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TikTokers are eating packing peanuts in bizarre viral trend
World’s largest carmaker SCRAPS ‘problematic’ high-tech feature from all motors that left drivers ‘stressed & annoyed’
THE world’s largest carmarker has scrapped a “problematic” high-tech feature from all its motors.
Volkswagen is set to reintroduce physical buttons to their cars in a move away from the usual touchscreen.
Touchscreens and haptic sliders have been the norm for several years now as manufacturers have tried to make cars feel more high-tech.
However, they have proved problematic and potentially dangerous, so Volkswagen is set to eliminate them soon.
It comes after users complained that functions like radio volume, heater controls, navigation, and more have been difficult to perform on the move via touchscreen.
The new change is set to be a very welcome addition for motorists.
It will make controlling essentials such as heating much easier for the driver and front passenger.
Design chief Andreas Mindt told Autocar the firm it is committed to reintroducing physical buttons.
He said: “From the ID 2all onwards, we will have physical buttons for the five most important functions – the volume, the heating on each side of the car, the fans and the hazard light – below the screen.
“They will be in every car that we make from now on. We understood this.
“We will never, ever make this mistake any more. On the steering wheel, we will have physical buttons. No guessing any more.
“There’s feedback, it’s real, and people love this. Honestly, it’s a car. It’s not a phone: it’s a car.”
It comes after another major car brand discontinued its supermini in the UK after 10 years but has its replacement already lined up.
Mazda confirmed its Mazda 2 petrol motor can no longer be ordered brand new.
The motor landed on our roads in April 2015 and quickly earned praise for being fun to drive, and for its smart cabin and pace.
Despite two face-lifts in 2019 and 2023, which both added extra tech to the compact car, the car’s near ten-year run in UK sales has finally come to an end.
Only a “few hundred” examples are left in showrooms across the UK.
Meanwhile, Lexus has revealed it has discontinued its iconic LS saloon from the UK market after some 35 years.
Lexus‘ LS first arrived for British drivers in 1990 but had recently suffered from a sustained period of poor sales.
ndeed, just 39 of the hybrid V6-powered saloons have been purchased since 2020, of which just three were sold last year.
Following its axing, drivers in the UK looking for a Lexus saloon have just one choice left, the ES.
5.20 Cheltenham result – day 1: Who won National Hunt Novices’ Chase 2025? How every horse finished
THE National Hunt Novices’ is the final race of the opening day of Cheltenham Festival.
We’ll bring you how every horse finished right here below, or check out Sun Racing’s Cheltenham live blog for the latest race updates.
5.20 Cheltenham result
Full results and horse placing to follow…
Cheltenham Festival 2025 schedule in FULL
Tuesday, March 11 – Champion Day
1.20pm: Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ (WINNER: KOPEK DES BORDES)
2pm: My Pension Expert Arkle Novices’ Chase (WINNER: JANGO BAIE)
2.40pm: Ultima Handicap Chase (WINNER: MYRETOWN)
3.20pm: Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (WINNER: LOSSIEMOUTH)
4pm: Unibet Champion Hurdle (WINNER: GOLDEN ACE)
4.40pm: Hallgarten And Novum Wines Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (WINNER: PUTURHANDSTOGETHER)
5.20pm: National Hunt Novices’ Chase
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Wednesday, March 12 – Style Wednesday
1.20pm: Turners Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
2pm: Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase
2.40pm: Coral Cup Hurdle (Premier Handicap)
3.20pm: Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase
4pm: BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1)
4.40pm: Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)
5.20pm: Weatherbys Champion Bumper
Thursday, March 13 – St Patrick’s Thursday
1.20pm: Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2)
2pm: Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase
2.40pm: Pertemps Network Final (Premier Handicap)
3.20pm: Ryanair Chase (Grade 1)
4pm: Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
4.40pm: TrustATrader Plate (Premier Handicap)
5.20pm: Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup
CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2025 LIVE: LATEST TIPS AND RESULTS FROM THE GREATEST SHOW ON TURF
Friday, March 14 – Gold Cup Day
1.20pm: JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1)
2pm: William Hill County Handicap Hurdle Race (Premier Handicap)
2.40pm: Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase (Grade 2)
3.20pm: Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)
4pm: Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup (Grade 1)
4.40pm: St. James’s Place Festival Hunters Chase
5.20pm: Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle
How to watch EVERY race at Cheltenham Festival 2025
In the UK, ITV1 will be providing FREE coverage of the first SIX races of each day at Cheltenham Festival this year.
Fans in the UK will be able to live stream ITV’s coverage for FREE via the ITVX app/website.
