DADS who take paternity leave are being sacked with no legal protection, with 3,700 losing their jobs a year, shocking figures reveal.

Campaigners say the UK’s system is failing fathers, leaving them too scared to take time off to bond with their newborns for fear of losing their livelihoods.

Unlike mothers, who are protected from redundancy during pregnancy and maternity leave, dads taking statutory paternity leave have no such safeguards.

Labour MP Lola McEvoy yesterday told Parliament the lack of legal protection means some fathers “can’t even take what they’re entitled to” because they fear it will cost them their jobs.

She said:  “Fathers, mothers and babies need time together. They need time to bond, time to heal, time to adjust to the earth-shattering experience of becoming a parent together.”

The only way for dads to get redundancy protection is to take shared parental leave, but analysis from campaign group The Dad Shift found fewer than 2 per cent of fathers used it last year.

The group, alongside Pregnant Then Screwed, also found 3,700 fathers lose their jobs after taking statutory paternity leave, despite only being entitled to two measly weeks off – the least generous allowance in Europe.

The figure is based on 2018 modelling by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission, updated using a survey of 5,500 parents and polling on job losses among new fathers.

Ministers have stopped short of backing a legal change in the Employment Rights Bill, despite calls to guarantee redundancy protection from the moment a father tells his employer he is expecting a child until the baby is 18 months old.

A government spokesperson said they are expanding day-one rights for paternity leave and conducting a wider review of statutory parental leave to ensure the system supports working families.

Campaigners say this doesn’t go far enough and are calling for urgent action to protect new dads from being unfairly fired.

One South London mum, Juliette, said her partner was made redundant weeks before their daughter was stillborn, leaving them struggling both financially and emotionally.

She believes the company targeted dads for the chop, as all redundancies in her partner’s department hit men with kids—while younger, child-free staff kept their jobs.

Juliette said: “I haven’t seen anything regarding protecting men from abusive redundancy based on children related leave.”

George Gabriel, co-founder of The Dad Shift, said “the stories of dads losing their jobs for taking just two weeks off to bond with their babies and support their partners are absolutely gut-wrenching.”

ONE of the few professions where a diminutive stature is a massive advantage is horse racing.

Here we get to know the world’s tallest jockey Jack Andrews, whose success just goes to show that anything is possible.

PA

While most jockeys need a leg up to get on a horse, Jack is taller than them[/caption]

Who is Jack Andrews?

Jack Andrews is a professional jockey who’s renowned as the tallest in the world.

Born into a family deeply involved in horse racing, Jack initially wasn’t keen on riding.

However, he discovered his passion as a teenager when he began schooling his parents’ horses.

In horse riding, “schooling” refers to the process of teaching horses to respond to commands, perform specific movements and behave properly under saddle.

But a rapid growth spurt between the ages of 17 and 18 left him thinking a career in the saddle might be just a tall tale.

In spite of his unusual height for the sport, Jack has reached the pinnacle of jump racing.

Dietary challenges

His unusual stature means he faces additional difficulties in maintaining the low weight required.

He follows a strict diet, carefully monitoring his food intake to remain competitive.

In 2023, Jack told Sun Racing: “I don’t know of anyone riding under rules who is taller than me.

“But I’m very self-critical and constantly trying to make myself better, especially with my riding.

“The biggest compliment anyone can give me is that I don’t look big on a horse.

“But for my diet, I have to have a daily routine to keep my weight down. Gaining weight is an issue but I keep it under control.

“I’ll have a coffee on my way to work then a yogurt, fruit and some granola for breakfast.

“Lunch is a yogurt bar and a banana, while dinner is some protein like chicken and another yogurt – I eat every meal, just not a lot.

“That being said, when I have a cheat day and go out I eat properly! I don’t pick salads, that’s for sure. I go all out.”

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Christian and Geri Horner celebrating their horse Lift Me Up winning the Willoughby De Broke Open Hunters’ Chase with Jack on January 20, 2025[/caption]

Height

The 26-year-old stands at an impressive six feet four inches (193 cm).

Jockeys are typically around five feet two inches tall.

This makes Jack over a foot taller than the average pro racing rider.

Point-to-point success

Jack has been particularly successful in point-to-point racing.

