked him about his “bad Christmas“.

He said: “What’s been going on?”

Sam admits: “It was tough. It’s been a tough month. A real tough month.”

He also jokes: “This is not a good time to be going bald either.”

Pete says he wasn’t sure if Sam would be in a fit enough state to do the podcast, telling him: “I didn’t know if we were gonna be here or not.”

A source lifted the lid on the reasons behind the split, telling Mail Online: “Sam and Zara have ended their relationship.

“It’s been an incredibly difficult decision for them to part ways; they still care and have a lot of love for each other.

“But after a tough year of working hard at their romance, they have split and will be focusing on their individual careers going forward into 2025.

“There has been no scandal or fallout between them, it’s just the result of a difficult year, where they both had to spend a lot of time focused on their own projects.”

Zara McDermott and Sam Thompson.
Instagram/Zara McDermott
Sam and Zara dated for five years[/caption]

Read More »

‘It was a tough time but I’m ready to move forward’, says England ace Chloe Kelly ahead of second Arsenal debut

Chloe Kelly of Arsenal Women's team during training.
LONDON COLNEY, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 14: Chloe Kelly of Arsenal during the Arsenal Women’s training session at Sobha Realty Training Centre on February 14, 2025 in London Colney, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Getty

CHLOE KELLY vows she has moved on from the “dark time” that led her to leaving Manchester City for a temporary Arsenal move. 

The Gunners loan star hopes the London club, where she began her senior playing career, can keep their “foot on the gas” in their chase for silverware. 

Alessia Russo and Chloe Kelly of Arsenal Women's football team during a training session.
Getty
Chloe Kelly is in line to make her second debut for Arsenal following her January loan move to the club[/caption]
Arsenal Women's coach Aaron D'Antino with Chloe Kelly and Frida Maanum at training.
Getty
The England forward joined the Gunners on loan from Manchester City and hopes to get more game time after making one top-flight start so far this season[/caption]
Arsenal Women celebrating a goal.
EPA
Kelly and her Arsenal team-mates are due to play Tottenham at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon with a crowd of more than 50,000 expected at the match[/caption]

It was on January 30 this year, the  final day for player transfers between Women’s Super League clubs this winter, that Kelly learned Arsenal wanted to sign her. 

On that date the forward, 27,  whose team hosts Tottenham tomorrow, spent some time at a driving range with her husband Scott whom she married last August. 

Arsenal’s WSL rivals Brighton and Manchester United were also battling for her signature before the Gunners’ dramatic late bid.

Kelly, who was practicing golf on transfer deadline day, hopes to help the club emerge as big hitters in the battle for trophies in the final stretch of this term. 

Her switch to the north London giants from fourth-placed City was revealed by the club just three minutes before the 11pm deadline for WSL player moves. 

It was out of my hands of what was going to be accepted. But it was definitely exciting when Arsenal called.

Chloe Kelly

And tomorrow, 17 days on from her sealing a return to the Gunners, the forward could be set to play when the third-placed club host Tottenham at the Emirates. 

Reflecting on the moment she learned of Arsenal’s interest, Kelly said: “He (my husband) was sat playing FIFA and he said, ‘let’s go and just get out the house’ 

“So we went to the driving range and Arsenal contacted (my agent) and there were great conversations. 

“I remember calling my family straight away to tell them.

“My brother went upstairs, put his Arsenal shirt on. I felt my family were really excited for the move as well, which put a smile on my face.”

Kelly’s move has seen her join some of her England pals who play for Arsenal. 

Her fellow national team stars at the club are Lioness skipper Leah Williams, defender Lotte Wubben-Moy, forward Beth Mead and striker Alessia Russo.  

When asked if any of her Gunners and England pals had spoken to her once they heard of the Gunners’ dramatic bid, Kelly added: “They were all messaging me

“They had seen the news that I could be coming and they were like, ‘are you coming?’ 

“It was quite short one-word answers (in reply) to them like, ‘I don’t know, we’ll see’. 

“But as soon as I stepped into the changing room, I felt such warmth and the girls have been incredible.

“It was out of my hands of what was going to be accepted etc; 

“But it was definitely excited when Arsenal did call.

“That’s somewhere where I grew up playing and where I learned so much in my trade. 

“I’m really excited to give back to this club because they’ve given me an opportunity to put a smile on my face and also to play the game that we love.”

Kelly’s return to the side where she made her breakthrough at a senior level at 17, was preceded by her releasing an explosive and candid public statement. 

