New York State

LOVE Island fans think that Tyrique Hyde just ‘soft launched’ his new girlfriend on social media.

The Semi-Professional Footballer rose to prominence of the tenth series of the hit ITV2 show in 2023.

Instagram / @tyriquehyde

Tyrique Hyde may have given fans a hint at a new relationship[/caption]

Rex

the.twins.shot.this

His former partner made a dig at him on a TikTok[/caption]

Tyrique Hyde, 25, finished in third place alongside co-star Ella Thomas, 24.

However, the pair called time of their on/off relationship and have been embroiled in a social media war since. 

As part of that, Love Island enthusiasts seemingly think that Tyrique has given a hint to a new relationship on social media.

The former reality star took to Instagram with a new album from one of his nights out in London.

He cryptically captioned the photos: “NOT HEARTLESS, JUST USING MY HEART LESS.”

Although most of the snaps show the star sitting in a luxury Range Rover.

However, the first photo shows a pair of female hands lovingly caressing the TV star’s face.

Many fans flooded the comments section as they seem to think that the star is hinting at a new relationship.

One fan exclaimed: “Someone find her.”

A second cheekily asked: “Who’s thatttttt in the backkkk.”

While a third stated: “Not the soft launch,” alongside a crying with laughter emoji.

And a fourth added: “So are we just gonna ignore the hands…”

We previously revealed Ella and Ty had split for good after breaking up and getting back together last year.

Insiders revealed they struggled to make things work due to constant rows during their relationship. 

A source told The Sun at the time: “They have tried really hard but just been having constant arguments.

“At the end of day they want different things and it’s too hard to make it work. They are saying it’s over for good this time and there is no going back.”

It seems there’s no love lost between the former reality TV pair as eagle-eyed fans noticed Ella and Ty had blocked each other on Instagram.

Since his time on the show Ty has been busy pursuing a rap career – and Ella recently appeared to make a huge dig at his ambitions. 

Ella appeared in a TikTok with one of her pals which included the text: “So you will literally leave a man if he pursues a rap career?”

She was seen lip-syncing: “I will leave him sharp, I will block.”

Splash

Tyrique and Ella had an on-off relationship after they left the villa[/caption]

Rex

THREE people have been killed and two others were injured after a boat capsized near Staten Island.

The boat overturned between Brooklyn, New York, and Staten Island at around noon on Sunday.

ABC7

Emergency services scrambled to the scene after a distress call from the vessel with five people reported to be in cold water of the Ambrose Channel.

FDNY, NYPD and the Coast Guard then removed several people from the water and rushed them to a nearby hospital, according to ABC 7.

The fire and police departments are now investigating the incident, along with the US Coast Guard. 

Police did not release the name of the boat or details about what may have happened before it capsized.

One of the craft’s occupants called 911 around noon and told cops that the vessel had somehow flipped over in the Ambrose Channel, an NYPD spokesman said.

The identities of the deceased have not yet been released. 

Officials were also said to be looking for a sixth person, NBC 4 New York reports. 

The Ambrose Channel is the only shipping channel in out and of the Port of New York and New Jersey, according to the US Army Corps of Engineers New York District. 

Getty

The Monday letters page gets a reader’s review of the Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds network test, as one reader is upset about the NieR: Automata anniversary.

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

Double the pleasure
I really don’t think Nintendo has much to learn from Astro Bot. All the 3D Mario games sell far more than Sony’s games and the only one that Astro Bot is better than is Super Mario Sunshine.

For my view I think that the next game should try and make itself as different as possible to Mario, because the déjà vu is the worst thing about the current game. Which is a shame, because the controls and graphics are really good.

I think it’s great that Sony is going back to make more family friendly games, instead of just endless grimdark, and I hope they do not just try the Rare approach, of making exactly the same games as Nintendo but with better graphics – that’s such a waste.

At the moment, there’s no question that Mario games, in general, are a lot better but that could change in the future. The best thing is for Sony to try and do their own thing and beat Nintendo that way. Then Nintendo would have some decent competition for once and that would spur them on, which is good for everyone.
Wrex

Time flies
Someone just told me that it’s the eighth anniversary of NieR:Automata on Sunday and that blows my mind. I can’t believe it’s been the best part of a decade since that game came out, I would’ve put it at four or five years at the absolute most.

More bizarre to me though is that we’ve never heard any word about a sequel. Not even a hint that there might be another one, let alone a trailer or anything. I know Yoko Taro is an oddball but some kind of reassurance would be nice.

