The star spoke exclusively to Metro.
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Linda Robson thinks ‘it would be fantastic’ to have a trans panelist on Loose Women
Thousands of artists call for boycott of ‘mass theft’ AI art auction
More than 3,000 artists are demanding a major auction house axe its first-ever AI-only sale, branding it ‘mass theft’.
Chistie’s New York house is set to auction a number of pieces by renowned artists for estimated prices ranging from $10,000 to $250,000 (£8,000 to £202,000).
The 13-day event, launching next Thursday, exclusively features pieces which, in Christie’s words, used AI to ‘enhance’ the art.
A petition launched by artists opposed to the auction says many of the pieces ‘were created using AI models that are known to be trained on copyrighted work without a licence’.
‘These models, and the companies behind them, exploit human artists, using their work without permission or payment to build commercial AI products that compete with them,’ the petition says.
‘Your support of these models, and the people who use them, rewards and further incentivises AI companies’ mass theft of human artists’ work.
‘We ask that, if you have any respect for human artists, you cancel the auction.’
The signatories included Karla Ortiz and Kelly McKernan, who have ongoing lawsuits against AI companies for allegedly using their work without permission.
British composer Ed Newton-Rex, who also signed the petition, said at least nine of the auction pieces appeared to have used models trained on other artists’ work.
Other pieces did not appear to have used this kind of technology.
A spokesperson for Christie’s said that ‘in most cases’ the pieces used AI trained on their ‘own inputs’.
‘The artists represented in this sale all have strong, existing multidisciplinary art practices, some recognised in leading museum collections’, the spokesperson said.
‘The works in this auction are using artificial intelligence to enhance their bodies of work and in most cases AI is being employed in a controlled manner, with data trained on the artists’ own inputs.’
A British artist whose work features in the auction says the petition is an attempt to ‘bully’ artists.
Mat Dryhurst told Sky News: ‘It is not illegal to use any model to create artwork.
‘I resent that an important debate that should be focused on companies and state policy is being focused on artists grappling with the technology of our time.’
A piece by Dryhurst and his wife, American composer and artist Holly Herndon, is on sale with an estimated price of $70,000 to $90,000.
Another featured artist, Refik Anadol, said in a post on X that the backlash amounted to ‘lazy critic practices and doomsday hysteria’.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected].
For more stories like this, check our news page.
Barcelona defender responds to allegations she ‘touched private parts’ of Espanyol player
Espanyol have accused her of 'violating the privacy’ their player.
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Fresh blow to high street as 300k shop workers face axe in next three years
A JOBS bloodbath will hit 300,000 workers in the next three years, retailers warn.
And that’s before the Budget’s tax raid damage is taken into account.
Seven of the UK’s biggest retailers — Tesco, Marks & Spencer, Primark, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Kingfisher — have formed the new Retail Jobs Alliance.
They warn at least one in ten supermarket or high street jobs is already at risk.
The real picture will be worse as this forecast was before the blow to business from the Budget’s national insurance raid.
Rami Baitieh, chief executive of Morrisons, said: “Supermarkets are grappling with rising costs and steep taxes.
“Now we face the prospect of even higher business rates.
“We’d urge the Government to rethink its plans and protect all shops from a damaging new rates hike which would hit jobs and the high street.”
Andrew Griffith MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade said: “Retail businesses are facing an onslaught from the Government.
“Business rates hikes, 1970s-inspired employment laws and tax rises simply for employing staff will see the shutters closed forever on thousands of shops.
“The choices Labour have made will directly lead to job losses, with the worst impacts felt in the most disadvantaged communities.
“Is this the ‘Change’ people voted for?”
Gino D’Acampo’s This Morning replacement ‘worked out’ by fans – and it’s a BBC star who’s already appeared on show
GINO D’Acampo’s This Morning replacement has been ‘worked out’ by fans – and it’s a BBC star.
The under-fire chef has been accused by multiple women of sexual misconduct spanning over a decade.
An ITV investigation found there were multiple claims of “unacceptable,” “distressing” and “horrendous” treatment while working with the TV star over more than 12 years.
Gino, 48, said he “firmly denied” all the allegations, which he called “deeply upsetting”.
And now following the news that ITV have cut all ties with the Italian star, fans have seemingly worked out his replacement on This Morning.
Gino regularly presented cookery segments on the daytime hit for more than 15 years.
Flooding social media with comments, fans are convinced Strictly professional Vito Coppola has already ‘quietly’ replaced him.
One said: “Looks like #ThisMorning have replaced Gino..”
