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A WiFi hotspot called 'There is a bomb on the flight' delayed an American Airlines plane for hours at an airport in Austin, Texas.

The Tuesday letters page is unimpressed by Sony’s compensation for the PSN outage, as one reader thinks a new God Of War game set in Greece is a bad idea.

To join in with the discussions yourself email [email protected]

PLEASE NOTE: Due to staff illness there will be no Inbox on Wednesday. Normal service should resume on Thursday.

Risk takers
If there’s one thing that gives me confidence about the Nintendo Switch 2 launch it’s that they’re taking a ‘risk’. I know they only mean in terms of making lots of them, even though they don’t know if they’ll all sell, but as usual in the games industry, and I guess most everything else, it’s the smaller companies that take all the risks and the big ones that just pump out the same old slop all the time.

It’s not a good idea to idolise any company but I would certainly be more willing to take a risk on Nintendo, in terms of hardware and games, than I would anyone else. The only risk Sony seems willing to take at the moment is whether they can get away with no proper compensation for the PSN outage.

So I’m going to buy a Switch 2 at launch. Even though it’s not really a risk and I can just sell it on easily if there’s a problem. I feel the companies that actually make an effort and don’t take their customers for granted should be rewarded. That’s why I’m getting a Switch 2 and I’d be interested to know who else is too.
Ludo

War without end
The idea of sending Kratos back to Greece, whether it’s a prequel or whatever, seems completely pointless to me. The whole reason the new games are good is because they completely rethink the dumb edgelord attitude of the originals and make Kratos seem like a real character.

Even if they’re planning to remake and retcon the originals that seems pointless. The series is good because Kratos’ character shows growth and messing with that seems a very bad idea.

I can understand they might be worried that there’s nowhere to really go with the series though. I don’t think anyone’s all that interested in Atreus and I’m not sure what a game set in Egypt would be about. Is he just going to kill another set of gods for whatever reason?

In reality, you’d have say that the story for everyone had reached a natural end and there doesn’t need to be another game. Except there has to be because it sells and so, like everything else, it can never really end.
Tolly

Necessary evil
Not for the first time I find myself hoping that Monster Hunter is a big hit, while having absolutely no interest in playing it myself. I’ve never liked the games and no matter how well this one reviews I can’t imagine myself getting it. It’s the only major Capcom franchise I’ve never liked and yet somehow it’s their most successful.

There’s lots of reasons I don’t really like it but the main one is that the combat is so awkward and clunky. It’s the literal opposite of all of Capcom’s other action games and for a while I really resented it. Then I realised that the success of the games were helping to pay for the stuff I do like, like Resident Evil, the new Onimusha, and hopefully the rumoured new Devil May Cry.

So my attitude about the game kind of changed and now I consider myself to be technically a Monster Hunter fan. Not because I enjoying playing it but because I want it to succeed so it can fund the games I do like.
Prog9

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Business as usual
I think it’s a lesson to all publishers that if even a giant company like Take-Two is leaving the PC version till after, when they can make a proper job of it, you probably should too. So many PC versions of console games are terrible at launch, just because they’re rushing them out to come out at the same time as the console versions. Although even separate releases, like for Sony games, are often bad too, even though they’ve had plenty of time to get them right.

Games not working at launch might still be a hot issue for consoles but it’s just par for the course on PC and I’m sick of it. I’d like to think Rockstar will do a decent job now but, to be honest, I think their beef is more that they hate mods, so they probably want to delay the release so they can concentrate on stopping them after the console versions are already out and sorted.
Colbat84

Maximum anticipation
I’m still waiting for the first third party company to ‘accidentally’ reveal something about the Switch 2, and what Nintendo’s response to that will be. I think not having the Nintendo Direct until April is a great idea. The reveal showed so little that people are now busy imagining and speculating and generating more and more hype.

This is why I think the modern preference to not announce a game properly until very close to release is such a bad idea. The earlier you know the more anticipation there is. It’s only hearing about the game a hundred times, and getting sick of it before it’s out, that’s a problem and that definitely isn’t an issue at the moment!

The only real downside to Nintendo’s approach is that that people can begin to assume certain things and when that’s not what happens they get disappointed, but I don’t see much sign of that. We have so little idea of what’s going to be shown that as long as at least there’s some good stuff it doesn’t really matter what it ends up being.
Korbie

The best kind of correct
Sorry but just wanted to suggest a correction to Adam’s article on Xbox and PlayStation sales on Friday, as my OCD would like to see it corrected!