It’s now been longer since the release of NieR:Automata than the gap between the original NieR and Automata and that is just straight up crazy, considering NieR was a flop and Automata was a surprise hit that sold over 9 million copies.
Mote

Never-ending fad
I do find your comments about old companies like Disney and Hasbro, that were around before video games were a thing, never really engaging with gaming to be interesting. I’ve never really thought about it before, but it seems that rather than getting in at ground level, and using their money and experience, they just sat back and did the bare minimum, as if they expected games to be a fad – which I guess they probably thought it was after the American crash in the 80s.

That doesn’t explain modern times though and I’m not sure how Hasbro manages to publish something as bad as Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Alliance (the new one) and Baldur’s Gate 3 within just two years. It’s like they have no quality control and no real idea what makes a good game, so even the hits are just accidents.

Disney gives the same vibe and it’s a shame, but it makes me wonder what amazing games were probably canned over the years. Oh well, for the record I’d love to see a new big budget Transformers.
Burke

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Best in class
Just thought I’d write and say that I’m still playing and enjoying Destiny 2. Even after all these years, the gunplay it still best in class and they keep trying to iterate, to slowly improve things. Arguably there are a few more bugs with the reduced QA testing, but given how cheap everything is now I’d still thoroughly recommend it to gamers that haven’t tried it before. I’m also very much looking forward to Indiana Jones And The Great Circle on the PlayStation 5 – how have other readers got on with it?

As an aside, I’m still not convinced that it’s not From’s reluctance to reproduce an existing IP and not down to Sony. On the one hand we’ve got Miyazaki saying ‘FromSoftware and myself together want to aggressively make new things in the future… I believe that FromSoftware has to create new things.’ and on the other – err… do we have anything? I’m happy to be persuaded that Sony is holding it back for some reason, but I’ve not seen much to evidence that.
Matt (he_who_runs_away – PSN ID)

GC: There are three Dark Souls (the first of which also had a remaster) and six Armored Cores (which is Miyazaki’s pet franchise). Bloodborne hasn’t had so much as a PlayStation 5 patch.

The Eldest Scrolls
I almost feel like The Elder Scrolls 6 is going to arrive too late at this point. It’s already 14 years old but it feels much older than that to me. And it’ll be 17 years old by 2028, which is when most rumours seem to think it’s coming out.

There have been later franchises than that before, but I can’t think of anything where there was no reason for the delay and the previous game was super popular and everyone was excited about getting a new entry ASAP.

What worries me, and it’s borne out by this new rumour, is that with that big a gap Bethesda are going to be tempted to make it a half-remake of Skyrim instead, with lots of similar parts in it, that were originally supposed to make it unique, like dragons. It’s Star Wars syndrome where they waited too long to do something new and now just want to remind people of what they liked about the original.

We can’t know that’s what they’re doing yet but I feel it’s something to be worried about even without a first look.
Tony T.

Generally nice
It really feels like the last six months have been brilliant for new games. Playing the Call Of Duty campaigns has been on my to do list since it came out, but it’s constantly getting bumped for something else.

This week that something else has been Avowed, and to be honest it wasn’t one I was expecting. When I saw the trailers it didn’t look like something that would appeal to me. I’ve never had much interest in magic or a fantasy setting, but I’ve got to say, I’m really enjoying it.

The combat’s decent and I quite like the sarcastic options in all the dialogue. The world’s also a decent design with nicely hidden bits to explore while also being a generally nice setting. Two other thing I really like are the fact that the map shows you where you’ve been and enemy’s don’t randomly come back to life when you revisit a place. That really bugs me in games, as it means there’s no real point in engaging when you can just run past.

So overall, a good game that gets my recommendation.
Tim

‘Twas ever thus
I find the idea of AI making games abhorrent, it will only produce on models that have gone before and make generic games year after year with little or no innovation, how has it come to this?

However, I will wait with wild anticipation for the next instalment of EA Sports FC 26, Assassin’s Creed 14 and Call of Duty 19. Whoop whoop.
Simon

GC: Black Ops 6 actually counts as Call Of Duty 21. Shadows is the 14th Assassin’s Creed though.

Super Cross Kart
There was a Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds closed network test and, having applied for a code, I hope you don’t mind me sharing some thoughts.

The test included a generous selection of Sonic characters and tracks. The graphics didn’t blow me away (some of the background animations have a low frame rate) but all the tracks were consistent with the aesthetic of the series. However, some – like Wonder Museum – take a disappointingly generic approach to the theme, given the vault of Sega iconography that could have been used to fill a museum environment.

The CrossWorlds gimmick means the second lap is on an entirely different track (it’s chosen by the racer in first place, who drives through one of two portals that open). The final lap also concludes on a straight run filled with speed boosts, which can be a blessing or a curse.

