Warzone Season 2 Reloaded brings more weapons and a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles collab alongside quality of life changes.
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When is Warzone Season 2 Reloaded? TMNT collab, new weapons & everything we know
Greedy Prince Andrew’s ‘ILLEGAL’ dodgy deals could bring down monarchy – he must be held to account, expert slams
GREEDY Prince Andrew’s dodgy deals could bring down the monarchy – and he must be held to account, an expert has slammed.
The disgraced Duke of York has come to a commercial agreement with Dutch-based firm Startupbootcamp (SBC) to use contacts he made from his Pitch@Palace initiative which could earn him millions.
Under the agreement, the Prince, 64, is paid for each deal SBC strikes in territories worldwide.
Royal author and former Home Office minister Norman Baker told The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show what Andrew has done is “out of order” and may well be illegal.
He said the data the duke is selling off doesn’t belong to him personally, but to the entrepreneurs the scheme was supposed to benefit.
Mr Baker said: “For him now to sell it off, is disreputable, it’s improper, it maybe illegal, and I intend to file a complaint with the Information Commission to suggest he’s breaking data protection laws by using information given for one purpose for an entirely different one.”
The expert added: “Prince Andrew has been interested in Prince Andrew and nothing else he might have been representing, such as the Royal Family.
“I’m afraid he’s a sleazeball… and he needs to be held to account for that.”
Officials from SBC pitched the moneymaking idea to Buckingham Palace officials last summer before the deal with Andrew was agreed.
Weeks later, the King pulled his £1million annual funding for his brother, who he had been trying to evict from Royal Lodge.
But Andrew has remained at his Windsor home and Palace sources have said they received assurances about his funding streams.
A source said: “He will earn money from each deal SBC secures from his Pitch@Palace work and the windfall will help enable him to hold on to Royal Lodge.
“It is a way of exploiting the enviable business links he has secured over the years.”
This is the first time Andrew has been known to do any work since he stepped down as a working royal before being stripped of his titles by the late Queen three years ago.
Scandal-hit Andrew had stepped away from the Pitch@Palace scheme, which matched entrepreneurs with investors, after his “car crash” Newsnight interview over links to dead paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Mr Baker fumed: “Pitch@Palace was setup – and people engaged in that, companies, individuals, because they wanted to help start up businesses.
“They wanted to make sure entrepreneurs were assisted. They wanted to make sure the UK benefited as a country.
“It didn’t join up to give Andrew a source of private income.
“It was seen as a government, a public initiative. Buckingham Palace was used for this purpose.”
He added: “We can’t trust Prince Andrew and we haven’t been able to trust him for about 20 years, back to the time he was Britain’s Trade Envoy.
“It’s very clear from his engagements in that time – he was acting not for Britain, he was acting for himself.
“He was doing private deals on the side, getting commission from dodgy dictators for particular activities at that stage.”
Mr Baker referred to Andrew intending to take a two percent commission for deals which led to some people being “horrified”, before pulling out.
Kauan von Novack, CEO of Startupbootcamp said: “Our mission is to help entrepreneurs to create the change the world needs.
“We see immense value in the network built up by Pitch@Palace.”
A Palace source said: “Buckingham Palace officials have neither reviewed nor approved the details of any financial arrangements between the Duke or his advisers and any third party.”
The Duke of York was approached for comment.
EastEnders legend SLAMS his ‘disappointing’ soap exit – and reveals if bosses asked him to return for 40th anniversary
AN EastEnders legend slammed his ‘disappointing’ soap exit – and revealed if bosses asked him to return for the 40th anniversary.
The show’s impressive milestone has seen a number of past characters brought back on-screen.
Michael Greco played Beppe di Marco in the BBC soap from 1998 to 2002.
Over two decades on, the 54-year-old addressed his character’s low-key exit from Albert Square.
He told FruitySlots.com: “There were circumstances that prevented me from having a bigger send off, I won’t go into them as it’s water under the bridge.
“But I just left in a cab, didn’t I? I said goodbye to Lynn in the cafe and then had a packet of crisps and drove to Leicester. “
The Di Marco family were introduced to EastEnders as rivals to the Mitchell clan.