In it the Lioness expressed her desire to “be happy again” and described concerns of her “dreams being crushed” after struggling for game time at City this term.

The London-born forward hopes to regain a place in England’s squad ahead this year’s Euros. 

But the first five months of this term saw her opportunities to start for Gareth Taylor’s City side limited. 

So far this season, the scorer of England’s’ tournament-winning goal at the 2022 Euros has started in one WSL fixture. 

This in contrast to her 18 top-flight starts out of 21 games in the previous campaign during which the Cityzens took the title race to the wire before finishing second on goal difference. 

This Sunday, against Tottenham, Kelly could potentially be named in a first XI line-up of a top tier fixture for the first time since October 6.

Back then her last first team outing in the league was during a 2-0 Man City defeat of West Ham. 

It was a relief that I had spoken in how I needed to speak and whether my move got over the line or not. 

Chloe Kelly

On how this season has at times felt for her due to the lack of match action, Kelly said: “It’s been tough mentally. It’s been draining at times. 

“But I’m a professional and I know I hold myself to a high level, but I think as a human, it was a tough time for me and I’m ready to move forward now.

Kelly’s statement was issued with the forward entering the final months of her contract with Man City. 

Her current deal with her parent club is due to expire in June with the player becoming a free agent then.

Of her mindset at certain points this term and how she felt about issuing a public statement, Kelly added: “It was still a dark time for me because I didn’t know how my future looked.

“It was a relief that I had spoken in how I needed to speak and whether my move got over the line or not. 

“I was grateful to be able to share my words.”

Despite the acrimony that surrounded her loan move away from City, Kelly is grateful for the special moments shared with her team-mates there and the club’s supporters. 

Since joining the Cityzens in 2020 after four years at Everton, Kelly has lifted an FA Cup and Women’s League Cup. 

The 48-capped England ace said: “I’m very grateful for the memories I created at the club and the relationships I built with amazing players

“I went there for success and won a couple of trophies as well so I’m very grateful for the opportunity to represent the badge.

“Sometimes in life you can’t write the future, but you can always make sure that you’re the best person every day

“I try to be the best professional and the best person every day for my team-mates and that was really important for me as a human being but as a team-mate too.”

Kelly’s recovery from a knee ligament tear sustained in May 2021 was followed by the forward’s inclusion in Sarina Wiegman’s England squad for the Euros a year later. 

The Lionesses’ historic triumph in the tournament;s final marked an international high point. 

Three England women's football players celebrating a goal.
PA
Chloe Kelly hopes to earn a place in Sarina Wiegman’s England squad for this year’s Euros with the Lionesses targeting a second tournament triumph[/caption]

Her memorable close-range finish sealed a 2-1 Wembley victory over Germany in front of a record crowd of 87,192. 

Earlier this week Wiegman revealed Kelly had been dropped from the national squad ahead of their Women’s Nations League duels with Portugal and Spain this month. 

However the Lioness boss suggested the door was not closed on Kelly potentially returning to the national side. 

And with another European Championship on the horizon, and England targeting back-to-back contest wins, she intends to give Wiegman a selection headache. 

The Arsenal forward added “It’s everyone’s dream to play for England but it’s not a given so I need to work and I need to get back on the pitch and show what I’m capable of before that. 

“Sarina has been incredible throughout the process.

“I’m excited to hopefully be at my best here (Arsenal) to be able to put the shirt on that I enjoy doing so much.”

Before her Arsenal return, Kelly’s last goal in a Gunners shirt was netted in June 2017 when she scored against Bristol City. 

Sunday could see her back in WSL action for the Gunners making her second debut for the club at the Emirates in the North London derby. 

Renee Slegers’ side are eager to try and gain ground on league toppers Chelsea who have a nine-point advantage

Kelly added:  “I’m ready for the fight again and to show what I’m capable of. 

Arsenal Ladies player heading a soccer ball.
Getty
Chloe Kelly’s last appearance for Arsenal against Tottenham was back in March 2017 when the team won an FA Cup fifth round duel[/caption]

“I’m really looking forward to stepping out and hearing the noise from our fans. 

“I’ve been involved in being around the squad for the last three games, the last two games at home. 

“It’s been amazing to hear the fans and they really get behind the girls.

Read More »

Jet2 plane makes emergency landing after passenger dies on flight from Tenerife to Nottingham as flight diverts to Spain

A JET2 plane was forced to make an emergency landing after a holidaymaker died onboard.

The aircraft, flying from Tenerife to the UK, was forced to divert to the Spanish mainland on Friday evening after a passenger suffered fatal medical emergency.