He wrote: ‘That means PlayStation 5 has roughly 70% of overall current generation sales, compared to 30% for Xbox Series X/S. For Microsoft, this ratio is worse than the previous generation. The Xbox One sold 58 million units against 117 million for PlayStation 4, so it had roughly 50% of sales, if you exclude the Switch.’

I think this should read “so it had roughly 33% of sales”, as 58 million is 33% of 175 million (the overall generation sales of both consoles, which is what he was comparing).
Stephen, Manchester

GC: He probably meant to write 50% of the PlayStation 4’s sales but you’re right, we’ll correct it.

Equal treatment
I’m not sure that South Of Midnight sounds like something I’d play even for ‘free’ on Game Pass. I really don’t think a slightly different setting (it’s still America, at the end of the day) is going to make all that much difference and the gameplay sounds super generic.

I really don’t know why Microsoft bought such a mediocre studio and yet then shut down Tango Gameworks. I’m willing to bet South Of Midnight gets considerably lower reviews than Hi-Fi Rush but if Compulsion Games somehow doesn’t get closed down that will be grossly unfair.

Not that I want anyone to lose their job you understand, but Microsoft are going to have a lot of explaining to do if they aren’t seen to be acting fairly.
Jhonnie

Customer tiers
Sony’s response to the PSN outage has been predictably awful. All they care about is PlayStation Plus subscribers and not only have they not done anything for anyone else but they’ve not even acknowledged it affected them either.

They haven’t explained why it happened either, which makes me think it was some kind of hack or attack, or otherwise they wouldn’t be embarrassed to say. That in turn means it’s likely to happen again and often, and I very much doubt their response is going to be any better the next time.

I would expect Nintendo’s response to be much the same, except I don’t really remember this ever happening to them. Although maybe that’s because nobody uses their online services enough for it ever to be an issue.

I only vaguely remember this happening to Xbox before and I think you can say that one advantage they do have over Sony is that their online is better and more reliable. Although not reason enough to choose Xbox over PlayStation. That might not always be the case though and as everything becomes digital only, all the time then Sony are going to be in a bad spot if they start to earn a reputation for being unreliable and ungenerous with compensation.

As usual though, I’m sure they’ll only react when absolutely forced to and by then it will be too late and the damage will be permanently done. These companies never learn.
Focus

Inbox also-rans
Count me as another person who feels that Resident Evil 5 is worth a remake. It wasn’t that bad a game and could be made into something truly great, I feel. It’s Resident Evil 6 that’s beyond saving and I see that’s not the one that’s rumoured to be getting a re-release.
Chancer

If Sony has a State of Play on Valentine’s Day wouldn’t that be in the evening, as usual? That’s early morning in the US but what does that say about where they think all their European fans are going to be at that time?
Oggie

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The small print
New Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers’ letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.

You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Reader’s Feature at any time via email or our Submit Stuff page, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot.

You can also leave your comments below and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter.

MORE: Games Inbox: What does the PSN outage say about modern gaming?

MORE: Games Inbox: Is the Mass Effect trilogy overrated?

MORE: Games Inbox: What will be in the February State of Play for PS5?

THEY are the magnificent Walford women who have helped make EastEnders a national institution.

Now, as the soap celebrates its 40th anniversary, they have come together for a sensational look back at four decades of divas ruling Albert Square.

Nicky Johnston

BBC

Nicky Johnston

Gillian Taylforth, 69, recalls being told the show would make them household names — only for her dad to reply, ‘Yes, so is Domestos’[/caption]

BBC

The longest serving of the stars is Gillian Taylforth, who appeared on the very first episode of the BBC One show when it launched in 1985.

She originally went for the role of cafe owner Sue Osman but, at 29, bosses thought she was too young, so instead they cast her as Kathy Beale.

In the new edition of Radio Times — in which the seven leading ladies appear on seven different covers — Gillian, 69, said: “The show’s producer, Julia Smith, said to us, ‘When this goes out, you’re going to become household names’.

“I told that to my mum and dad — they were people who kept your feet on the ground — and my dad said, ‘Yes, so is Domestos’.

“Kathy’s a bit more outspoken than me.

“I’m not very opinionated and I don’t like confrontations, unless I’m really pushed.

“But Kathy is very strong, bolshie, and she’s not afraid to say what she thinks.

“I wish I was a bit more like her, sometimes.

“But I protect her and if I think something’s wrong, I will say so.

“Just recently, I’ve had to say, ‘Oh, I don’t think so . . .’ because I’ve invested in her for 40 years and I love her.”