Alongside Beppe, the line-up also included brother Gianni (Marc Bannerman) and younger sisters Teresa (Leila Birch) and Nicky (Carly Hillman).
Of the family, it was Beppe who ultimately lasted the longest in Walford.
Elsewhere in his chat, Michael addressed whether he had ever been asked to return – especially in light of the 40th anniversary.
Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) and Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) are among the familiar faces who have reappeared.
Michael revealed: “I left over 20 years ago and there hasn’t been a day they’ve contacted my agent to ask me to come back.
“That’s fine. I don’t have any ties to any of the characters. There’s no link to bring me back.
“If the writers wanted you back they would create something.”
Continuing, Michael added: “One of the writers, Lilie Ferrari, who created the family originally, has always wanted the family to come back but it’s not going to happen.
“They’ve brought back a lot of people for the 40th anniversary just to dip their toe in.
“I haven’t been asked so if it was going to happen, it would have. I don’t think it ever will.”
He concluded: “It’s one of those things that it would be great to go back to but I don’t see it happening.”
EastEnders continues on BBC One and iPlayer.
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.
Coming up this year…
Ross Kemp – Kemp will reprise his role as 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 40th anniversary celebration include: A wedding between fan favorites, A huge explosion at the Queen Vic, and A live interactive episode.
Poundland shoppers are going wild for adorable Jellycat dupes but they cost much less
POUNDLAND shoppers are going wild for adorable Jellycat dupes that cost much less than the originals.
The cute toys are attracting legions of fans and they’re set to be even cheaper from next week.
The soft toys are available in Poundland stores nationwide for £3 each.
But, from next week shoppers will be able to pick up two up for £5.
The toys come in a number of cute designs similarly to their original Jellycat counterparts.
These include popcorn buckets, mustard pots, mushrooms, sweetcorn ears and broccoli florets.
And, they all have names including Colin, Stan, Blake, Jenny, Heidi, Olsen, Erin, Gail and Bobby.
Shoppers have been going wild for the toys since pictures were posted to the Extreme Couponing and Bargains Facebook Group.
One said: “So cute!”
Another added: “I NEED THEM ALL.”
A third said: “I need every single one of these.”
Another said: “I want them all.”
The toys come in far cheaper than the originals. For example Jellycat’s broccoli toy is priced at £18 and its popcorn toy at £28.
Poundland is not the first retailer to stock a range of Jellycat dupes – Aldi, Lidl and Tesco have all unveiled their own collections in recent weeks.
Aldi’s set of six soft toys have been available in stores from January 30 for £3.99.
Meanwhile Lidl has launched a £2.99 Jellycat dupe in popular designs including a croissant.
And Tesco launched a special Valentine’s Day range with prices starting from £4 each.
The dupes come after British toy company, Jellycats, swept the internet by storm with people paying hundreds of pounds for just one.
Multiple social media creators have posted hauls from the store with thousands of posts under the relevant hashtag on TikTok and Instagram.
Its line of “vivacious” vegetable toys were even endorsed by Kylie Jenner back in 2020.
What to watch out for when buying toys online
HERE are the British Toy and Hobby Association's top tips for buying toys online:
- Shop early. Don’t leave purchases to the last minute rush which might leave you fewer options of where to buy from.
- Check out third-party sellers. Look for sellers you recognise and trust. Be cautious of retailers you don’t know and do your research checking reviews and where they’re based.
- Go for branded toys. Try and choose a branded toy as then you can compare it to the manufacturer’s own website to check it’s legit.
- Be careful of going for the cheapest price. If something looks too good to be true, it probably is.
- Check if there are any age restrictions. Make sure you give suitable toys to children based on their age.
- Check reviews carefully. Some reviews are fake so look carefully at the comments.
- Stay with children at first. When your child opens a toy for the first time, stay with them and check for faults, detachable small parts, access to stuffing and loose or accessible batteries or magnets.
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
We were charged £38k by council because we MISSED an email – we broke small print ‘rule’ & are facing unfair punishment
A COUPLE have been charged £38,000 by their council after missing an email while building their dream home.
