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ROBOT housekeepers could be a reality within a decade, say experts.

Human-like machines will use artificial intelligence to learn how to clean, tidy and even prepare food.

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Robot housekeepers could be a reality within a decade, using AI to clean, tidy and even prepare food, experts say[/caption]

The first models are expected to cost the same as a family car — from around £16,000 to £40,000.

Engineers at the world-leading Massachusetts Institute of Technology believe humanoid machines would make sense as “homes have been built and arranged around the human body”.

Computer scientist Prof Pulkit Agrawal said: “In terms of things to do, it could be checking doors are locked, fetching a newspaper, putting laundry in and out of the machine.

“It could be arranging things in your kitchen and your bedroom, putting things in a dishwasher — maybe even chopping vegetables.

We need these physical tasks done but don’t like to do them.

“My guess is this could be available in the next five to ten years.”

Teams at the US institute are already working on pressure-sensitive fingers so robots can “feel” the force they apply and not crush everything they grab.

They are also developing AI brains that adapt to different ways of doing chores in changing situations, like dishes left in different places or put in different cupboards.

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Hospitality bosses have slammed plans to introduce a tourist tax across England.

Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester Mayor, this week suggested that an existing optional fee in some Manchester city centre hotels should be replaced with a compulsory charge for visitors.

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Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, fears the Manchester mayor’s call for a tourist tax would be another blow to Britain’s battered tourism industry[/caption]

Mr Burnham said he was pushing for the Government to introduce a “proper levy”, as European hotspots such as Spain’s Barcelona and Italy’s Venice have done.

But Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, fears it would be another blow to Britain’s battered tourism industry.

She said: “This isn’t just about overseas visitors, it would mean extra charges for people staying in budget places including Travelodges, Premier Inns and seaside caravans.

“The risk is the industry is taxed out of existence.”

Manchester raised £2.8million last year from its city visitor charge of £1 in certain city centre hotels. Members of the Manchester Business Improvement District vote on how funds are used locally.

But a national levy would mean the Government would decide how funds are raised and spent.

Ms Nicholls told The Sun that last month James Murray, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, had written to confirm there were no plans for an England-wide levy.

But she fears the Treasury could row-back on that promise because of stretched public finances.

Food sales up

Retail sales stormed ahead of expectations in January, fuelled by Brits spending more on food.

Official figures showed volumes rose 1.7 per cent compared to a 0.6 per cent slip in December.

But sales at non-food stores fell 1.3 per cent as cautious consumers cut back on clothes and big-ticket items.

Original sold

Discount chain The Original Factory Shop has been sold to retail investors Modella Capital.

The firm, which also owns Hobbycraft, has snapped up the 180 shops and 1,800 employees after 17 years of being owned by private equity firm Duke Street. The latest accounts for TOFS showed it was making a £1.7million loss.

Good week

AFP

Boss Jeff Bezos after Amazon MGM took creative control of the long-running James Bond franchise this week.

Bad week

Getty

Anglo American chief Duncan Wanblad, following a hefty $3.1billion (£2.4billion) write-down of De Beers.

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A reader names the five video games he thinks are almost entirely without fault and just as playable now as when they were first made.

WhistlinDiesel ripped a Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII to shreds after taking it for a destructible joy ride in a 17-minute YouTube video.

A BOLIVIAN man who owes money to a drugs gang back home was allowed to stay in the UK.

Deputy Upper Tribunal Judge Jessica Smeaton, above, ruled he can remain for his own protection, despite no evidence he would actually be at risk.

Documents show that the anonymous man overstayed his visa in 2018.

He later failed an application for asylum. The Home Office said the persecution fears did not meet Refugee Convention criteria.

But he successfully appealed to a tribunal — which was upheld by the Upper Tribunal on January 8.

Ms Smeaton ruled he has a right to a family life, a right to life, and right to be protected from torture under the European Court of Human Rights. 

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: “This is a ludicrous decision. 

“Fundamental changes to human rights laws and the ECHR are needed.

“Foreign criminals and illegal immigrants should be removed — it’s that simple.”

It comes a week after news of the highly controversial decision to let a family from Gaza stay in Britain, with the ECHR also being cited.

The Home Office was contacted for comment.

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TEMPLEGATE tackles a cracking Saturday of racing looking for winners to boost the bank ahead of Cheltenham.

Back a horse by clicking their odds below.

BODHISATTVA (2.10 Newcastle, nap)

This eight-year-old was only just getting started at the end of 3m7f when second in the Edinburgh National last time. His capable rider takes off a valuable 5lb and he’ll just keep going when the others are running on fumes. All ground comes the same to him and the handicapper has been very fair in leaving his mark alone.

HYLAND (3.35 Kempton, nb) 

He ran well in a Grade 1 at Kempton over Christmas. That built nicely on his back-to-back victories at Cheltenham where he saw out this three-mile trip strongly when landing a Listed prize in November. Nico De Boinville can keep things simple near the front and deliver another victory.