ITV’s broadcast of the event will begin at 12.45pm and end at 5pm each day.
Previously, ITV didn’t air the final two races of each day at Cheltenham, but this year, viewers are treated to an extra four races across the festival for absolutely NOTHING.
Racing TV is the only place to watch the Cheltenham Festival in its entirety, but you will be required to purchase a subscription to access the channel.
SunSport’s Cheltenham live blog will provide comprehensive coverage of EVERY race across the festival.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – gamcare.org.uk
- GambleAware – GambleAware.org
Read our guide on responsible gambling practices.
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
Brit actor named frontrunner for James Bond role by Hollywood A-list pal – AND Miss Moneypenny star backs him to be 007
HOLLYWOOD megastar Michael Fassbender has declared who he wants to take over as James Bond – despite being in the running at one point himself.
The Irish star, 47, has been one of the many names being bet on to take over as the new face of the 007 franchise, joining ranks including James Norton, Gangs of London’s Joe Cole, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Babygirl star Harris Dickinson.
But rather than take up the mantle, Michael has revealed who he would like to take on the role while promoting his latest movie, Black Bag.
“Well, I think Regé-Jean Page could be a frontrunner after this, to be honest,” he told US Weekly.
“I think he’s fantastic. He’s got all the attributes. So, let’s wait and see.”
Regé-Jean Page is best known for his role as Duke Simon Bassett in the first season of Netflix smash hit Bridgerton, though he has later appeared in Dungeons and Dragons, The Grey Man and US legal series, For The People.
After his first appearance in Bridgerton back in 2020, he was rumoured to be signed up for Bond when he made the sudden announcement he would not be returning for season two of the sexy period drama, despite being the first season’s lead.
As well as Fassbender, Regé-Jean’s contention for the Bond role was backed up by Naomie Harris, who herself has been part of the 007 world as Miss Moneypenny.
She starred in three of the Bond movies alongside Daniel Craig, who gave up his role with his final appearance in 2022’s No Time To Die.
“I think Regé would be amazing,” she said. “I’d love Regé to be the next James Bond. But who knows? I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
The comments come shortly after it was revealed the Broccoli family have handed the reins of James Bond over to Amazon.
It’s expected it will be at least another three years before the iconic spy returns to our screens, with no announcement made on who will take over Daniel Craig.
Despite fears on what it could mean for the series – with worries the quintessentially British character could be made American or even female – insiders have since dispelled the rumours.
An insider told the Mail on Sunday: “Amazon is committed to keeping the spirit of Bond alive and that means he has to be British or from the Commonwealth – and he has to be male.”
They added: “Jeff is a massive Bond fan and while he’s excited to see how Amazon can take the franchise forward there are certain things which are sacrosanct.”
Luke Littler launches new side hustle after Belgian Open victory including dog BANDANA
LUKE LITTLER has expanded his shop to include items for dogs.
The darts sensation, 18, is currently on a stunning 18-match win streak after clinching the UK Open, Premier League night five and Belgian Open titles.
And while he is busy hitting a stunning nine-darter at the fifth Players Championship event of the year today, his official shop has been branching out.
The online “Luke Littler Store” sells clothing, darts equipment, accessories and signed merchandise to fans.
And they have a bizarre new product in store… dog bandannas.
Littler superfans can get their pet kitted out in either purple or yellow headgear with “The Nuke” written on it for £13.
The product contains an adjustable strap to ensure it fits dogs of all different shapes and sizes.
There is also a pet feeding mat available in the same colours for £15.
Fans love the new items, with one saying: “Defo getting one.”
Another added: “Gotta get that bread.”
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A third wrote: “Please bring out a full dog range.”
Littler comes from an animal-loving family and has a French bulldog named Nala.
She posed with his World Championship trophy after he beat Michael Van Gerwen at Ally Pally earlier this year.
Premier League Darts 2025: Dates and venues
Night 1 – Belfast: Humphries beat Dobey 6-1
Night 2 – Glasgow: Littler beat Humphries 6-5
Night 3 – Dublin: Price beat Aspinall 6-3
Night 4 – Exeter: Humphries beat Littler 6-4
Night 5 – Brighton: Littler beat Aspinall 6-3
Night 6 – Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham – Thursday March 13
Night 7 – Utilita Arena, Cardiff – Thursday March 20
Night 8 – Utilita Arena, Newcastle – Thursday March 27
Night 9 – Uber Arena, Berlin – Thursday April 3
Night 10 – AO Arena, Manchester – Thursday April 10
Night 11 – Rotterdam Ahoy, Rotterdam – Thursday April 17
Night 12 – M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool – Thursday April 24
Night 13 – Utilita Arena, Birmingham, Thursday May 1
Night 14 – First Direct Arena, Leeds – Thursday May 8
Night 15 – P&J Live, Aberdeen – Thursday May 15
Night 16 – Utilita Arena, Sheffield – Thursday May 22
Play-Offs – The O2, London – Thursday May 29
Huge star-studded reality show saved from the axe as Channel 4 bosses make last-minute u-turn
CELEBRITY SAS: Who Dares Wins has been pulled back from the brink after Channel 4 bosses made a last-minute decision to keep the show alive — despite plans to quietly axe the hit series.