He was crowned the national Men’s champion jockey for the 2019/2020 season, which was cut short due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Jack towers over Geri[/caption]

He followed in the footsteps of his older sisters Gina and Bridget, both of whom are former Ladies champions in point-to-point racing.

Cheltenham Festival

Jack made headlines when he first participated in the Cheltenham Festival.

His appearance in 2023 marked him as the tallest jockey to ever race at the historic event.

Riding 66/1 long shot Anightinlambourn in the National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup, he drew attention for both his riding skills and towering presence.

And he’s back for the 2025 Festival, riding Geri and Christian Horner‘s horse Lift Me Up.

Career highlights

Throughout his career, Andrews has shown versatility and skill, riding for various trainers and on different horses.

One of his favourite horses has been Proximo, on which he has won six races.

His success and unique physical attributes have made him an intriguing figure, challenging the stereotypical image of jockeys.

EMMERDALE fans have turned on one of the soap’s most iconic characters, with many calling for him to be axed after more than 26 years on screen.

Marlon Dingle, played by Mark Charnock, has been a fan favourite since 1996, but recent storylines have left viewers branding him “toxic” and “unwatchable”.

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Emmerdale fans are not happy with Marlon Dingle’s character progression[/caption]

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The dad was recently involved in a dark storyline[/caption]

ITV

Because of his involvement with Dylan the boy ended up overdosing on drugs[/caption]

The long-standing character has undergone a drastic personality change in recent episodes as he became consumed with getting rid of April Windsor’s troubled friend Dylan.

Marlon, who has been struggling to reconnect with his daughter since she returned from living on the streets, resorted to planting drugs on Dylan in a desperate bid to force him out of April’s life.

But his plan backfired dramatically when Dylan ended up overdosing – leaving Marlon guilt-ridden and viewers fuming.

Fans of the ITV soap have been vocal about their disappointment, slamming the once lovable chef’s “out of character” actions.

One frustrated viewer fumed on a Digital Spy forum: “This Marlon & April storyline is unwatchable. Both have become toxic, unlikeable characters.”

Another added: “Marlon doesn’t think of the consequences. Can’t stand what they have done to his character. What happened to the funny, approachable Marlon?”

A third agreed: “It is ridiculous and this has annoyed me. I know Marlon can be quite histrionic and not always clear of thinking but this seems so out of character for him.

“I think the real Marlon would be inclined to be much kinder to Dylan than he has been and certainly wouldn’t be planting drugs on him.”

Many fans are struggling to recognise the character they once loved, arguing that his actions go against the moral compass he’s shown for decades.

“Marlon hasn’t acted like this at all previously. It’s only come from this specific storyline,” another disgruntled fan pointed out.

Meanwhile, actor Mark Charnock has admitted that Marlon’s actions are weighing heavily on him.

Speaking about his character’s guilt, he explained: “He immediately regrets it. He just went blind with trying to get rid of [Dylan]. He didn’t think of the consequences.”

AS DANNY Jones picks up the pieces from his drunken kiss with Maura Higgins, things are looking a bit more rosy for his I’m A Celeb co-star.

Despite the career threatening smooch, The Sun can exclusively reveal that Maura, 34, is still raking in a HUGE amount of cash each week.

Not known, clear with picture desk

Maura Higgins is raking in the cash – despite her Danny Jones snog row[/caption]

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The savvy star is making a huge weekly fortune[/caption]

The Sun

Maura and Danny had a brief snog at the Brit Awards[/caption]

Click News and Media

Danny has been left picking up the pieces with wife Geordia[/caption]

Married Danny, 39, and the Love Island star – who met when they both appeared on I’m A Celebrity last year – were caught briefly locking lips at the Brits earlier this month.

The snog has caused a huge fall out, especially for the McFly star’s wife Georgia.

But The Sun can reveal that despite the snog row, Maura is still raking in a whopping £6K a week from flogging fake eyelashes.

The former Islander’s firm, The Flutter Effect, has just posted an impressive set of figures for 2023.

Maura is cashing in on her packs of £5 eyelashes and signed a money-spinning deal with high street giant Primark when she launched her beauty accessories.

Latest figures for her firm The Flutter Effect Ltd – filed to Companies House just days ago – show the outfit has more than £390,000 in cash and £290,000 is held in investments.