DILIGENT HARRY (2.40 Southwell, treble)

He took this race 12 months ago and has been laid out for it again by trainer Clive Cox.  He should take a big step forward from his comeback fourth behind Marshman at Lingfield earlier this month.

Templegate’s tips

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Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

DEATH in Paradise viewers were left gobsmacked by a plot twist ‘no one saw coming’ amid criticism for the new series.

The BBC crime drama’s latest episode took DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet) and his team to Ambrose Distillery.

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Death In Paradise episode shocked fans with a big swerve[/caption]

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Distillery owner Patrick Ambrose was murdered[/caption]

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Mervin and Naomi cracked the case – but with a twist[/caption]

Owner Patrick Ambrose (Ansu Kabia) was poisoned while drinking a glass of rum.

His sudden death came as he’d been on the verge of selling up the distillery.

But a major plot twist revealed the dead man was, in fact, not Patrick Ambrose at all.

He was instead a criminal impostor named Sampson – who’d stolen Patrick’s identity almost two decades ago.

The real Patrick’s sister, Cora (Madeline Appiah), was unmasked as the murderer in the end.

Cora knew Sampson was an impostor – as she’d also killed the real Patrick, back in 2007.

She had found out her brother raped Janelle Dulice (Michelle Asante) that same evening – which the police team uncovered in their investigation.

Viewers were stunned by the plot twist, sharing their surprise on social media.

One wrote: “For those who guessed the ice was the clue congrats you were right.

“The imposter twist, i think no one saw coming #deathinparadise.”

Another added: “She killed the real Patrick, then 18 years later she killed imposter!Patrick.”

While a third said: “None of us could have worked that out, their was no clues until the reveal, surprised us all. #deathinparadise.”

A fourth remarked: “Oooh, didn’t see that coming! #DeathInParadise.”

As a fifth penned: “Well nobody could see that one coming whatsoever, right out of left field. #deathinparadise.”

Meanwhile, some viewers have slammed the latest series – convinced Death in Paradise has run its course.

Even long-time fans have been left wondering how much the show has left to give.

In the story, Commissioner Selywn Patterson (Don Warrington) – a staple since the beginning – is being phased out due “budget cuts”.

One person wrote on X: “They can’t just get rid of Selwyn as the commissioner in death in paradise what will he do?”

Another said: “I like the new guy, Mervin, on Death in Paradise. Hoping they won’t get rid of the commissioner. I adore Selwyn Patterson.”

A third posted: “If they remove the Excellent role of #CommissionerSelwyn, #DeathInParadise will no longer be a show worth watching. It will be Trash.”

Death in Paradise continues on BBC One and iPlayer.

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Cora killed both her brother and the man impersonating him[/caption]

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The impostor had realised Cora was on to him[/caption]

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Fans are worried about Commissioner Patterson’s future on the show[/caption]

TOWIE’S James ‘Diags’ Bennewith and Jodie Wells come face to face in excruciatingly awkward scenes from the show’s upcoming series.

The 33-year-olds, who haven’t seen each other since their breakup, meet in a retro American-style diner, and the tension between them is undeniable.

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TOWIE’S James ‘Diags’ Bennewith and Jodie Wells come face to face in excruciatingly awkward scenes from the show’s upcoming series[/caption]

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They meet in a retro American-style diner, and the tension between them is undeniable[/caption]

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As Jodie approaches Diags, she sweetly plants a brief kiss on his cheek[/caption]

As Jodie approaches Diags, she sweetly plants a brief kiss on his cheek, but it’s clear from the start that the encounter is far from comfortable.

“Hi. You ok?” Jodie awkwardly opens the conversation.

To which Diags responds, “Yeah, you good?”

The uncomfortable atmosphere continues as Diags awkwardly mentions, “I got you a drink,” handing her a fruit bubble tea.

“I was worried you were going to get a milkshake,” Jodie admits, adding, “No, I know you don’t like milkshakes.”

The awkwardness doesn’t end there, as Diags asks, “How you been?” with Jodie responding, “Good. How have you been?”

Diags, clearly not at his best, sighs and admits, “Well, not great, but, yeah.”

It’s clear that both are struggling to find their footing, but Jodie adds, “It’s good that we’re here, though, because we need to, like, actually talk.”

Diags agrees, “I know.”

The Sun revealed last month how Diags and Jodie had broken up after first getting together in 2023.

But we later learned the pair decided to reunite after their explosive Bali trip, with the full cast backing them.

A source told us: “Jodie and Diags have had some time apart to reassess things and have realised that they want to give their relationship another go.

“It’s still early stages but they are hoping to reconcile properly and work things out.

“Jodie has a young child and wants to do the best for him.

“She believes Diags still loves her and if they both put the graft in, they believe it will work.

“The pair are dating again and have the full support of the rest of the Towie cast.

“It’s complicated but they’re ready to iron out any issues after getting advice from their friends and having some time apart.”

On/off romance

The couple sparked rumours of a break-up last month when they unfollowed each other on social media.