Ruth Pitt and her husband began building a downsized home in 2020, but the week they received planning permission coincided with a series of devastating events.
Mr Pitt was diagnosed with dementia and, at the same time, she missed an email stating she needed to inform the district council when they had started their build.
She then received a demand for £38,000 for getting the paperwork wrong and threatened with seizure or prison if she did not pay.
Mrs Pitt told the BBC: “I actually couldn’t believe it when I opened the email – it made me feel physically sick.
“We were already under pressure to keep our project under budget and then we get this huge demand out of the blue with very draconian measures to collect it.
“If I’d committed some sort of serious crime or had a misdemeanour, I could appeal against that but I cannot appeal against the CIL – they will not allow an appeal.”
A Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a charge that local authorities can impose on new developments in their area.
The CIL applies to all proposals that add 100m squared of new floorspace or an extra dwelling.
The amount paid is the increase in floorspace per metre-squared multiplied by the rate in the CIL charging schedule.
Horsham District Council said: “We can’t comment on individual cases but its important to recognise the council must consider any CIL matters in accordance with national legislation.
“There are areas of the legislation where the council has no discretion to make a different decision if due process wasn’t followed.”
Leader of the Council, Martin Boffey added: “In the light of recent queries about our process we will revisit our CIL procedure to see if there are any areas where we can make improvements.
“I sympathise with people both locally and nationally who must suffer a huge shock when they receive large CIL bills that they are not expecting.
“At present, the Council’s hands are tied to a large extent by national legislation, so I am keen to work with our MPs to get changes made to the law to prevent these issues arising in future.”
The issue comes after the leader of West Berkshire Council Jeff Brooks said he reimbursed a couple who were accidentally charged by the local authority.
He dubbed CIL charges for homeowners across the UK “a national scandal”, adding that HDC is in the “wrong”.
Mr Brooks said he has emailed Martin Boffey, the leader of HDC, and offered to show him how they paid people back.
It comes after a retired couple from Godalming were given a £70,000 CIL charge after they replaced an existing house extension.
Independent planning consultant Alex Bateman said the complicated exemption process is “tripping a lot of people up”.
Meanwhile, homeowners in one street say they’ve been threatened with fines for parking outside their own homes.
Residents in a Southampton estate say they are at risk of being hit with penalties after their council painted double yellow lines right outside their properties.
Tommy Fury takes Molly-Mae on romantic night away as couple reunite for Valentine’s Day
TOMMY Fury is whisking Molly-Mae Hague on a romantic night away for Valentine’s Day.
The newly reunited couple hired a babysitter to take care of their daughter Bambi, so they could get some alone time.
It comes after the Love Island star revealed in her new warts-and-all Prime Video documentary, Molly Mae: Behind It All, that Tommy’s problems with alcohol were behind their split.
Despite Molly-Mae’s friends and family not being happy about them giving it another go, Tommy hopes their trip is another step towards getting their relationship back on track.
A source told The Sun: “Tommy’s pulling out all the stops and whisking Molly away for a night to somewhere they’ve stayed before in happier times.
“He’s clearly hoping it’ll work its magic on Valentine’s night and she’ll remember how happy they used to be”
Molly’s rep had no comment when contacted by The Sun.
Today, Tommy’s luxury Mercedes 4×4 was pictured at Molly’s £3.5m Cheshire mansion to spend Valentine’s Day morning together
We first revealed the couple were getting back together when they shared a kiss on New Year’s Eve.
However her decision to take him back did not gone down well with her family, notably her sister Zoe – who has urged Molly-Mae to move on with her life without Tommy.
She fears Molly-Mae is going to end up embarrassed and heartbroken all over again.
But the 25-year-old entrepreneur has clapped back at concerns over the reunion, saying: “What others think about my relationship is not my concern.”
“Molly-Mae’s family and friends saw the hell he put her through and they’re horrified that his feet are back under the table,” a friend told The Sun.
“Just six months ago she confided in them that she was expecting other women to come out of the woodwork, as well as saying his drinking had pushed them to the brink.
“Now she’s back in Tommy’s arms and it all appears to be moving so quickly.