Maura had a Corporation Tax bill of almost £60,000 for the 12 months to the end of November 2023 – pointing to taxable profits of five times that figure.

The reality star made a similar amount of profit in 2022, according to her books.

THAT DRUNKEN KISS

The Sun revealed last week how Danny and Maura appeared to kiss at 180 Studios while they were at Universal Music’s official Brit Awards after party.

The pair then left the venue shortly after 3am and travelled to Sony Music’s after party in Nobu Portman Square.

Danny and Maura were filmed holding glasses of red wine inside the posh hotel around 4am.

The singer has remained friends with Maura — single since her split with Towie’s Pete Wicks, 37 — since their time on I’m A Celebrity in December.

Following the snog reports, Danny and wife Georgia left their home in London to discuss what had happened.

Maura was laying low too, before flying to Los Angeles earlier this week for work.

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Maura is making a huge amount of cash from her fake eyelash collection[/caption]

MOVING ON

Yesterday, The Sun told how Danny’s wife Georgia would be standing by him, despite his antics with Maura.

The couple put on a united front as they were seen for the first time, after the drama unfolded.

The Sun told how pals said the couple, who married in August 2014, were determined to move past the scandal and get on with their lives.

A friend close to the couple insisted they were strong and united.

Click News and Media

Danny and his wife Georgia are moving on after the incident[/caption]

They added: “Danny and Georgia took time away together to talk about what happened at the Brits.

“It has been incredibly embarrassing for them both and Danny had a lot of questions to answer.

“Their marriage is strong though and Danny and Georgia just want to move on with their lives now.

“They are a united team and just want to focus on the future.”

A FRESH Love Island All Stars feud has emerged centred on an “embarrassing” TikTok video of winner Casey O’Gorman.

The ITV2 star, who scooped the matchmaking show cash prize with Gabby Allen, 33, opened up on the bizarre social media clip on the Saving Grace podcast.

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Love Island All Stars winner Casey O’Gorman has sparked a new show feud[/caption]

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It came when he was discussing Liv Hawkins’ text scandal reveal[/caption]

YouTube/ Saving Grace

Saving Grace podcast viewers claimed Casey looked ’embarrassed’ after he discussed how Liv had tagged him in a TikTok video[/caption]

Surprise show winners. Casey, 28, and Gabby were addressing fellow All Stars alum Liv Hawkins‘ villa scandal which saw her reignite her feud with model Grace Jackson, 26.

Liv, who had been dumped in the series, returned briefly ahead of the final with a major revelation about the Manchester lass during another eviction ceremony.

In claims dismissed by Grace, Liv said she’d seen text messages from Grace to someone where she’d declared she would “do anything to win the show this time.”

As they discussed the longstanding implications of the text scandal – which was intensified when Messy Mitch Taylor claimed to “expose the messages from Grace” in a social media video – host GK Barry asked if the pair had had contact with Liv.

Casey said no then added: “I saw she made a TikTok about me being her emergency contact.”

He was referring to a playful trend on the social media app which sees people select someone from their phone book to be their emergency contact – yet they pick someone who might not be reliable or available.

Host GK interjected: “I saw that, she got a lot of hate for that too actually.”

Casey replied: “Did she?

“It got a lot of views so fair play.”

Fans on Reddit were equally surprised by Casey’s inclusion.

One wrote of Liv: “Olivia girl……this is getting very embarrassing. Why would she use Casey in the trend when he isn’t even that close to her.

“You can tell, even HE is embarrassed by her behaviour and is confused asf as to why she’d use him and more importantly why she LIED about the screenshots.”

Another put: “Damn Liv copping strays from everywhere (deserved though).”

A third wrote: “She is very weird… I don’t think she has friends irl and is like 30 without ever having a relationship.”

Yet one confessed of the fresh angle to the feud: “I’m kinda over it.”

LIV’S CLAIM

Not holding back on her All Stars comeback, Olivia made her huge reveal.

Ahead of the final, she told the stunned Islanders said: “Erm, so I’ve seen text messages of Grace just saying to someone that she would do whatever it takes to win the show this time.”