The brutal reality show, which pushes celebs to their limits in gruelling military-style challenges, was set to be cut from the schedule.
But after seeing footage of the upcoming series, execs couldn’t let it go.
A TV insider revealed: “Channel 4 never officially announced that Celebrity SAS had been dropped, but behind closed doors, they had decided not to bring it back — at least for the time being.
“It’s an expensive show to make, as far as reality shows go, and budgets have been tightened.”
The most recent series of the SAS: Who Dares Wins celebrity spin-off was completed by Love Island star Georgia Harrison and boxer Lani Daniels.
Another installment, due to air this year, has already been made.
The source added: “They filmed a series in 2024, which will air later in 2025, and that was quietly considered to be the last one they would make.
“However, it’s a beloved franchise and they have had a last-minute change of heart after doing the edit for the unaired series that’s in the can.”
Now, the show’s future is back on track, with the next course to be filmed later this year and air in 2026.
Casting talks are already underway to find the next batch of brave celebs willing to face freezing water submersions, terrifying heights, and relentless shouting from the show’s no-nonsense directing staff.
The next instalment promises to be as intense as ever, with contestants pushed to their physical and emotional limits in some of the toughest challenges on TV.
And sources have told The Sun bosses are already in talks with famous faces for the 2026 celebrity series.
The Sun previously revealed N-Dubz star Fazer was in talks to appear on the show.
A telly insider told us: “Fazer is really keen to have a go on SAS: Who Dares Wins and has had some promising conversations so far.
“There’s no denying the popularity of N-Dubz and Tulisa‘s recent appearance on I’m a Celebrity proves that.
Celebrity SAS Who Dares Wins winners
Many celebrities have attempted the infamous Channel 4 quasi military training course - but only a select few have successfully passed.
Series 1 (2019) – Wayne Bridge
Series 2 (2020) – Locksmith and Lauren Steadman
Series 3 (2021) – Alexandra Burke, Aled Davies and Wes Nelson
Series 4 (2022) – AJ Pritchard, Calum Best, Ferne McCann and Maisie Smith
Series 5 (2023) – Gareth Gates
“Fazer joining the line-up would be good for both him and the show and it’s lookling like a done deal at the moment.”
Tulisa, Fazer and bandmate Dappy reunited in 2022 after a hiatus of more than a decade and hit the road a year later for a sell-out arena tour.
A representative for Celeb SAS has been contacted for comment.
I’m the famous voice of the Tube – but I’m devastated at being replaced by AI… it’s ruining our culture
THE voice of the Tube has spoken of her devastation, after her iconic announcements were replaced with AI.
Elinor Hamilton, 46, whose recordings have been used on the London Underground for over 20 years, said the birth of the technology was ruining the capital’s vibrant culture.
Transport for London (TfL) confirmed last week that it had implemented AI for tannoy announcements at Colindale station on the Northern Line.
Bosses admitted they were using a “text-to-speech voice provided by Zentiel”, in response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request submitted by the Metro.
This was brought in amid a redevelopment of the station – set to be completed later this year.
TfL has clarified that Elinor’s voice will return to Colindale once the project has finished.
Elinor told the Metro: “It makes me quite sad they are using an AI voice.
“To use computer voices almost takes away the job of travelling in London. It brings me joy to think these are people.
“It is the difference between going down a nice cobbled high street and going to a retail park outside a city”
The voiceover artist added that advancements in AI would eventually “chip away” at the “fabric of London” – and that society would only notice once it was too late.
Elinor’s soundbites were first recorded in 2005 for the Northern, Jubilee and Piccadilly lines – but later adopted across Tube stations in London.
She has also supplied similar recordings for other stations and rail operators across the UK – including South Western Railway.
Remarkably, somebody else in Elinor’s family also had the same niche job.
Her late husband, Phil Sayer, was the voice behind the famous “Mind the Gap” message heard across Underground stations.