Overall, the game feels very chaotic. There are constantly rings and power-ups flooding the screen, which takes a few tracks to adjust to. The handling of the vehicles felt quite light, and it takes a while to gauge when to start drifting, but the controls overall were responsive and there are customisation options aplenty for further experimentation.

I did find that if your vehicle hits a wall, the game seems inclined to want the vehicle to stick to the wall (which is at least consistent with how 3D Sonic often handles, I suppose…). Rather than a gliding descent, the flying sections allow you to move horizontally and vertically, which adds a different dynamic that I enjoyed after a few attempts to adjust to the change.

There’s a ranking system which allows you to unlock a wide range of enhancements depending on your race style (for example, one adds a level to the drift boost, another awards you rings for colliding with a rival). The test didn’t allow access to the single-player mode, but the game certainly seems to be piling in reasons to encourage replayability.

Overall, I enjoyed what I played of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds. Though not a groundbreaking racing game, it’s solid enough. There’s nothing about the closed test that gives any indication of the game planning to give franchises from the wider Sega universe a significant presence, so I hope to see more of that aspect in due course.
Needlemouse91

GC: Thank you very much for that; very interesting.

Inbox also-rans
Adding to the Reader’s Feature at the weekend, Cannon Fodder gave me the same feelings without the ability to rename. It was my first experience of permadeath and having my first troops promoted always left me with a feeling of loss when they were killed.
Matt

I think a Batman Beyond game would be the perfect way for Rocksteady to get back into the franchise. You could have a bit of backstory to tie to Arkham but otherwise it’s completely new for new players. It’s such a perfect idea I bet they never do it.
Soapy

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The small print
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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: Is the PlayStation 6 a portable console?

MORE: Games Inbox: What is the best free online shooter?

MORE: Games Inbox: Would you pay £350 for a Nintendo Switch 2?

Marvel Rivals was very close to being canceled ahead of its launch because of a huge cost that had the NetEase CEO concerned.

MCDONALD’S is making a huge change to menus today and customers can get £2 of their favourite food and drinks.

The fast food giant has launched a new update to its Deal Drop for customers on a budget.

Getty

From today, customers can once again get £2 off all food and drink when they spend £10 or more[/caption]

Every Monday, fresh offers are introduced in the Rewards and Offers section of the McDonald’s app, ready to be redeemed throughout the week.

The scheme, which first launched on December 30, kicked off with enticing deals such as 20% off the entire menu and £2 off when spending £10.

Last week, parents could enjoy a Happy Meal for just £1.99, down from its usual price of £3.59.

But from today, customers can once again get £2 off all food and drink when they spend £10 or more.

Deal Drop offers are available for redemption via McDelivery, delivering straight to customers’ doors, as well as in-store – all through the McDonald’s app.

This special offer will appear in the Rewards and Offers section of the MyMcDonald’s app and can be redeemed once per customer, either for McDelivery or in-store, until 11.29pm tonight.

The update follows recent changes to McDonald’s menu, which have created a buzz among its loyal customer base.

Maccies brought back the beloved Raspberry and White Chocolate pie on February 12.

The tasty Valentine’s themed snack, which originally debuted in February 2024, costs just £1.99.

It comes with a fluffy pink pastry and is filled to the brim with raspberry compote and white chocolate ganache. 

The Philly Cheese stack has also returned, after being previously axed in September 2024.

It includes two huge beef patties slathered with cheese sauce, as well as cheese slices and crispy onions. 

The burger costs £5.29 by itself, but Maccies fans can upgrade to a medium sized meal deal for just £6.99. 

Fans went wild for the Philly Cheese Stack when it first landed, with some describing it as the “best they’ve ever had”. 

McDonald’s has also released two incredible new cold drinks. 

The first is the Tropicana apple juice, which has never been sold in the UK stores. 

The second is the Mars McFlurry, which consists of dairy ice cream swirled with chocolate-covered nougat and soaked in caramel sauce. 

A regular sized shake costs £2.19 and a mini McFlurry is just £1.69.

While all of these delicious treats landed on February 12, they will only be available for a limited time.

The McFlurry will only be available until March 25 and the Philly Cheese Stack and Raspberry and White Chocolate Pie will be available until May 6. 

The fast food chain is launching the Shamrock Shake in restaurants for the first time from next month.

Foodies will only be able to pick up the Irish-themed drink from March 12 until March 25.

How do I find my nearest McDonald’s?

The chain has a restaurant locator tool on its website you can use to find your nearest one – and check what time it opens.