Grace, who is coupled up with Luca, looked horrified at Olivia’s comment, before she yelled: “Wait, what? From who?”

Olivia continued: “So I was just a bit confused,” as Grace screamed: “From who?”

Liv reinforced her stance in Monday’s final when grilled by host Maya about the receipts.

Liv was backed by Samie Elishi who agreed “the “everyone” from Love Island All Stars had seen the screenshots.

After the final wrapped, Liv was in tears during a podcast chat when she revealed the “truth” about the texts.

Olivia told the SnatchedByWill podcast the situation had taken its toll on her.

She broke down in floods of tears as she defended herself and said producers begged her to share what she saw.

In a snippet from the interview shared on Instagram, Olivia revealed: “I said this piece of information to producers, and they wanted me to, you know, say what I’ve seen.

“What I will say is, do people really think I would go on national television and lie about something so serious as that?”

Instagram

Liv tagged Casey as her ’emergency contact as she embraced the playful trend on TikTok[/caption]

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She stirred the pot when she claimed Grace Jackson would ‘do anything’ to win All Stars after suggesting she had seen texts sent by Grace of that nature[/caption]

Instagram

Grace has always denied sending the text messages in question[/caption]

FROM high-quality hair dryers to curling wands, the GHD Black Friday sale is one of the best times of the year to bag bargains on beauty items.

So, what’s in store for this year’s sale, and what Black Friday deals can shoppers expect? We’ve got everything you need to know here in our ghd guide.

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The sale typically includes deals on hair straighteners, curling wands, and hot brushes[/caption]

ghd Black Friday sale

Much to the delight of shoppers, in recent years, the brand’s Black Friday deals have included some newer releases, and we’re hoping for similar savings in 2025.

As well as ghd’s website, there are plenty of other retailers that stock the brand, so be sure to shop around to find the best deals.

We recommend checking out LookFantastic, John Lewis, Cult Beauty, Sephora, Amazon, ASOS, Very, Harrods, and Selfridges for other ghd deals this Black Friday.

When is Black Friday 2025?

In 2025, Black Friday falls on November 28 – so make sure to make note, as it’s one sales event you won’t want to miss.

Traditionally Black Friday takes place on the day after Thanksgiving in the United States.

The sales event has since become a global phenomenon, and UK shoppers are now just as eager to bag a bargain. 

Is ghd taking part in Black Friday this year?

We’d expect ghd to announce its participation closer to the Black Friday event, so make sure to keep checking back.

The brand’s Black Friday sale typically includes discounts on hair straighteners, curling wands, and hot brushes.

What to expect from the ghd Black Friday sale 2025

If ghd joins in the Black Friday fun once again, shoppers can expect a mix of percentage-based discounts and special offers on best-selling products.

Bundle gift sets may be also reduced in the sale, which can save you more than buying every item in the hamper separately.

We will keep you updated here as soon as the best Black Friday deals start dropping, so stay tuned.

What was in the ghd Black Friday sale last year?

In 2024, ghd shoppers saved up to 25% on select hair tools.

Popular items like the ghd Glide Hot Brush and the ghd Max Styler were reduced.

There were also gift set savings up for grabs, and shoppers were able to secure a free heat protection spray worth £23.95.

Here are just a few of our favourite Black Friday 2024 deals:

ghd Duet Style

ghd Duet Style £279 (was £379)

The ghd Duet Style took the beauty world by storm when it was released in 2023.

The multi-purpose tool takes hair from wet to styled without causing heat damage thanks to its ultra-concentrated airflow.

Also part of the Duet Style range is the ghd Blowdry Hair Dryer Brush, which was also included in the Black Friday sale.

If you’re after a sleek straight do the Duet Style is the answer, but if a voluminous bouncy blow dry is your preferred look, then the Duet Blowdry Brush is the one.

ghd Max Styler

ghd Max Styler, £169 (was £209)

The brand’s Max Styler features wide plates that are designed to create sleek straight looks in half the time.

Perfect for thick, long, and curly hair, the plates work to tackle frizz while adding shine from the root to the tip.

During last year’s sale, ghd’s Original Hair Straighteners were also reduced from £139 to £119.

ghd Creative Curl Wand Gift Set

ghd Hair Curl Wand Gift Set, £149 (was £169)

The Curl Wand Set is perfect for gifting, and the hair tool also comes with a detangling comb and a heat-resistant bag.