“Molly-Mae’s closest friends and members of her family think this is a terrible idea and that it is all going to end in tears again.
“Zoe is fiercely protective and will never forget what Tommy put her through, let alone forgive him
“They have been waving the red flags but Molly-Mae is staunchly independent and is pushing on regardless.
“As far as she is concerned, Tommy is the love of her life and the story ends with them being together. No matter what.
“It is a nightmare for those around her to watch. They fear it will crash and burn. For them it’s not a case of if it implodes again, it’s a case of when.”
Hit Channel 4 property series hosted by I’m A Celeb star to return for third series
CHANNEL 4’s property transformation series Worst House on the Street is officially returning for a third season.
The show is fronted by sibling property experts Scarlette and Stuart Douglas.
They are known for performing makeovers that turn dilapidated properties into dream homes, all without breaking the bank.
Following two successful seasons, Channel 4 has confirmed that production is underway for another installment of the renovation series.
Show bosses posted a callout for possible participants, saying: “Channel 4 property series, Worst House On The Street is looking for property renovations.
“Have you bought a fixer upper? Want some expert help to maximise your renovation and the value of your home?
“Get in touch! Email [email protected]”
The show sees Scarlette and Stuart guide homeowners through the daunting process of revamping their properties.
Meanwhile, the hosts providing viewers with valuable tips to make their own money go further in the renovation process.
The previous seasons have been packed with emotional highs and lows as homeowners faced unexpected structural issues, rising costs, and tight deadlines.
In one particularly dramatic episode Scarlette was visibly shocked to discover massive holes in the ground and an overwhelming damp stench in a Nottingham-based property.
“I just want to leave,” she admitted at the time.
Despite the initial setbacks, the couple taking on the renovation managed to transform their house into a modern and stylish family home in just 14 weeks.
Both the show hosts and viewers at home were left amazed by the final reveal.
Fans flooded social media with praise, calling it the “best transformation yet”.
Scarlette Douglas made her telly debut as a presenter on A Place in the Sun between 2015 to 2022.
However, she is became more recognised after her stint on I’m A Celebrity in 2022.
She only survived 15 days in the jungle, and was the third contestant to exit the camp.
Coronation Street fans beg bosses to axe heartbreaking dementia storyline with petition signed by thousands of viewers
CORONATION Street fans have begged bosses to axe a heartbreaking dementia storyline – and have even created an online petition.
Viewers were left stunned when it was revealed last year how the legendary character was being killed off.
Debbie Webster will embark on a dementia storyline – with it culminating in her tragic death.
The character, played by Sue Devaney, first appeared on the Weatherfield cobbles in 1984.
Following the news, Coronation Street fans have furiously backed a petition calling for bosses to make a sharp U-turn on their plans to axe Sue.
The petition has passed 1,300 signatures at the time of publication, with the number continuing to grow.
Its organiser says: “We, the fans, are urging ITV to reconsider this idea.
“Debbie is not just a character, she represents the warmth, humour and resilience that Coronation Street has been celebrated for since its inception.
“By giving Debbie a cruel, long-running dementia storyline, followed by her death, the show risks alienating its most loyal audience.”
Flocking to social media, one fan said: “I still cannot believe we are losing Debbie Webster!! This character gives us so much.”
A second wrote: “Debbie Webster being killed off is arguably one of #Corrie’s biggest mistakes this year. She’s been brilliant entertainment these past few episodes.“
“I know #Corrie have confirmed that they’re doing the Debbie Webster dementia storyline everyone hates but I’m still in disbelief – especially with Abi having PTSD & Kevin having testicular cancer. Why are they giving an illness storyline to every Webster adult at the same time,” said a third.
A fourth blasted: “Don’t get rid of Debbie, she is carrying the whole show.”
Corrie cash crisis: shock exits for 2025
ITV bosses are locked in a battle to save the cash-strapped soap.
This means that a number of stars have either been axed from or have abandoned the long-running serial drama.
Colson Smith – Craig Tinker
The character of Craig Tinker has been axed by bosses after 14 years. After he was told of the news in Autumn 2024, Colson Smith confirmed that would be written out of the show with scenes to air later this year. Craig’s on-screen mum, Beth Tinker, also left the show in the summer when actress Lisa George was written out from the role.