A second commented: “Are they quietly replacing Gino with Vito? #thismorning.”
“Gino’s been replaced already then #thismorning,” said a third.
While a fourth posted: “Where’s Gino D’Acampo this morning”.
Gino's statement in full
“I have been told by ITN news that allegations have been made about me acting inappropriately, some dating back over ten years ago.
“I have never been made aware of these matters previously and the allegations are firmly denied. I would not do anything that I thought would upset or distress anyone.
“This is simply not in my nature. I do not recognise the version of events being put to me.
“Not only have these allegations never been raised with me before, I have been repeatedly supported by executives at the highest level and was commissioned on prime-time programmes during the period in which it is now suggested I was acting inappropriately.
“I am a father, husband and have worked with well over 1,500 people on around 80 productions in my career, which I have been so proud of.
“I take such matters extremely seriously and the suggestion that I have acted in an improper way against is deeply upsetting.”
Meanwhile, Gino’s I’m A Celebrity campmate Kim Woodburn, 82, branded him “vile”, telling The Sun he was abusive to crew on the 2009 series, which he won.
The Sun On Sunday also revealed that staff on This Morning raised concerns about Gino’s conduct 10 years ago.
Several crew and production members flagged alleged issues with bosses, including bullying and sexually inappropriate comments.
It has also been claimed he even made vile comments about the show’s host Holly Willoughby to a shocked woman.
Gino has three kids with wife Jessica.
Tesco shoppers divided over PINK hot cross buns with retro flavour
TESCO shoppers have expressed mixed reactions to the introduction of a new hot cross bun flavour featuring a pink design.
Now available in stores well ahead of Easter, the UK’s largest supermarket is offering rhubarb & custard hot cross buns as part of its seasonal range.
This twist on the classic Easter treat is made with rhubarb purée, dried cream, and freeze-dried rhubarb.
A pack of four is priced at £1.80 and can be purchased in-store or online.
However, the new flavour has sparked lively discussion on social media.
While some shoppers are excited to try the innovative creation, others remain loyal to the traditional recipe.
One shopper said on Facebook: “Aldi did rhubarb and custard ones a few years ago they were my favourite as I don’t like dried fruit and spices.
“Shame these have dried fruit”
Another shopper jokes: “So I’m usually a purist when it comes to hot cross buns but tempted to make an exception here.”
A third said: “They are very good.”
However, not everyone is on board with the new flavour.
One shopper said: “Why do they play around with perfection.”
History of the hot cross bun
A HOT cross bun is a spiced sweet bun made with yeast, typically containing dried fruits like raisins or currants and marked with a cross on top.
This cross can be made of flour paste or icing.
The buns are traditionally eaten on Good Friday in many countries, including the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and India, but are increasingly available year-round, especially in the UK.
The tradition of eating hot cross buns is deeply intertwined with Easter and Christianity. The cross is symbolic of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and the spices are sometimes said to represent those used to embalm him.
One tradition even suggests that hot cross buns baked on Good Friday will not go mouldy for a year.
However, the history of hot cross buns likely predates Christianity. Some believe they originated with the ancient Greeks, who may have marked cakes with crosses.
Others link them to pre-Christian Anglo-Saxon celebrations of spring and the goddess Ēostre, from whom the name “Easter” may derive.
These early buns might have been offered to celebrate the goddess and the changing seasons.
A third said: “Can we not just have ordinary standard ones please, and leave all them flavours for sweets and desserts!”
In recent years, supermarkets have embraced the trend of introducing quirky and unconventional twists on the traditional hot cross bun.
Just last week, M&S unveiled a lemon-curd-filled variety, adding a zesty spin to the Easter classic.
In 2024, we put a selection of these inventive flavours to the test, including a savoury cheddar and red Leicester-inspired bun that reimagines the treat entirely.
We also sampled Aldi’s banoffee-flavoured hot cross buns, proving that the boundaries of this seasonal staple are being pushed further than ever.
How to save on your supermarket shop
THERE are plenty of ways to save on your grocery shop.
You can look out for yellow or red stickers on products, which show when they’ve been reduced.
If the food is fresh, you’ll have to eat it quickly or freeze it for another time.
Making a list should also save you money, as you’ll be less likely to make any rash purchases when you get to the supermarket.
Going own brand can be one easy way to save hundreds of pounds a year on your food bills too.
This means ditching “finest” or “luxury” products and instead going for “own” or value” type of lines.