It’s also lightweight to hold and compact to carry, making it a great choice for travelling.

ghd Glide Hot Brush

ghd Glide Hot Brush, £134 (was £179)

Hot brushes have become one of the best-loved hair tools, and the ghd version works to tame and smooth hair effortlessly.

It features a combination of high-density short and long bristles, meaning larger sections of hair can be styled for efficiency.

It is ultra simple to use, just sweep through your hair to tame any frizz or flyaways, and style as you wish.

We’d recommend curving the ends of your hair under like a soft blow dry.

ghd Unplugged Cordless Hair Straightener

ghd Unplugged Cordless Hair Straightener, £199 (was £299)

Not only are the Unplugged straighteners super compact to take on the go day to day, or on holiday, but you are not restricted by the corded wire.

It is simple to use and delivers high power for a sleek straight do, or to create ringlets and curls.

It needs to be fully charged to run for 30 minutes, which is enough time to section your hair and use it all over without getting caught short.

When is Cyber Monday 2025 and is ghd taking part?

Cyber Monday takes place on December 1, 2025.

It is the digital follow-up to Black Friday and the final day to shop deals over the Cyber Weekend.

The brand has yet to confirm its participation, however, ghd has historically extended its Black Friday deals through to Cyber Monday.

How much does shipping cost?

Luckily for customers, ghd offers free UK delivery on all orders.

Free Next Day Delivery is available on all orders placed before 8pm between Monday and Thursday.

All purchases from the official GHD website are covered by the 21-day “no quibble” returns policy (excluding personalised items). 

If you return a product within 21 days of receiving it, you will be granted a full refund.

Prices may vary if you order ghd products from other retailers.

Does ghd offer any other discounts?

New shoppers can benefit from 15% off their first purchase by signing up for the ghd newsletter.

To claim the new member discount, all you have to do is enter your name and email address.

Returning customers can also score savings, with the brand offering £100 off ghd Chronos when you use code UPGRADE and trade in any old ghd straighteners, plus students can save 20% on core stylers.

Stockists such as ASOS and LookFantastic may also offer student discounts or exclusive app deals, so remember to shop around for the best offers.

What retailers stock ghd hair tools?

There are plenty of retailers that stock ghd hair products, both online and in-store.

Typically ghd’s main website has the full collection from the leading brand, as well as limited-edition colourways of popular products, and new releases.

So, if you are looking to buy the latest creations, we recommend checking the website directly to try and secure those goods for less come Black Friday.

However, there are plenty of other stockists to shop ghd products over Black Friday, as well as all year round.

Other retailers include:

• Cult Beauty
• John Lewis
• LookFantastic
• Sally Beauty
• Selfridges
• Very
• Sephora

ghd Black Friday sale

For more beauty deals and sales, news, and reviews check out our dedicated shopping beauty page.

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WE all want to get ourselves some new clothes for springtime, but we’d rather do it without spending a tonne of cash.

Thankfully, a savvy mum has revealed how she saves cash on her wardrobe without compromising on style.

tiktok/@paigejoannaa

Paige revealed how she got her clothes for much cheaper[/caption]

tiktok/@paigejoannaa

The mum could even match with her daughter[/caption]

Paige Joanna, from the UK, took to social media to show off her new spring clothes that she got for a bargain.

And it was all down to a simple hack when shopping at Next.

The mum revealed that she had purchased her daughter some new items and grabbed matching ones for herself by shopping in the kids section.

She said: “I just purchased clothes from the kids section of Next so that I can match my daughter.”

Paige, who is a UK size 12, said they were the perfect fit as the kids’ range goes up to 16 years.

“I just decided I wanted to wear some of the kids’ clothes because they always do the cutest clothes, especially in spring and summer,” she explained.

In another clip, the mum tried the pieces on to show just how flattering they were.

She first bought a pair of yellow and pink striped elasticated trousers.

The breathable wide-leg trousers featured a gorgeous floral pattern making them perfect for when the sun comes out.

And the best part was that they cost just £13 compared to a similar design in the women’s section which was £36.

The mum then tried on an adorable white cotton embroidered blouse.