McDonald’s locator also lets you know when its stores open.

As McDonald’s stops serving breakfast as early as 11am, you’ll need to get there before the chain switches to its regular menu.

To find out more, visit mcdonalds.com/gb/en-gb/restaurant-locator.html.

KREMLIN cronies living it large in London will be banished from the UK under a new Home Office crackdown.

To mark the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, ministers will expand the criteria for exclusion from entering the UK to cover Kremlin-linked elites.

AFP

Global support for Ukraine saw protestors take to the streets[/caption]

GOV.UK

Kremlin cronies living it large in London will be banished from the UK under a new Home Office crackdown[/caption]

Those who could be barred include anyone who gives “significant support” to Vladimir Putin’s regime and Russians who owe their wealth or status to the state.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis warned that Kremlin elites pose a “real and present danger” to the British way of life.

He slammed swathes of secret cronies for enjoying the benefits of the UK in private while publicly denouncing our values.

And he argued that oligarchs, who live in plush mansions in leafy suburbs across Britain, enable the continuation and expansion of Russia’s aggression.

Since Putin’s bloodthirsty invasion began, the UK’s National Crime Agency has made 84 war-related arrests and seized over £20 million in illicit funds.

Mr Jarvis said: “Border security is national security, and we will use all the tools at our disposal to protect our country from the acute threats Russia poses to us.

“The measures announced today slam the door shut to the oligarchs who have enriched themselves at the expense of the Russian people whilst bankrolling this illegal and unjustifiable war.

“My message to Putin’s friends in Moscow is simple: you are not welcome in the UK.”

A MAJOR motorway used by 130,000 motorists a day has been shut for hours with drivers hit by delays of up to 90 minutes.

A crash on the M4 caused 11 miles of congestion and massive delays on the Prince of Wales Bridge earlier on Sunday.

Traffic Wales

A crash has sparked long delays on the M4 at Prince of Wales Bridge[/caption]

Both lanes on the M4 eastbound between J23 and J22 were shut as a result of the chaos.

Traffic cameras showed cars stuck in long traffic due to the incident.

However, the two lanes have since reopened after the collision with the crash now cleared.

But according to the latest reports, traffic still remains as there are still 10 miles of congestion on approach that is causing around 80 minute delays.

Delays were also caused elsewhere on the bridge as the stormy weather shut the M48 in both directions.

The M48 Severn Bridge was shut between J2 A466 Wye Valley Link Road (Chepstow) and J1 A403 (Aust).

It comes after the M4 was shut in both directions earlier this weekend in a separate incident after a body was found on the carriageway.

The tragic discovery of human remains between junctions 20 and 21 saw the busy motorway fully closed.

Avon and Somerset Police said that the force was called at 6.40pm on Saturday and human remains were found when officers arrived at the scene.

The body is believed to be that of a man in his forties, whose next of kin have been told.

National Highways confirmed diversion routes were in place during the police-led incident.

The M4 was closed in both directions between junctions 20 and 22 due to the incident north of Bristol.

But the motorway was since reopened in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The eastbound M4 was reopened around 1.30am on Sunday with the westbound closures removed about 3am.

In a statement, Avon and Somerset Police said: “Police are keen to hear from anyone who was travelling along that stretch of the M4 has any relevant information or dashcam footage.”

It comes after drivers learned that a stretch of the M4 would also be closing over the weekend of March 21.

The motorway will shut in both directions between junctions 18 (Bath) and 19 (M32) – as officials demolish the A432 Badminton Road Bridge.

And one of Britain’s busiest motorways is also set to close for three weekends.

The move will spark chaos for millions of drivers.

TEMPLEGATE tackles Monday’s racing looking for winners to boost the bank ahead of Cheltenham.

Back a horse by clicking their odds below.

RAY GUN (8.30 Wolverhampton, nap).

Father and daughter team Jamie and Saffie Osborne teamed up to strike with this three-year-old on handicap debut at Kempton last week. He had plenty in hand crossing the line and looks hard to stop up a 6lb penalty. The family team can celebrate another victory with plenty of improvement to come from this 135,000 euro buy.

SARAFINA MSHAIRI (7.30 Wolverhampton, nb)

Looked a winner in waiting when beaten less than a length here last time. That was over 6f but she showed loads of pace so this drop back to the minimum looks a good idea. Excellent claimer Jack Doughty is good value for the 3lb he takes off my fancy’s back.

WEARELONGTERM (4.35 Ayr, treble)

Loves the mud so should be right at home today. He was much improved in testing conditions at Wetherby latest and a 3lb rise in the weights gives him every chance of going one better.