Plenty of supermarkets run wonky veg and fruit schemes where you can get cheap prices if they’re misshapen or imperfect.
For example, Lidl runs its Waste Not scheme, offering boxes of 5kg of fruit and vegetables for just £1.50.
If you’re on a low income and a parent, you may be able to get up to £442 a year in Healthy Start vouchers to use at the supermarket too.
Plus, many councils offer supermarket vouchers as part of the Household Support Fund.
Fury as Labour poised to let CHINA into major North Sea wind farm despite warnings for national security
LABOUR are poised to let China into a major North Sea wind farm despite warnings it undermines national security and risks sparking a row with America.
Treasury officials have “brushed aside fears” of a hostile state building critical UK infrastructure.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who visited Beijing last month, has been promised hundreds of millions of pounds of investment if the China deal goes through, an insider told The Sun.
They said: “It is madness to let a hostile state install UK critical national infrastructure.
“But as far as the Treasury is concerned, it seems money is more important than security.”
The Green Volt North Sea wind farm is due to be Europe’s largest floating green energy project.
It is a joint venture between the Italian-Norwegian owned Vårgrønn and Japan’s Flotation Energy.
They have selected China’s Mingyang Smart Energy to supply the all-important turbines that turn wind into electricity.
The Chinese turbines are half the price of European equivalents according to industry sources.
Elizabeth Braw, a senior fellow at Atlantic Council think tank in Washington DC, slammed the move as “a bad idea”.
She said: “It is too risky to entrust critical national infrastructure to a company from country that has shown they are not our friends.
“All of us depend on critical infrastructure functioning without disruption and problems and today there are no guarantees when you involve Chinese companies.”
She also warned the move “won’t win the UK any friends in Washington”.
Two government departments have raised concerns but appear to have been overruled.
Ed Milliband’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero warned China could switch off the power plunging homes and oil rigs into darkness.
An assessment concluded the risk was real but the Green Volt site wasn’t big enough to jeopardise UK power supplies.
When it is fully built some 35 turbines will provide up 560 MW of power.
The Ministry of Defence raised separate concerns that the floating structures could be used as spy sensors.
A source said: “If a Chinese company supplies the turbines they have a legitimate excuse to visit any one at any time for maintenance.
“That means they can install almost anything they like at any time.
“The worst case scenario is we have to assume every turbine could then be an antenna intercepting signals intelligence, or a sensor tracking ships or planes.”
A second MoD insider said: “We are absolutely right to be hawkish about China and have a duty to scrutinise risks and raise flags where we have concerns.
The worst case scenario is we have to assume every turbine could then be an antenna intercepting signals intelligence, or a sensor tracking ships or planes
A source
“Ultimately though, this is a wider government decision.”
Mingyang is China’s largest floating offshore wind company. They are in talks to open a turbine plant in Scotland if the Green Volt deal gets approved.
The SNP government in Edinburh gave the factory “priority” status in its Strategic Investment plan.
A government source said: “The fear in the Treasury is that if we don’t get this factory the investment will go to Italy.
“So it’s a question of jobs and growth.”
Green Volt said it was still “identifyin supply chain partners” and vowed to follow government guidance on UK national security.
A spokesperson said: “We are developing the largest commercial-scale, floating offshore wind farm in the world, working to hugely ambitious timelines to deliver the government’s goal of 5GW of floating offshore wind by 2030.
“We are identifying supply chain partners to help us build the wind farm.
“Regardless of which suppliers are chosen, we will comply with any Government regulation and guidance around security of critical national infrastructure.”
Mingyang did not respond to a request for comment.
Earlier, their chief exec Ma Jing said the UK was “a pivotal market for the expansion of our clean energy portfolio.”
It comes after The Sun revealed defence chiefs had been ordered to stop talking in Chinese electric cars over fears Beijing can eavesdrop.
Their fleet of civilian MGs and BYD cars pose a “security risk”.
A Government spokesperson said: “Kickstarting economic growth so working people have more money in their pockets is the number one priority of this Government as we deliver on our Plan for Change – and we continue to welcome investment while always protecting our national security first and foremost.”
‘All a masterplan’ – Mark Williams jokingly reveals how pal and coach is deliberately ruining Ronnie O’Sullivan’s game
MARK WILLIAMS has jokingly thanked pal Lee Walker for ruining Ronnie O’Sullivan’s time on the baize.
Willo, 49, has no qualms with his long-term friend and coach working with his rival on the Road to the Crucible.
But the Rocket – who plays Jamie Clarke on Tuesday in the Welsh Open first round – has not exactly had a great start to 2025.