Sue Cleaver – Eileen Grimshaw
After 25 years playing Eileen Grimshaw, former I’m A Celebrity campmate Sue Cleaver will quit the show. The Sun on Sunday reported in January that she’s already begun to film her exit scenes. However the character will not be killed off in case Sue opts to make a return in the future.
Luca Toolan – Mason Radcliffe
Bosses decided to axe the teenage character after just 16 months after he first joined the show. Recent scenes saw Mason stabbed by his criminal brothers after his pal Dylan brought a knife in an attempt to defend him.
Sue Devaney – Debbie Webster
In November 2024, we revealed that Debbie Webster is set to be killed off after 40 years on the cobbles. The character will die as part of a heartbreaking long-running dementia storyline.
Charlotte Jordan – Daisy Midgeley
The actress became the fifth star to leave Coronation Street in just one month. We revealed that she will bow out of the ITV soap later this year after four years on-screen. Charlotte told sources that she’s hungry to see what other opportunities await.
Shelley King – Yasmeen Metcalfe
The actress has played Yasmeen Metcalfe on the cobbles for the past 11 years and we revealed in January that she finished filming her final scenes. This follows the departure of her on-screen partner Stu Carpenter.
Rachel Reeves insists ‘I was never questioned’ over expenses after claims Chancellor ‘used money for handbags & perfume’
DEFIANT Rachel Reeves says she was “never questioned” over claims she was subjected to an expenses probe when she worked in retail banking.
The Chancellor hit back at accusations that she had been investigated along with two colleagues over claims for items such as handbags and perfume.
She insisted her expenses had been submitted and then approved “in the proper way” while she worked at Halifax Bank of Scotland between 2006 and 2009.
Ms Reeves insisted that “no one ever raised any concerns” while she was with the bank and that people should judge her on her record as Chancellor.
She said: “I submitted, had processed and had my expenses signed off in the proper way as you would expect, and no issues were ever raised during my time at Halifax Bank of Scotland.”
She added: “I was never questioned, never asked to pay back any expenses.”
The BBC who reported the claims said an initial inquiry suggested they appeared to have broken the bank’s rules but it was unclear what happened next.
The purchases were made using “motivation cards” which allowed staff to reward high-performing colleagues and also expenses claims.
David Sorensen, a lawyer who acted for the Chancellor when she left the bank, said she was not subject to “allegations of wrongdoing or misconduct” during her career there.
He was responsible for overseeing “a standard-style agreement adopted by the company when a mutually agreed exit was made during the bank’s restructure”.
HR manager Jane Wayper, whose LinkedIn page says she left in 2008, said she would have been made aware of any issues in her position.
Ms Wayper said; “I would have been made aware of any investigation which concluded there was a case to answer.
“I would have been required to organise and oversee a disciplinary process. This did not happen.”
Match for Hope 2025 LIVE SCORE: Chunz x IShowSpeed vs KSI x AboFlah face-off in HUGE charity match – latest updates
THE Match for Hope is here – and there are some MASSIVE names taking part in Qatar!
Team Chunkz x IShowSpeed will go head-to-head with Team KSI x AboFlah in a blockbuster charity match.
Last year, the match raised $8.8MILLION for charity, helping an estimated 70,000 school children in countries around the world.
Football legends such as Thierry Henry, Andres Iniesta and David Silva will feature alongside some of the biggest names on the internet.
- Kick off time: 5pm GMT/8pm local time
- FREE live stream: Chunkz’s official YouTube channel
- Team Chunkz x IShowSpeed: Thogden, Tobi Brown, Harry Pinero, Manny Brown, AJ Shabeel, Andres Iniesta, David Silva, IShowSpeed, Chunkz, Taiyo, Kimura, Eman SV2.
- Team KSI x AboFlah: David Vujanic, KSI, Danny Aarons, Angry Ginge, Miniminter, Andrea Pirlo, Alessandro Del Piero, Musaed Al Fouzan, Billy Wingrove, AboFlah, Thierry Henry.
- Donate to Education Above All Foundation
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