Gillian is joined by co-stars including Kellie Bright, 48 (Linda Carter); Diane Parish, 55 (Denise Fox); Balvinder Sopal, 46 (Suki Panesar-Unwin); and Letitia Dean, 57, who has also been in the show since the start as Sharon Watts — the only child of Dirty Den and Angie Watts.

Letitia, 57, reveals how expectations for the soap were initially low.

She said: “It was going to last a few months, if we were lucky.

“Then suddenly — bang!

Nicky Johnston

Michelle Collins, 62, says returning to EastEnders has made her more content, admitting, ‘I’ve certainly grown, and hopefully I’m a better actor’[/caption]

BBC

Michelle made her mark as Cindy Beale, causing havoc from 1992 as Ian Beale’s scheming wife[/caption]

Nicky Johnston

Jessie Wallace, 53, says she had no idea how huge her character, Kat Slater, would become after arriving on the square in the year 2000[/caption]

BBC

Jessie’s Kat Slater makes a statement of intent with her red lipstick and the mini-skirts[/caption]

“I was 17 when I started, but it’s still as exciting when I get a great story as it was back in 1985.

“It’s still a thrill and an honour to be trusted.

“And I’m kind of used to the crying.

“Anita (Dobson) wasn’t the original Angie, but when she came in, watching her and Leslie Grantham, who played Den, in rehearsals, you felt this surge of energy between them.

“The chemistry just worked.

“It was, and still is, TV gold.”

Also joining the line-up is Jessie Wallace, 53, who insists she had no idea how huge her character, Kat Slater, would become after arriving on the square in the year 2000.

‘We have got voices’

She said: “I came in as the troublemaker of a new family and didn’t know she would become as big as she has.

“Kat has developed over the years and I love dressing up as her.

“She makes such a statement with the red lipstick and the mini-skirts.

“To create a character that stands out, who people love, makes me very proud.”

BBC

Prepare for the show’s anniversary to go with a bang as the Queen Vic explodes – but who will make it out alive?[/caption]

Completing the set is Michelle Collins, who first appeared in EastEnders as Cindy Beale from 1988 to 1990, but really started causing havoc from 1992 onwards when she returned as the scheming wife of long-suffering Ian Beale.

Michelle, 62, candidly admits: “When I came back in the Nineties, I was in my early 30s and very ambitious.

“I never saw myself there for the future.

“Now I’m back, I’m happier to stay.

“I think I’m more comfortable in my own skin, more content, and I’m not running away all the time.

“I’ve certainly grown, and hopefully I’m a better actor.

“That’s in contrast to Cindy, who hasn’t changed.

“She’s still discontented and never happy with what she’s got.

“TV isn’t great for women of a certain age, but soaps are.

“What EastEnders and characters like Cindy show is we have got voices, we have got stories — and they should be heard.”

For now, though, Albert square will be echoing to the sound of the Queen Vic pub explosion, which will be the centrepiece of the 40th anniversary shows next week.

The first official images of the blast have been released by the BBC and show just how devastating it will be for the pub and the square.

It remains to be seen just how many cast members — newbies or veterans — might be departing Walford as a result . . . 

Nicky Johnston

Balvinder Sopal, 46, plays Suki Panesar-Unwin[/caption]

Nicky Johnston

Diane Parish, 55, who plays Denise Fox is also celebrated by the Radio Times[/caption]

Nicky Johnston

Kellie Bright, 48, who plays Linda Carter, joins the Walford women in celebrating the show’s 40th anniversary[/caption]

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in 2023 but her column is being kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today. 

ARIES

March 21 to April 20

Being creative in love is one of your star gifts, and it is doubled today, so make the most of it.

The ways you find to show you care can be unforgettable, and take a partnership to the next level.

If you are single, how you decide on dates is your key to success – break free from a set strategy and try a totally different one.

 TAURUS

April 21 to May 21

Maybe you sense that a close pal or family member is hiding something – your chart today is so tuned in to this, and how to get to the truth.

But remember, not everything you learn may be easy to face.

Looking at your home through new eyes shows you that the warmth lies in who lives there, not what they have.

Get all the latest Taurus horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

GEMINI

May 22 to June 21

Breaking a big learning task into bite-size chunks helps you make a positive start – to keep pushing forward, trust yourself to see where you can cut corners, instead of feeling you have to follow orders.

Your passion self is uninhibited, and at least one idea is out there before you can stop it.