After landing the quirky job, radio presenter Phil recommended his wife Elinor for station announcements.
Despite his death in 2016, Phil’s voice continues to be used by TfL.
However, Elinor admitted she was terrified her beloved husband’s voice might one day be axed.
The mum-of-two said she still liked to record Phil’s announcements whenever she heard them – to show her sons that he was “still around”.
She added that she would “kick off” if they were ever removed.
In the FOI response, a TfL spokesman said: “Once the station re-opens fully in late 2025, the regular station management system and London Underground station voice announcements will be used.
“No decision has been taken yet on the permanent female voice we intend to use on the refurbished Bakerloo and Central line trains.”
The Sun has contacted TfL for further comment.
‘If I leave without winning anything, the fans will forget me’ – William Saliba drops cryptic hint he could quit Arsenal
THIS has been a sobering season for William Saliba.
With aspirations of becoming the world’s best defender, the young Frenchman admits his performances have been nowhere near the levels he demands of himself.
And with dreams of lifting major silverware for Arsenal, he has brutally told his teammates they are in danger of being FORGOTTEN about after another botched pursuit of the Premier League title.
Yet for all the disappointments and injuries so far this term, it could still end in glory with a Champions League quarter final on the horizon – something Saliba still believes the Gunners can win.
Mikel Arteta’s men are on course for a third-straight Prem campaign in second place, currently 15 points adrift of Arne Slot’s runaway Liverpool with 10 games remaining.
Long-term injuries to Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus – as well as failing to sign a striker in the transfer window – has left Arsenal crippled at times, ultimately costing them.
But ahead of their Champions League last 16 second leg at home to PSV on Wednesday – with a 7-1 lead from last week’s first leg in Eindhoven – centre back Saliba, 23, said: “This season we don’t deserve to be top [of the Prem].
“If Liverpool are first it is because they did something we didn’t do. They are so good as well. Of course there’s a big gap but we have to keep going.
“And there’s the Champions League so we will push. We have to keep believing. We all believe that we can do it.
“I want to win big things with Arsenal. If you leave this club without winning anything the fans will forget about you.
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“We are close. We are very close. We don’t stop working. When you are close like this, when you don’t win trophies, it’s sad but we have to keep going.
“With the work, we will do the big step and I’m really sure that we will arrive there. If we don’t believe or if we don’t dream to win the Champions League there is no point to play.”
Saliba was forced to prove himself after signing for Arsenal in July 2019 for around £27m – sent immediately on loan spells in his native France with former club St Etienne, OGC Nice and Marseille.
Now, in his third Prem season, he is considered one of the best defenders on the planet – his performances under Arteta sparking the interest of Real Madrid.
In Europe, Arsenal have conceded just four goals in nine games, and have the best defence in the Prem with just 24 goals conceded – three less than Liverpool.
But Saliba is his own harshest critic, suggesting there is plenty more work to do to be compared with his idol Sergio Ramos, “unbelievable” Reds skipper Virgil van Dijk and centre back partner Gabriel.
Arsenal ratings vs Man Utd as Rice runs Gunners midfield but wonderkid Nwaneri falls below high standards
DECLAN RICE rescued a point for Arsenal after David Raya failed to stop a Bruno Fernandes freekick.
Fernandes’ set piece was followed by a brilliant Rice strike in the second half, leaving the sides with a point apiece.
After a quiet first half, both sides woke up and provided more going forward after the break but lacked quality in the final third.
Raya’s display in the second half more than made up for his earlier error and, alongside Rice, kept his side in the game.
Coming off the back of a riotous 7-1 victory over PSV, Arsenal reverted to their goal scoring woes and proved once again that they desperately need a striker.
But, who was on the mark for the Gunners?
Can Mikel Arteta push for the title without an out-and-out striker?
And did anyone shine off the bench for Arteta’s side?
Here, SunSport’s Conor Jones delivers his Arsenal player ratings against Manchester United…
Saliba explained: “I want to one day be the best defender in the world. I know I have to work a lot and to win trophies as well – but that’s my dream.
“I am not so far. I am not the best at the moment because, for me, this season I have not been so good. I have to review my season, I have to work on my game.
“I have to watch especially my partner, Gabriel, who has been so, so good this season. There are a few [defenders better].
“I have to focus on myself and work more on my concentration, I have to score more and help my team more to win trophies. When you win trophies, you can say you’re the best.
“If you want to win trophies, the defence has to be very good. First of all you, if you don’t concede and you keep clean sheets, you give yourself the best chance of winning the game.
“I have to push, to demand more of myself to help my team.”
