5 days agoNew York StateComments Off on 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.
Volkswagen are making the change against major trendsEPA
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.
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
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.
5 days agoNew York StateComments Off on 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.
GettyMichael Fassbender has backed a hugely popular co-star to be Bond[/caption]
GettyFassbender believes Regé-Jean Page could have what it takes to be the next Bond[/caption]
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.
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.”
APRegé is best known as the dashing Duke in Bridgerton season one[/caption]
AP:Associated PressDaniel Craig gave up the role with final movie, No Time To Die[/caption]
APRegé and Fassbender star together in new movie, Black Bag[/caption]
5 days agoNew York StateComments Off on 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.
PACelebrity SAS Who Dares Wins’ Rudy Reyes, Chris Oliver, Billy Billingham, Jason Fox[/caption]
The cast of the last series of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins that aired in SeptemberPAThe series forces celebrities to open up about trauma in their lives – Pete Wicks spoke about being lonely in an emotional confession last yearChannel 4
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.
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.
Now The Sun can reveal Fazer is in advanced talks to film the next series of the showGetty
5 days agoNew York StateComments Off on 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.
GettyLuke Littler is now selling merchandise for dogs[/caption]
Pet bandannas are available for £13Fans can also get their hands on a feeding mat for £15
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.”
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
5 days agoNew York StateComments Off on ‘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.
GettyWilliam Saliba admits this season has not gone to plan[/caption]
GettyThe Arsenal defender is gunning for glory in the Champions League[/caption]
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.
“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?
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.”
5 days agoNew York StateComments Off on 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.
XElinor Hamilton first supplied the recordings in 2005[/caption]
AlamyTransport for London confirmed an AI voice had been implemented at Colindale station[/caption]
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.
Elinor Hamilton and husband Phil Sayer, the so-called ‘railway couple’Rex
5 days agoNew York StateComments Off on 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.
Efecan Kultur has died due to weight-related problems after struggling to breathe or standNewsflashNewsflashKultur was an extreme eater and Tiktok star known for his mukbang videos[/caption]
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.
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.
Kultur was reportedly unable to visit his mum’s grave due to his mobility and breathing issuesNewsflashNewsflashKultur died at home where he was continuing his treatment[/caption]
5 days agoNew York StateComments Off on 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.
Sharon punched Nicola and sent her sprawling in the feudBBCNicola was left bleeding after Sharon’s attack
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.
5 days agoNew York StateComments Off on How small blue car seen in lay-by may be missing clue to solving case of murdered British schoolgirl found in field
IT’S a gruesome cold case that has left cops baffled for nearly three decades.
Kate Bushell, 14, went missing while walking her neighbour’s dog and was later found dead – but her killer has never been caught.
PAKate Bushell was killed in 1997 but her murderer was never found[/caption]
SWNSThe 14-year-old was out walking her neighbour’s dog when she was brutally killed[/caption]
Around 2,000 blue vehicles have been traced and eliminated from the enquiry over the years.
The man is described as white, aged between 30 and 40, of average build and height, clean shaven with dark collar length hair.
Several witnesses say they also saw a man running near the area.
Two people claimed to have seen a man running down the field behind Normans from the direction of the murder scene between 5.10pm and 5.40pm.
Meanwhile, other witnesses said they saw a man running wildly from the corner of the field in the Farm Hill/Cornflower Hill area of Exwick that evening.
The man in the car and the man running have never been traced despite renewed appeals by cops over the years.
Devon and Cornwall PoliceCops at the scene of the murder[/caption]
Murdered schoolgirl Kate Bushell on a dry ski slopePA:Press AssociationDevon and Cornwall PoliceExwick Lane in 1997 when Kate was murdered[/caption]
MURDER CLUES
These lines of inquiry remain key to the investigation along with tracing the source of orange fibres found at the scene, police say.
More than 100 orange clothing fibres were found on Kate’s body and one on a nearby country stile.
The orange fibres were from a bright orange azoic-dyed cotton material.
This is predominately used in non-florescent workwear such as boiler suits, aprons and gloves.
In 2017 a new appeal was made to coincide with the 20th anniversary of Kate’s killing.
It generated 204 calls and messages into the incident room, sparking 10 new lines of enquiry.
The actual weapon used to murder the 14-year-old has never been found but a post mortem found she was killed by a blade at least six inches long.
However, cops remain convinced that Kate’s killer has local connections due to the isolated location of the murder.
Detectives are still looking for that vital piece of information to unlock the puzzle which shocked the city nearly 30 years ago.
The field where Kate’s body was found was mainly used as a cut-through to Nadderwater and Whitestone, and was used by local dog walkers.