This makes for a delicious day

Get all the latest Gemini horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

CANCER

June 22 to July 22

Mercury deftly deals with an inner drive to upgrade your image or speak more boldly – you choose just the right tiny tweaks to make an impact without rocking the boat.

Many people are talking about you and rating your skills, but until you rate yourself, a work situation may stay stuck.

Luck opens a shiny black door.

Luck adds up to 24.

Get all the latest Cancer horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

LEO

July 23 to August 23

The moon inspires insight and intuition, and you are surprised by how accurately you read faces, rooms and atmospheres.

This can be the missing piece in a team-building puzzle.

As for love, finding a balance between big personalities is easier when you keep the fun going.

Single? The One wears a big rucksack.

Get all the latest Leo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

VIRGO

August 24 to September 22

Your Jupiter chart benefit is sheer outer brilliance, balanced with inner modesty – so when you let your actions speak for themselves you’ll win hearts and minds that have previously resisted.

A moon of big secrets highlights a deep well of inner emotions that you avoid disturbing.

This is your day to face them, with love

Get all the latest Virgo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

Getty

Neptune links luck to your sense of taste[/caption]

LIBRA

September 23 to October 23

Your Venus strength is building and maintaining a group dynamic – but make sure it isn’t happening at a personal cost.

It’s fine to keep people together, but you must also remember your own needs.

Travel-based prizes and a country you have always wanted to visit can combine in lucky ways. “D” wedding news is close.

Get all the latest Libra horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

SCORPIO

October 24 to November 22

The more you focus on an emotional outcome, the easier your path towards it gets, so keep your eyes on a passion prize all day.

You see ways to adapt a relationship that leaves both sides happier.

If you are single, a dream date that seemed out of reach is coming closer.

Neptune links luck to your sense of taste.

Get all the latest Scorpio horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

SAGITTARIUS

November 23 to December 21

Pretending you don’t care about a deal or decision may be the Jupiter way, but it’s not the right way today.

If you know what you truly want, you can say so, but do listen carefully to any response.

You can work with it together. Uranus shakes up a work routine, and role swaps that seem unlikely can be a touch of genius

Get all the latest Sagittarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

CAPRICORN

December 22 to January 20

Mercury’s last few days in your money zone are your star cue to start some cash calculations again, and this time see them through.

It’s time to admit certain people are not doing or paying what they should.

In love too, fairness is important to you, and making a new division of tasks or time can revive romance.

Get all the latest Capricorn horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

Supplied

Pisces partners are each secretly planning the same buy[/caption]

AQUARIUS

January 21 to February 18

Words are your personal power today as Mercury’s communication skill is extra strong.

Writing about your life, maybe with a comedy flair, can lead you to a stage or screen, while VIP calls or messages are right on target and make an impact.

Do keep a love question open-ended, with room for surprise additions.

Get all the latest Aquarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

PISCES

February 19 to March 20

Digging deep into your secret self unearths the willpower you need to push a wellbeing process forward.

Others can’t do it for you – this is your path to navigate.

A familiar face from a screen appears in your everyday reality and is a strong romance signal.

Pisces partners are each secretly planning the same buy.

Get all the latest Pisces horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.

ALESHA Dixon puts the boot into talk of settling for a quiet life as a 46-year-old mother-of-two — insisting she’s a raver who can still out-party her friends.

The former Mis-teeq singer and Britain’s Got Talent judge shows she’s still fighting fit in a Women’s Health shoot.

Matthew Monfredi / Women’s Health UK

Former Mis-teeq singer and Britain’s Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon shows she’s still fighting fit in a Women’s Health shoot[/caption]

Matthew Monfredi / Women’s Health UK

Alesha has called herself the ‘original raver’ and told how she can still out-party a lot of people[/caption]

She says there’s “no shutting her up or sitting her down” on the dance floor.

Alesha, who split from partner Azuka Ononye last year, added: “Even at the age I am now, I can out-dance and out-party a lot of people.

“I always call myself an original raver.”

Despite not being married, Alesha had often called Azuka, 43, her “husband” — including once in 2017 on Michael McIntyre’s Big Show on BBC1.

Alesha will return to our screens when Britain’s Got Talent makes its comeback on Saturday, February 22 at 7pm.

Last year’s series saw Sydnie Christmas take the crown, winning a life-changing £250,000 and a place on the bill at the Royal Variety Performance.

The decision who wins this series will be in the hands of the voting public, with the judges having the power to hit the Golden Buzzer for the most jaw-dropping acts.