Templegate’s tips

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• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
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• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in 2023 but her column will be 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

Your prime guiding planet Mars is in a positive mood again, and this can ease any confusion about where you need to go next.

The right direction feels right to you today, no matter what anyone else may say or do.

There’s a passion plus in this planet shift too, from love at first sight, to a heartfelt reset of shared dreams.

 TAURUS

April 21 to May 21

You have a big, bold communication-centred chart, and this encourages you to say what’s on your mind, and in your heart.

But you must also be prepared to really listen to any response, as two-way co-operation is key at this time.

Love that goes so deep, so fast, is on your horizon, with a Leo newcomer, or a familiar face.

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

GEMINI

May 22 to June 21

Turning cash questions into answers takes time but you are nearly there, so don’t give up.

The energy uplift of Mars can carry a reckless edge, but you have the self-control to make this work well.

When you examine your feelings, you can see where they are true, but also where they may be false – and take action.

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

CANCER

June 22 to July 22

Your sign stages an about-turn in terms of courage – so a task or chat that has daunted you seems less of a challenge.

You can trust yourself to stay on track, and not let louder voices derail you.

If you’re in love, high expectations can achieve high results.

Single? You met your dream date in October.

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

LEO

July 23 to August 23

Secret doubts swell in the shadows, so bring them into the light.

Gung-ho planet Mars has your back, and even if you’re not sure where a love bond, or work situation, is going, it’s important to start the journey.

Enhanced moon insight sees through health excuses, helping you fix some achievable promises instead.

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

VIRGO

August 24 to September 22

So many times you have wanted to take charge of an ongoing situation – yet you have always resisted.

Today is your day to go ahead, and apply all the experience and knowledge you have gathered.

The sun’s warmth glows through you and you can charm even distant people.

Luck draws a set of question marks.

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

Getty

Luck seeks out ‘T’[/caption]

LIBRA

September 23 to October 23

All kinds of countdowns can be lucky for you today – as you have the ability to think fast and move even faster.

Love is togetherness-based, and partners can see how alike their plans are, even if the processes seem different.

If you are single, a charming Gemini is tempting, but take time to get to know a quiet Capricorn.

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

SCORPIO

October 24 to November 22

Saturn’s learning style is the missing piece in a creative puzzle – as you see it’s not enough just to have brilliant ideas, and you add a measure of business smartness.

This may mean a delay, but it will be productive.

The love words you don’t say matter as much as those you do, as the moon boosts body language.

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

SAGITTARIUS

November 23 to December 21

Your Jupiter sense of fun and fair play is coming into its own as the most generous planet pursues a positive path.

So seeing the best in everything and everyone is your star skill, and makes you a stand-out at work and at home.

Love-wise, pastel colours and classical music can be signals your soulmate is close.

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

CAPRICORN

December 22 to January 20

Mercury tailors talking to saying the least and gaining the most – while you have a forward-facing, feisty Mars in your co-operation zone.

So it’s easier to set deadlines, issue ultimatums and still keep a team together.

Love has an element of surprise, as sudden attraction can strike when a former work face returns.

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

Supplied

The secret you have held on to can be ready to share[/caption]

AQUARIUS

January 21 to February 18

You can break free from a sense of duty to someone or something that doesn’t deserve it – and find a new path just for you.

Your logical mind may be confused by the deep-feeling moon – but this is how you identify the love future you need.

If you’re single, it can include an introduction to a fast-talking fellow air sign.

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

PISCES

February 19 to March 20

The stronger line you’d like to try with family or friends can happen now – in creative ways.

You find the fun in playing hard but also by the rules, and help others do the same.

If you’re settled with a partner, a cash question may not go away, but you can reduce its power together.

Single? The One is a sport superfan.

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.

A CONVICTED rapist who sexually assaulted a woman in a hospital toilet was jailed for life.

Lee Mullen, 38, punched the victim between 25 and 30 times and she fell to the floor.

The woman, in her 60s, described how even as she played dead, Mullen had punched her twice.

She said: “I believed I was going to die.”

Her ordeal ended when her husband became concerned about how long she had been in the toilet.

Mullen, jailed in 2015 for a violent rape, fled but police traced him as he had left a bag with a patient he was visiting, Mold crown court heard.

The judge jailed him for life with a minimum of seven years, calling him an “extremely dangerous sexual predator”.

Mullen, of Flint, North Wales, admitted sexual assault and GBH.

He was out on licence when he carried out the drink and cocaine-fuelled attack.

WNS

Convicted rapist Lee Mullen, who sexually assaulted a woman in a hospital toilet, was jailed for life[/caption]