The V-neck had scalloped edges, adding a cute touch, and the bottom sides featured embroidered flowers on either side for £26.

in comparison, a simpler design of a white vest in the women’s section was £32.

Last but not least, the mum picked herself and her daughter matching pink flowy summer dresses.

The loose-waist dress features a pink and blue checkerboard design with cherries printed on the top.

It was just £15 compared to a similar dress in the adult section which was £36.

Paige was thrilled with her spring staples and managed to save £50 from buying in the kids section.

The clip went viral on her TikTok account @paigejoannaa with over 44k views and 5,500 likes.

People were quick to thank her for the tip in the comments section.

One person wrote: “Why do they make adults’ clothes so boring these days! Going to have to venture into the kids section.”

Another commented: “I’ve been doing this for years but have matched a random toddler once or twice.”

“Ohhhhh these are needed for the wardrobe!” penned a third.

Meanwhile a fourth said: “Oh this is ace! My daughter is 11 and she still loves matching me.”

“Don’t tell everyone our secret,” claimed a fifth.

Someone else added: “Omg yay thank you for this hack, I got two tops in Primark for £5 in the kid section 12-13 and they fit me I’m size 10.”

Fabulous will pay for your exclusive stories. Just email: [email protected] and pop EXCLUSIVE in the subject line.

BOXER Mauricio Lara has been handed a two-year ban after failing a drugs test before his loss to Leigh Wood.

Lara brutally knocked out Wood in February 2023 and they rematched just three months later.

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Mauricio Lara has been handed a two-year ban after failing a drugs test[/caption]

But the Mexican was this time beaten on points – losing his WBA featherweight title.

Lara has fought just once more since – drawing to Daniel Lugo in Mexico in February of last year.

But it has now emerged that Lara failed a UK Anti-Doping test before his rematch loss to Wood – landing himself a two-year ban.

His suspension is backdated to the start date of his provisional suspension and so will expire on March 6th, 2026.

UKAD posted: “Mexican professional boxer Mauricio Lara has been banned from all World Anti-Doping Code-compliant sport for two years, following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for the Presence and Use of a Prohibited Substance.”

Lara tested positive for betamethasone – known to treat inflammation and pain.

The 27-year-old claimed the positive test was caused by an injection into his shoulder on 12 May in the build-up to the Wood fight.

But Ukad said that did not explain how betamethasone entered his system.

Lara shot to notoriety overnight when he knocked out Josh Warrington in 2021.

There rematch then ended in a no-contest due to a cut in round two to Lara’s eye.

Lara beat Wood, 36, for the WBA title but lost it in the immediate rematch.

Richard Pelham / The Sun

Reuters

Lara lost the rematch on points[/caption]

LOVE Island star Wil Anderson intends to make a statement when he fights Jordan Banjo next month, insisting it will be an “absolute war”.

The two fighters will lace up their gloves on a Misfits card in Leeds on April 12 and Wil, 23, says he won’t be happy unless he knocks Jordan, 32, out.

Instagram/@wilandersonn

Wil Anderson will go to war with Jordan Banjo next month[/caption]

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Jordan has been training hard with high quality sparring[/caption]

Speaking exclusively to The Sun, he says: “I don’t think there’s any favourites, to be honest.

“I think it’s both our debuts. It’s a very even match-up, and obviously I back myself. I think if I don’t see his head bounce off the canvas, then I won’t be happy. But I think it’ll make for a great, great fight, an absolute war.”

The fight features on a stellar card headlined by another former Islander, Idris Virgo, and Tyson Fury‘s sparring partner Ty Mitchell.

But Wil, 23, thinks his clash could top all those around it when the two big TV stars come to blows in the ring.

“I believe that mine and Jordan’s fight could be possibly the most interesting fight on that card,” he says.

“Solely down to the fact that we’re both debutants, but both pretty decent boxers. So I think it’s going to make for an absolute war. And yeah, the other fights on the card are great.

Despite his vow to floor Jordan, he has nothing but respect for his opponent and says there’ll be no shenanigans in the build up to rival Chris Eubank Jr’s recent press conference with bitter rival Conor Benn.