Especially as the Class of 92 star damaged his equipment in a moment of rage and needs a new one for his next appearance.
Asked what Walker could add to O’Sullivan’s game, Wales’ three-time world champion laughed: “Well, he’s doing well with Ronnie at the minute…
“Ronnie’s pulled out of the last five tournaments and snapped his cue.
“It’s all a masterplan to get him out of the way!”
Williams hit three centuries – 101, 100 and 117 – as eliminated Austrian amateur Florian Nuessle from the Llandudno tournament.
Yet the world No.5 says he only decided to play in the tournament the DAY before.
He explained: “I decided on Sunday morning.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
“A lot of convincing from Lee Walker. Sunday morning is when I really decided I was coming.
“I was unsure all the way. My wife was saying I should go.
“They are probably right to be honest.
“Because it’s my home tournament. If I’m going to miss one, maybe I’ll miss a different one.
“I have missed a few events already this year. I’m not 100 per cent about Hong Kong yet.
“Just see how it goes. Sometimes you need a break from this game.”
List of all-time Snooker World Champions
BELOW is a list of snooker World Champions by year.
The record is for the modern era, widely considered as dating from the 1968-69 season, when the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) took control of the sport.
The first World Championships ran from 1927 – with a break from 1941-45 because of World War II and 1958-63 because of a dispute in the sport.
Joe Davis (15), Fred Davis and John Pulman (both 8) were the most successful players during that period.
Stephen Hendry and Ronnie O’Sullivan share the record for the most titles in the modern era, with seven each.
- 1969 – John Spencer
- 1970 – Ray Reardon
- 1971 – John Spencer
- 1972 – Alex Higgins
- 1973 – Ray Reardon (2)
- 1974 – Ray Reardon (3)
- 1975 – Ray Reardon (4)
- 1976 – Ray Reardon (5)
- 1977 – John Spencer (2)
- 1978 – Ray Reardon (6)
- 1979 – Terry Griffiths
- 1980 – Cliff Thorburn
- 1981 – Steve Davis
- 1982 – Alex Higgins (2)
- 1983 – Steve Davis (2)
- 1984 – Steve Davis (3)
- 1985 – Dennis Taylor
- 1986 – Joe Johnson
- 1987 – Steve Davis (4)
- 1988 – Steve Davis (5)
- 1989 – Steve Davis (6)
- 1990 – Stephen Hendry
- 1991 – John Parrott
- 1992 – Stephen Hendry (2)
- 1993 – Stephen Hendry (3)
- 1994 – Stephen Hendry (4)
- 1995 – Stephen Hendry (5)
- 1996 – Stephen Hendry (6)
- 1997 – Ken Doherty
- 1998 – John Higgins
- 1999 – Stephen Hendry (7)
- 2000 – Mark Williams
- 2001 – Ronnie O’Sullivan
- 2002 – Peter Ebdon
- 2003 – Mark Williams (2)
- 2004 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (2)
- 2005 – Shaun Murphy
- 2006 – Graeme Dott
- 2007 – John Higgins (2)
- 2008 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (3)
- 2009 – John Higgins (3)
- 2010 – Neil Robertson
- 2011 – John Higgins (4)
- 2012 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (4)
- 2013 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (5)
- 2014 – Mark Selby
- 2015 – Stuart Bingham
- 2016 – Mark Selby (2)
- 2017 – Mark Selby (3)
- 2018 – Mark Williams (3)
- 2019 – Judd Trump
- 2020 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (6)
- 2021 – Mark Selby (4)
- 2022 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (7)
- 2023 – Luca Brecel
- 2024 – Kyren Wilson
Most World Titles (modern era)
- 7 – Stephen Hendry, Ronnie O’Sullivan
- 6 – Ray Reardon, Steve Davis
- 4 – John Higgins, Mark Selby
- 3 – John Spencer, Mark Williams
- 2 – Alex Higgins
‘Capt Coward’ who capsized & fled Costa Concordia ‘after drinking with dancer’ begs to be FREED halfway through sentence
THE captain who fled after capsizing the Costa Concordia cruise ship has begged to be freed just halfway through his time behind bars.
Francesco Schettino – dubbed “Captain Coward” – was at the helm of the £400million vessel which claimed 32 lives when it sank 13 years ago.
Schettino, 64, had reportedly been drinking with a dancer on the ship before the disaster struck in 2012.
The former captain was sentenced to 16 years behind bars in February 2015 for multiple counts of manslaughter, causing a shipwreck, abandoning his passengers, and dereliction of duty.