Empty airport check-in counters.
The plane was diverted to Santiago de Compostela airport, Spain
The plane made an emergency landing on the Spanish mainland soon after taking off from Tenerife
The plane made an emergency landing on the Spanish mainland soon after taking off from Tenerife

The nationality of the passenger isn’t known, but he was reported to be in his 70s.

The plane, bound for Nottingham, took off from the Canary Island at 7:05pm when an emergency was declared, island newspaper Diario de Avisos reported this morning.

The crew of flight LS676 alerted air traffic control that a man on board was suffering a severe medical emergency and needed urgent attention.

The plane was forced land at Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport to get the man into the care of the emergency services.

Despite immediate treatment on hand, the man was sadly pronounced dead upon arrival on the runway.

The local paper reported: “A flight covering the Tenerife South-Nottingham route has been diverted on Friday afternoon to Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport due to the indisposition of a passenger, who has finally died.

“The flight crew reported that they had a passenger with significant medical problems on board and need to be urgently diverted to the Compostela airport (on the Spanish mainland).

“An ambulance from the Galician Health Emergency Service-061 was sent to the terminal in the Galician capital, whose medical staff confirmed the death of a man in his 70s.”

Jet2 Boeing 737 airplane in flight.
Getty
Flight LS676 took off from Tenerife at 7:05pm and was bound for Nottingham[/caption]

Read More »

I am in awe of Lindsay Burrow’s strength and resilience – those caring for family members shoulder unimaginable burdens

PRINCE William spoke of the  “unimaginable burdens” carried out by carers like Lindsey Burrow after his own wife’s cancer battle.

The Prince surprised MND sufferer Rob and teammate Kevin Sinfield with CBEs at Headingley Stadium, the home of the Leeds Rhinos in January 2023.

Prince William presenting Rob Burrow with a CBE medal.
AFP
Prince William surprised Rob Burrow with a CBE during a visit to Headingly Stadium in January 2023[/caption]
Prince William presenting an award to Rob Burrow.
Reuters
In the forward, William opens up above the ‘unimaginable burdens’ shouldered by family members looking after their loved ones[/caption]
Lindsay and Rob Burrow, with Lindsay Burrow sitting beside her husband.
Richard Walker
The future King has written a moving forward to Lindsey Burrow’s new memoir, Take Care[/caption]

The future king was so moved by the meeting that he has written a foreword for Lindsey’s book, Take Care, in which he talks about processing “difficult and life-changing news.”

It comes after Princess Kate, 43, last month revealed she is in remission from cancer after chemotherapy treatment. 

The Prince writes:  “Despite the advanced nature of Rob’s condition, I was struck by the incredible strength, positivity and resilience of Lindsey. 

“Rob told me that Lindsey was far tougher than any of the men he had played with, or against, over the years. 

“I know that I am not alone in feeling great admiration for how she has kept going in the face of such adversity. 

Lindsey’s unwavering love for and dedication to her husband has been plain to see, both throughout his illness and following his tragic passing

Prince William

“Coming to terms with such a horrific diagnosis, delivered at a time when the family were looking forward to the next chapter of their lives following Rob’s retirement, must have been almost too much to bear. 

“Lindsey’s unwavering love for and dedication to her husband has been plain to see, both throughout his illness and following his tragic passing. “

The prince talks of his awe for Lindsey who “continued to work while raising their three young children and, crucially, supporting them to understand and process such difficult and life-changing news. 

“Those caring for family members themselves shoulder unimaginable burdens. 

Prince William with Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield at Headingley Stadium.
PA
The Prince also presented Kevin Sinfield with a CBE during his visit to the Leeds Rhinos home ground[/caption]
Rob Burrow and his wife Lindsey at an investiture ceremony, where he received an MBE.
AFP
Rob Burrow received an MBE at Windsor Castle two years before his passing[/caption]
Newlywed couple in a car.
Getty
Rob Burrow passed away in June last year after an almost five-year-long battle with Motor Neuron Disease[/caption]

“Their selflessness, kindness and compassion for others dramatically reduces pressure on our services, but the work they carry out is often behind closed doors and therefore sadly under-recognised. 

“Throughout Rob’s illness, the family’s openness about their experiences will have helped countless others, not only through raising the profile of MND and the funds to fight it, but also by helping those going through similar situations to know that they are not alone.”