Eubank divided opinion when he cracked an egg on his opponent’s face – a swipe at Benn’s failed drug test in 2022. Benn maintains the discovery of the fertility drug, Clomiphene, in his urine was due to the amount of eggs he was consuming at the time. He has since been cleared of doping.

Wil said: “Me and Jordan have spoken before, actually, so there’s no bad blood there. But I do think we’ll be able to put on a great show for everyone.

“I’ve met him before, and he’s a great guy, so a good opponent to have.”

Jordan rose to fame as a member of dance troupe Diversity, winning Britain’s Got Talent in 2009 alongside brother Ashley.

He’s since gone on to have a successful media career starring in I’m A Celebrity and landing his own radio show with Diversity’s Perri Kiely on Kiss.

Asked if he’s worried about potentially being portrayed as the villain leading into the bout, Wil says: “The villain could be either one of us, to be honest. It depends how the process goes.

“I don’t mind being whichever character they want to assign me as. I just want to get in there and do a job.”

It’s all been a long time coming.

For seven long months since starring in the villa Wil has been quietly training and biding his time to find an opponent.

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Wil found fame last summer on Love Island[/caption]

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The Whitley Bay lad is in a relationship with Uma Jammeh[/caption]

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They met in the villa and she will be ringside in Leeds[/caption]

“It hasn’t exactly gone as smoothly as I thought,” he admits. “I couldn’t quite match up with anyone. And then I got a phone call, well, the night before it was announced, and got offered the fight with Jordan.

“And Jordan’s just such a big name, I think it’ll make for a great fight. Obviously, I only got a month’s prep, so that was one thing I had to take into consideration. But I think the opportunity just overshadowed that, to be honest.”

The fight announcement came just days after Wil called out Curtis Pritchard following the pro dancer’s admission he’d like to step in the ring.

Wil branded him a “fool” and mocked his famously cringeworthy cameo in Hollyoaks, but it failed to entice Curtis into a war of words.

However, Wil isn’t ruling out a showdown in the future.

He says: “So I saw him come out and say, Oh, you know he wants to do a bit of boxing. I thought, well, I’m sat here waiting to do it as well. So why not the two of us?

“But I had a feeling that he wouldn’t want to fight me to be honest. And I don’t blame him, to be fair, but hopefully, sometime in the future he might pluck up the courage to get in the ring with us. I don’t know but I might be on to bigger and better things by then.”

Come fight night, Wil will have strong support from family, friends and girlfriend Uma Jammeh.

The Love Island sweethearts have been inseparable since leaving the villa and Wil expects it to be a special night for him and his nearest and dearest.

“They’ll be nervous, but they’ll be confident in me because they know what I’m capable of, and they know how much I want this,” he says.

“I think more than anything, they’ll just be proud and happy that I’m there, and I’ve made it to where I want to be.”

ROYAL family members are typically the picture of elegance, but there have been moments when they’ve been spotted doing a rather unroyal habit – smoking.

From Prince Harry to Meghan Markle, a number of the famous family have been known to love a crafty fag, even if they have given up now.

Rex

This is despite the late Queen being strongly against the bad habit, particularly as her father, King George VI, died of lung cancer in 1952.

This was after three previous monarchs, George V, Edward VII and Edward VIII, all passed away from smoking-related illnesses.

Meanwhile, the Queen’s own sister Princess Margaret was known to smoke up to 60 cigarettes a day, which led to a lung operation in 1985.

Never afraid of speaking her mind, the party-loving royal refused to bow down to pressure from both doctors and members of her family to ditch smoking.

However, it is reported she cut down to 30 a day, rather than 60, before her death in 2002.

King Charles is reportedly responsible for revoking the royal warrant for tobacco firm Gallaher in 1998.

But, which nicotine-loving royal family members have been known to love a smoke…

Prince Harry

Despite being pictured puffing on a cigarette in the past, Prince Harry has allegedly kicked the habit since tying the knot with Meghan Markle in 2018.

He wasn’t a frequent smoker but was occasionally pictured lighting up, including one time outside a pub in London‘s exclusive Chelsea area on his 31st birthday.

A source told the New York Daily News at the time: “It’s no secret among friends that they want to start a family immediately.

“One of the reasons she got him to quit smoking is because smoking affects sperm production.”