“The murder location has huge significance because it is not common to anyone from outside of the area,” said Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Rob Back.
“We believe that the killer may have lived locally or had links to friends and family members there.
“Kate’s body was found in a field which leads to Kinnerton Way and she would have gone down a country path and across two stiles to get there.”
Kate’s best friend Nicky Johns previously told The Sun about the horror case.
The pair were “inseparable” and had been best friends from the age of nine.
Nicky last saw Kate on what she described as a “normal Friday at school” where they waved goodbye to each other on the way home.
There isn’t a day that goes past where my family and I don’t think of her, what life would be like if she hadn’t been taken from us”
Kate's brother Tim Bushell
But she was later told the tragic news that Kate had been murdered just down the road.
She said in 2017: “Hearing the news, I felt completely numb. My brother cried, but I didn’t shed a tear. I just couldn’t believe what had happened.
“The pain was unbearable – it felt I’d lost part of myself.
“I think the hardest thing is knowing this person hasn’t been caught, they’re not paying for what they did.
“I pray somebody can remember something and can come forward with information.”
CollectKate and best pal Nicky Johns would spend most of their time together[/caption]
A poster released by a local newspaper after Kate’s disappearancePA:Press Association
Kate’s family and Devon and Cornwall Police issued a renewed appeal for information on November 14, 2022.
Her brother Tim Bushell, who was almost 16 at the time of her murder, also called on anyone who was still withholding information to look to their conscience and speak out.
He said: “Twenty five years ago my 14-year-old sister Kate was taken from my family and me when she was murdered near our home whilst walking a friend’s dog.
“There isn’t a day that goes past where my family and I don’t think of her, what life would be like if she hadn’t been taken from us, what she would have achieved, and all the family milestones that we have been unable to include her in.”
LINKED CASE
The case Kate’s murder is usually linked to is to the murder of Linda ‘Lyn’ Bryant in Cornwall 11 months later.
The 40-year-old’s death in a field bore many of the same hallmarks as Kate’s. She too was found stabbed in brutal fashion near to her home.
Both cases have been the subject of investigative reviews in recent years with the investigation to find Kate’s killer called Operation Deakin.
The possible links between Kate and Lyn’s murders were noted on Crimewatch in November 1998.
In 2018, detectives working on Lyn’s case said they had isolated a partial DNA profile of her killer that could help solve her brutal murder.
Since then officers have been retaking DNA samples from people across the UK to check them against the partial profile.
But her case, like Kate’s, remains unresolved.
A £20,000 reward was last offered by Crimestoppers for information which leads to the arrest and conviction of Kate’s killer.
In its latest update on Kate, Devon and Cornwall Police said they remain committed to finding her killer.
A spokesperson for the force said: “The investigation into the murder of Kate Bushell remains open and any information received will be assessed and investigated accordingly.
“We continue to work on any intelligence that is reported to us and we are thankful for the information provided to us as a result of previous anniversary appeals.
“We remain convinced that somebody knows or suspects who is responsible for Kate’s death.”
PALyn Bryant was murdered 11 months after Kate[/caption]
CollectKate with her friend Nicky Johns[/caption]
Timeline of tragedy
Saturday, November 15 1997
AM
The day begins as a normal Saturday for Kate’s family.
In the morning Kate travels into Exeter with mum Suzanne. Kate needs to do some research at the library.
Afterwards they go shopping; Kate buys a CD of one of her favourite bands from Virgin Megastore and a comic book of The Simpsons – a birthday present for her brother Tim.
EarlyPM
Kate spends the afternoon doing homework in her bedroom.
4.30pm
Kate leaves a neighbour’s house to walk their Jack Russell, Gemma. She has promised to help them while they were away.
4.45pm
Kate and Gemma reach the Exwick Lane lay-by near Whitestone Cross.
4.50pm
A mother and daughter drive by and see her. They also see a blue hatchback or van in Exwick Lane stables lay-by nearby with a man with the car.
4.55pm
A young couple drive the same route and see the blue vehicle unattended in the lay-by. They do not see Kate or anyone else in the lane.
5-7pm
A man is witnessed running down the field from the direction of the murder scene. He runs into the Exwick estate.
5.30pm
A small dog is seen coming out of a gateway on Exwick Lane at the base of the field where Kate is subsequently found. This is believed to be Gemma. There is no sign of Kate.
7pm
Kate’s parents Jerry and Suzanne call the police after searching for Katie in vain after she fails to come home.
7.30pm
Kate’s body is found by her father near a stile in a field off Exwick Lane. He was out with police searching for Kate.