TAKE CARE: A Memoir of Love, Family & Never Giving Up by Lindsey Burrow, published by Century on 27th February at £22.00 Copyright © Lindsey Burrow 2025

Read More »

World’s best female chef to shut double Michelin-starred restaurant TODAY in abrupt end to ‘unforgettable’ chapter

CHEF Anne-Sophie Pic is closing the doors to her double Michelin-starred restaurant today.

Known as the world’s best female chef, Anne-Sophie called her time at La Dame de Pic an “unforgettable” chapter.

Chef Anne-Sophie Pic at an Electrolux event.
Getty - Contributor
Anne-Sophie is behind a string of Michelin-starred restaurants across the world[/caption]

Anne-Sophie, who is behind a string of Michelin-starred restaurants across the world, launched the French restaurant in Tower Bridge in 2016.

The prestigious London restaurant is located inside the Four Seasons’ Hotel.

Group Pic, who represent the chef, and the hotel group previously announced they had agreed to “conclude their partnership”.

In a statement they said: “We are incredibly proud of the two-Michelin-star dining experience we created at La Dame de Pic, delivering exceptional dining and unforgettable moments to all.

“We are incredibly proud of the two-Michelin-star dining experience we created at La Dame de Pic, delivering exceptional dining and unforgettable moments to all.”

La Dame de Pic received its first Michelin star in 2018 and a second just two years later.

The restaurant also secured four-AA-rosettes – an award which recognises excellent cuisine – in 2024.

Anne-Sophie’s food was lauded by judges who called the dishes “stunning” and “classic”.

Her restaurant was also highly praised for its “superb technical execution” and “first-class, seasonal produce”.

Her success with La Dame de Pic followed acclaim in France, where she has a three-Michelin starred restaurant called Pic.

Pic, a family restaurant based in Valence, won its stars under her grandfather Andre in 1934. These were later reinstated when her father took over.

Anne-Sophie’s closure is the latest casualty to the hospitality industry as dozens of celebrity and Michelin-starred chefs’ businesses go under.

Gordon Ramsay’s burger restaurant in Kensington shut suddenly after it was plagued by bad reviews.

The windows of Street Burger were boarded up and the eatery is set to be replaced by a rival restaurant.

Even BBC MasterChef judges haven’t been saved amid a spate of shocking closures as the hospitality industry feels extra pressure this year.

Marco Pierre White,  Simon Rimmer and Tony Rodd, to name a few, won over viewers’ hearts on screen – but when it comes to running their own restaurant chains, things haven’t always been as smooth.

One of those closures is Gordon’s protege and TV star Mark Sargeant, 51, has been forced to close down his restaurant in Kent.

The chef announced the news in an email sent to loyal customers.

As seen by Kent Online, the message read: “It is with deep regret that we announce the closure of The Restaurant MS.

“This decision, made after careful consideration, has not been easy.

“However, the challenging market conditions and an unpredictable future have compelled us to take this step.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our valued customers, dedicated employees, and supportive suppliers for their unwavering support since our inception, as we could not have achieved this journey without each of you.”

Another email from bosses read: “All voucher holders will be contacted shortly.

Anne-Sophie Pic, female chef, in her Paris restaurant kitchen.
AFP - Getty
Anne-Sophie’s restaurant is in Tower Bridge, London[/caption]

Read More »

Woman sexually assaulted by stranger on bus during rush hour as passenger forced to intervene

A WOMAN was sexually assaulted by a stranger on a town centre bus as cops launch an urgent probe.

The victim was targeted after boarding at Bolton interchange bus station, in Greater Manchester, on January 22 at around 7.15am.

Bolton Interchange bus station entrance.
The victim was assaulted after she boarded a bus at Bolton interchange bus station

She was on the 607 service when a man and another woman hopped on at the second stop.

The man sat next to her before launching his vile attack.

Greater Manchester Police said the another woman witnessed the horror and helped the victim off the bus.

The force are now looking for the woman who stepped in during the assault for information.

Officers are also keen to speak to anyone who may be able to help with their investigation.

A GMP spokesperson said: “On Wednesday 22 January, at around 7:15am, a woman got on the 607 bus at #Bolton Interchange. At the second stop, a man and another woman also boarded the bus.

“It’s believed that the man sat next to the first woman before he sexually assaulted her.

“Thankfully, the second woman witnessed the incident and interjected, before helping the victim exit the bus.

“Police are now appealing for the woman who assisted the victim and anyone else who may have witnessed the incident to come forward, any information you have may assist with the progression of the investigation.

“If you have any information, or you are the woman who kindly assisted to please contact us on 101 quoting log 570 of 22/01/25.”

Read More »