In his bombshell memoir Spare, Prince Harry admitted he indulged in joints in 2020 while staying at US actor Tyler Perry’s house in Los Angeles, after quitting royal life.

He wrote: “Late at night, with everyone asleep, I’d walk the house, checking the doors and windows. Then I’d sit on the balcony or the edge of the garden and roll a joint.

“The house looked down onto a valley, across a hillside thick with frogs. I’d listen to their late-night song, smell the scented air.”

Two of his previous girlfriends – Chelsy Davy, who he dated between 2004 to 2011, and Cressida Bonas, who he was with from 2012 to 2014 – have also been pictured smoking in the past.

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Harry’s ex Cressida Bonas has also lit up in the last[/caption]

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Chelsy Davy – who Harry dated between 2004 to 2011 – has also smoked[/caption]

Meghan Markle

Although she is the picture of wellness and health now, the Duchess of Sussex, who has been pictured smoking in the past, once boasted to pals about how she’d serve illegal marijuana at her first wedding.

Leaked emails reveal plans to put the dope in party bags at her nuptials to Trevor Engelson.

Urged to buy a certain type of bag by a pal, the Duchess replied: “Already ordered ’em. And teeny ones for the pot that say ‘shh’.”

The American actress even personally ordered small muslin bags for the illegal drug to be placed inside glitzy gift bags to guests.

The future Duchess then signed off to the friend with a jokey smiley face.

Meghan’s estranged father Thomas revealed last month that guests at the wedding in Jamaica were given a bag of marijuana.

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Meghan Markle boasted about giving out 200 marijuana joints at her wedding to first husband Trevor Engelson[/caption]

At the time of the wedding in 2012 any possession of cannabis was illegal in Jamaica.

A guest added that although she was “very excited” about surprising guests with marijuana, it was more of a gimmick and she did not smoke too much herself.

The guest said: “It didn’t seem like it was really her thing.

“Trevor and his friends definitely had more experience with it. I think she is more of a champagne and rose kind of girl. It almost looked like she didn’t know how to smoke.”

Queen Camilla

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King Charles is said to have stopped wife Queen Camilla from lighting up too, after she was known to puff 40 a day, as reported by the Daily Mail. 

Royal expert Tina Brown claimed that Camilla loved cigarettes so much that she would “furtively smoke up the chimney”, so Charles wouldn’t catch her.

In the past, royal footmen have been instructed to put silver cigarette boxes from her favourite brand in every room of her house.

Meanwhile, royal biographer Angela Levin claimed that Camilla was known to frequent posh members club Annabel’s in Mayfair, London, which has “the world’s most luxurious cigar room”.

However, she kicked the habit in 2001 and allegedly told a pal: “It wasn’t so much me giving up smoking, rather smoking giving up on me.”

Queen Camilla told Paddington actress Emily Mortimer in November 2024, that she “quit 20 years ago.”

Meanwhile, her son, Tom Parker Bowles, 50, insisted that she “doesn’t smoke” and has “never drunk a glass of gin in her life”.

Princess Eugenie

Photo News Ltd

Photo News Ltd

In her younger days, Princess Eugenie – daughter of Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew – was also spotted with a cigarette.

One such example was in 2009 at the age of 19 during her gap year in Sydney, Australia.

Onlookers told the Daily Mail that she had pulled “a packet of cigarettes out of her bag” and started smoking it.

A bystander said: “She wasn’t chain smoking but she is clearly more than just a social smoker.”

Mum-of-two Eugenie has reportedly since given up the habit.

Prince Philip

Being married to a monarch comes with its sacrifices, and smoking was an example of this for Prince Philip.

The long-serving consort was known to love smoking in his younger days, but gave it up on the morning of his wedding.

This was after his bachelor party at the Dorchester Hotel in November 1947 where he was pictured sharing cigars with Lord Mountbatten and his private secretary Michael Parker.

Bryan Kozlowski wrote in his book Long Live the Queen: 23 Rules For Living From Britain’s Longest Reigning Monarch: “Understandably, Elizabeth was adamant that Philip give up the habit that wreaked her father’s health.

“Previously a heavy smoker himself, Philip obliged with phenomenal efficiency, going from a pack a day to quitting cold turkey on his wedding day.”