Arteta is hoping to rest a few key players for the second leg against PSV – with a quarter final against either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid on the cards early next month.
The Spaniard said: “We’ve done a lot in this competition and the most exciting part is still to coming up now. That’s why we have to make sure we finish the job.
“I have full belief that we can compete against any team left in the competition, get the best out of ourselves in every detail and define the moment to go through.”
Extreme eater & TikTok star famed for ‘mukbang’ vids of him gorging food dies at 24 after struggling to breathe or stand
AN EXTREME eater and TikTok star known for sharing videos of himself over-eating has died after struggling to breathe or stand.
Efecan Kultur, 24, had over 155,000 followers on TikTok and was well known as a mukbang streamer.
Mukbang is an online phenomenon where people watch, record and stream themselves scoffing super-sized quantities of food online.
Kultur shared videos of himself eating with his followers, while he chatted to them.
What is the mukbang craze?
By Lydia Doye
- Mukbang is a global internet phenomenon where people watch, record and stream themselves scoffing super-sized quantities of food online.
- The trend is thought to have started back in 2009 in South Korea.
- The word combines the Korean words mugneun (eating) and bangsong (broadcast).
- There are now more than 4.9 million mukbang videos on YouTube and 4.1 million on Tiktok.
- The videos have been made even more popular by celebrities including Florence Pugh, Kylie Jenner and Megan Thee Stallion.
- But there is a dark side to the trend.
- At least 2 mukbangers died during challenges last year alone, and even more suffered from health challenges.
- Watching mukbang can also lead to obesity, overeating, and eating disorders.
Kultur was hospitalised in December 2024 due to health problems as a result of his weight.
The 24-year-old could no longer stand up and suffered breathing problems.
He also suffered constant bruising which triggered mobility issues.
Bedridden and unable to breathe without a machine, Kultur was reportedly unable to visit his mum’s grave following her death a year ago.
Kultur was allowed to continue his treatment at home, where he passed away.
His funeral was held at the Celaliye Mosque in Istanbul province.
His body was buried in the Silivri Gumusyaka Cemetery.
Extreme eater, Pan Xiaoting, died last July after her stomach tore while live streaming a 10-hour-long food binge.
Xiaoting was known for broadcasting her marathon eating challenges, often eating for hours at a time.
According to the post-mortem examination, her abdomen was visibly deformed and her stomach was full of undigested food.
This indicated that her stomach could have burst, causing stomach acid and food to leak into her abdomen, the Mail reported at the time.
Watch the explosive moment Sharon Watts and Nicola Mitchell come to blows in EastEnders as feud reaches boiling point
SHARON Watts is back to her furious best in today’s EastEnders as she flies at Nicola Mitchell in a vicious brawl.
The businesswoman – who is played by actress Letitia Dean in the BBC soap – was horrified when she discovered her brother Zack Hudson had been brutally beaten by Nicola’s hired thugs.
Viewers know that Zack recently discovered he is the biological father of Nicola’s youngest son Barney.
And while he’s been determined to be a part of his son’s life, Nicola has been determined to keep it a secret.
In last night’s episode she lured Zack to the club and watched as he was brutally beaten, warning him to stay away.
She has also used her knowledge that Sharon cheated on Teddy with Grant Mitchell, to keep everything quiet.
But having seen the state of Zack and knowing the truth, Sharon decided to confront Nicola – and lamped her one in Harry’s Den.
“Apparently he got into a bit of trouble last night,” Nicola said to Teddy and her boys.
“Knowing him he probably got shacked up with the wrong bloke’s bird.”
Teddy wished him the best and Nicola said he better be or he’d be out of a job, just in time for Sharon to walk in.
“Oi,” she said as Nicola cockily replied: “Fancy some bubbles babe?”
Punching her across the jaw, Sharon sent Nicola flying before warning her: “You don’t scare me.
“Now you stay away from my brother or you’ll have me to deal with, do you understand?
“Consider yourself warned. Got it?”
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.
Ricky Groves – Groves returned as Garry Hobbs, a character who has not been seen since 2009.
Cliff Parisi – Parisi returned as Minty Peterson, a character who was last seen on the square in 2010.
Ross Kemp – Kemp has returned to play 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 EastEnders 40th anniversary celebration include: A wedding between fan favorites, A huge explosion at the Queen Vic, and A live interactive episode.
Sharon was carried out by her brother, while Teddy demanded to know the truth.
But later things took a worse turn for both women when Barney exposed Sharon’s actions with Grant, ultimately laying the groundwork for his whole life being exposed as a lie.