BGT remains one of ITV’s biggest entertainment shows, boasting a massive 46 million social media followers and a staggering 25 billion video views worldwide.

With bigger acts, more drama, and an extra judge at the table, this year’s competition is set to be the most exciting yet.

Matthew Monfredi / Women’s Health UK

Alesha on the front cover of Women’s Health magazine[/caption]

EASTENDERS’ iconic boozer the Queen Vic will be torn apart by a fire that rips through it later this month – and fans have been given a preview of the shock scenes.

New snaps show the iconic pub on fire after an explosion to tie in with EastEnders‘ 40th anniversary.

BBC

BBC

If the images are anything to go by it looks unlikely that anybody in the building will survive.

Viewers are gearing up for one of the soap’s most sensational storylines yet – and speculation over who will perish in the fire has started.

Photos of the aftermath surfaced earlier this month, showing a vast array of flowers left outside the gutted pub.

The Sun previously revealed Natalie Cassidy will be leaving Albert Square after 32 years, and her character Sonia Fowler is now one of the favourites to be killed in the blast.

EastEnders’ dramatic anniversary week will start on Monday, February 17, and features a special live episode

Other characters who have been thrown into the mix include Cindy Beale [Michelle Collins], Phil Mitchell [Steve McFadden] and Denise Fox [Diane Parish].

But fans can look forward to the return of iconic character Grant Mitchell, played by Ross Kemp, who is coming back in time for the milestone.

After it was revealed he is heading back to Walford, Ross said: “I’m delighted to be returning to EastEnders as the show heads towards its 40th anniversary.

“EastEnders has always meant so much to me, so to return as the show is about to celebrate such a special anniversary, is an absolute honour. 

“Grant has never been far from the action and let’s just say, this time is no different as he certainly comes back with a bang.”

BBC

RED tape is being slashed to train more British builders instead of relying on migrants – as the Education Secretary pledges to “make trades great again”.

Bridget Phillipson last night announced 10,000 more apprentices will be qualified each year by scrapping the requirements on them to pass English and Maths. 

Simon Jones

The Sun’s Jack Elsom with Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson[/caption]

Simon Jones

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson visiting a building site[/caption]

Backing our Builder Better Britain crusade, she said: “It’s time as a country that we took skills a lot more seriously. 

“The Sun’s campaign has really shone a light on the challenge we face, but also the opportunities that are there for more young people to have the chance to get a trade.”

Channelling Donald Trump, she added: “And I think it’s time that we make trades great again.”

Ms Phillipson confirmed our exclusive last week that she is letting bosses award apprenticeships even if they have not passed Level 2 English and maths.

She is also shortening the minimum duration of a course from 12 months to eight months to boost the workforce quicker.

It is hoped this will drive home-grown talent in key sectors like construction, social care and healthcare that are currently heavily dependent on migrant workers.

Dismissing fears of “dumbing down”, the Education Secretary told The Sun: “We need to get boots on the ground.

“I know Sun readers want more opportunities for young people to take on a trade, but alongside that the need to reduce migration numbers.

“Unless we get serious about investing in our young people and our home-grown talent, we will remain dependent on foreign labour and we’ve got to break that cycle and provide more training opportunities and great careers for few people here in this country.”

HOLLY Willoughby has been accused of “spoiling” Dancing On Ice – after revealing the skate off results online.

The ITV presenter posted about being sad to lose Chris Taylor from the competition after coming off air.

But some fans complained they’d seen her message before catching up on ITVX.

Holly posted a photo of herself backstage in a stunning gold-sequinned dress, writing: “Night all… thank you for watching Dancing On Ice.

“Sad to see Chris Taylor leave, those skate offs are brutal…

“So happy for Anton Ferdinand though… See you next week for 80s week.”

One fan commented: “I was about to watch it on catch-up lol, spoiler alert x.”

Another added: “SPOILER ALERT.”

Chris became the fourth star to be eliminated from Dancing On Ice in the first skate off of the series against Anton Ferdinand.

Ashley Banjo chose to save Anton and Annette, with Oti Mabuse agreeing.

Christopher Dean also saved Anton and Annette, sealing Chris’s fate.

Jayne Torvill would have had the deciding vote if it was a tie, although on this occasion her vote didn’t change the result.

She revealed, however, that she also would have saved Anton and Annette.

Asked how he felt to leave by host Holly, Chris joked: “To be honest, I shouldn’t have feng-shuied my caravan today!”

ITV

Chris Taylor was axed from Dancing On Ice[/caption]

ITV

He faced Anton Ferdinand in the skate off[/caption]