Schettino has reportedly now petitioned the Italian courts to let him out of jail early, per ANSA.
The disgraced captain has reached the time limit that would allow him to seek an alternative to prison – as he has served half his sentence.
Under Italian law, the captain could enter into “semi-liberty” which would mean he could serve the rest of his sentence outside of jail.
Schettino will face a court hearing on 4 March to decide if he can leave prison.
The former captain’s initial trial revealed shocking details about potential drinking and dancing while on duty.
A Moldovan dancer and tour rep on the ship, Domnica Cemortan, had been accused of distracting the captain before the disaster.
Cemortan admitted that she had been in a romantic relationship with Schettino and was on board the ship before it sank, but denied distracting him.
Unconfirmed reports from the time alleged the pair had been drinking together.
Cemortan admitted she had been alone with the captain in his cabin, earlier on the doomed evening, and added that the pair kissed passionately, telling the MailOnline at the time.
The tour rep had previously worked on the ship for three weeks as a translator for Russian passengers, but later returned as a paying customer.
Her luggage and underwear were found submerged in Schettino’s cabin, but the tour rep claimed it was just a temporary arrangement.
HORROR HOLIDAY
In 2012, the Concordia accidentally took a detour during a voyage and steered straight into underwater rocks.
Schettino was found responsible for a 230-foot gash along the side of the ship that flooded the engine room and caused the Costa Concordia to capsize and sink.
As the water filled inside, the ship started to list on one side – and drift back towards the island despite the captain’s futile attempts to regain control.
Eventually, the ship toppled sideways in an unsteady position on a rocky underwater ledge – and started to sink.
The incident caused a scandal at the time, not least because the captain abandoned his crew and left them to fend for themselves.
Soon after the incident, coastguards flocked to the horror scene to rescue all 4,252 people onboard – which included 1,023 crew members and personnel.
After a six-hour rescue operation, most of the people were brought ashore without severe injuries.
Of the 32 people who died in the disaster, 12 were German.
A survivor of the sinking, Sandra Birnstiel, 51, from the northern German city of Luebeck, told German media: “I think Schettino has to serve his sentence, if only for the families of the victims.
“I don’t think it would be fair if he is allowed to go on day release all the time.”
Kelle Bryan defends Gino D’Acampo after controversial Loose Women appearance amid scandal
KELLE Bryan has defended under-fire Gino D’Acampo after he made a controversial appearance on Loose Women last year.
Eternal singer Kelle was on the Loose Women panel in 2024 when dad-of-three Gino confessed he “doesn’t like” children.
Last week has the chef was accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women who came forward to ITV News.
But Kelle has spoken out in defence of Gino, insisting he’s a “real pleasure” to be around.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun at the TV Choice awards, Hollyoaks star Kelle said of the his chaotic appearance: “To be honest, Gino’s always been funny and a big character.
“We’ve never experienced any issues with him – it’s always been a real pleasure.”
Their investigation into Gino found there were multiple claims of “unacceptable,” “distressing” and “horrendous” treatment while working with the TV star over more than 12 years.
And someone who doesn’t share Kelle’s opinion of Gino is Kim Woodburn, who did I’m a Celebrity with him in 2009.
Speaking to us this week, she branded him “vile”.
Kim claimed: “His language to the crew was disgusting. He cheated, called this producer a ‘f***ing bastard’ and ‘c***’, then refused to leave the set.
“We had to stop filming while two men took him by the arm and forced him off the set back to the camp. They should have thrown him off the show. Ghastly it was.
“He treated crew like garbage, he didn’t care. He’s reduced many people to tears over the years.”
Gino has denied all allegations put to him by ITV News, saying they are: “simply not in my nature”.
He added: “I do not recognise the version of events being put to me.”
Gino's statement in full
“I have been told by ITN news that allegations have been made about me acting inappropriately, some dating back over ten years ago.
“I have never been made aware of these matters previously and the allegations are firmly denied. I would not do anything that I thought would upset or distress anyone.
“This is simply not in my nature. I do not recognise the version of events being put to me.
“Not only have these allegations never been raised with me before, I have been repeatedly supported by executives at the highest level and was commissioned on prime-time programmes during the period in which it is now suggested I was acting inappropriately.
“I am a father, husband and have worked with well over 1,500 people on around 80 productions in my career, which I have been so proud of.
“I take such matters extremely seriously and the suggestion that I have acted in an improper way against is deeply upsetting.”