They had endured an on/off romance and often left fans guessing about the status of their relationship.

But we were told that Diags and Jodie had decided to call it quits for good, despite the mum-of-one gearing up to relocate with her son to Essex.

A source said: “The pair have been desperately trying to make things work, but just couldn’t keep things on track and have decided to split.

“There was a big disagreement over moving in together, but in the end it wasn’t just that.

“They hadn’t been getting on for a while and they were very different people.”

Just the week before, they sparked rumours of rift when eagle-eyed fans noticed the pair has unfollowed each other on social media.

Jodie even went as far as removing all traces of Diags from her Instagram account.

She also seemingly took a swipe at the Towie star when she posted a video to TikTok that fans have called “shady”.

In the video, which has been viewed over a quarter of million times, the TV star can be seen lip-syncing to the words: “It’s because your son is a f*****g p***y.”

Many fans believed she was referring to Diags.

The pair have had fans hooked on their relationship from the start.

Meeting when Jodie was an extra in the reality TV show in 2023, Diags asked her and her son to move in with him the following summer.

Speaking to OK! Magazine at the time, Jodie said: “I like where James lives now. I would like somewhere a little bit more quiet. A bit more countryside.

“Somewhere, you feel like it would be quite a nice place to bring up a child, and I feel like it could be good for James as well.

“It’s bringing him away slightly from the party lifestyle and to think about more of a family lifestyle.”

Following that however, a love triangle threatened their relationship when Diags sent a drunken text to his ex Elma Pazar saying he missed her.

While he admitted it was a joke that “wasn’t funny”, Diags, who is one of Towie’s longest running cast members, said: “There couldn’t have been a worse person to send that message to.”

Jodie was quoted as saying at the time: “He’s just an idiot – he has a drink and he just thinks all of his jokes are funny, and they’re not.”

“I don’t think there was anything behind it. I just think he was just trying to be funny. But it’s a joke at my expense.”

More recently, the pair spent Christmas and New Year apart, sparking further speculation their relationship was on the decline.

Instagram

Instagram

A PERSON has been confirmed dead in a horror car fire at a popular seaside spot.

Cops confirmed a person has tragically died in a car fire in the village of Ynyslas, Aberystwyth, on Wednesday evening.

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A person has been confirmed dead in a car fire[/caption]

Mid and West Wales Fire Service rushed to the scene at around 7.30pm to tackle the blaze and cops arrived after 8pm.

Response teams were aimed at a vehicle that was “well alight.”

The fire crew used a hose reel jet, a breathing apparatus set, and a thermal imaging camera to put out the fire.

When Dyfed-Powys Police arrived, a car was found on fire and the occupant was confirmed to have died. 

A spokesman for Mid and West Wales Fire Service said: “At 7.26pm the crew from Aberystwyth Fire Station was called to an incident at Ynyslas in Aberystwyth.

“The crew responded to one vehicle that was well alight.

“Crew members utilised one hose reel jet, one breathing apparatus set and one thermal imaging camera to extinguish the fire.

“Sadly the vehicle’s one occupant was confirmed to have died.”

Cops said there doesn’t seem to be suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident.

A spokesman for the force said: “Dyfed-Powys Police were called by Mid and West Wales Fire Service just after 8pm on Wednesday, February 19 to a fire at Ynyslas, Aberystwyth.

“Upon attendance a car was located on fire and sadly the occupant was confirmed to have died. 

“A joint investigation with MWWFS has commenced but there are believed to be no suspicious circumstances at this time. Their next of kin have been informed.”

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The fire occured on a beach in Ynyslas in Aberystwyth on Wednesday evening.[/caption]

A COUPLE believe they were destined to wed — as they have consecutive birth certificate numbers.

Chris and Julia Miles said they could not believe their eyes when they spotted the coincidence eight years into their marriage.

Doug Seeburg

Chris and Julia Miles are convinced they were meant to be after discovering their birth certificates have consecutive numbers[/caption]

Doug Seeburg

The numbers on the birth certificate suggest both sets of parents must have been at the register office at the same time on February 27, 1975[/caption]

Doug Seeburg

The couple’s moment of ‘destiny’ at their wedding in 2002[/caption]

They put the paperwork side-by-side and saw Chris’s number was 081419, and Julia’s 081420.

It meant their parents must have been at the register office at the same time on February 27, 1975.

Electrician Chris said: “When we saw the certificates I was like, ‘Bloody hell!’. It shows it was fate from the day we were born.

“We believe this is totally unique to the world. We will have been next to each other in the registry office waiting room.”

Both were born at Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital — Julie on February 23, 1975, and Chris on the 26th.

“Eighteen years later their paths crossed again when they fell in love at first sight at an Oxford pub.

They bought a home together in 1999, wed in 2002 and have sons Ben, 20, and Harry, 14.

They clocked the certificate coincidence when sorting paperwork in 2010.

Today, the couple, who still live in Oxford, are holding a huge party for their 50th birthdays.

Chris added: “We’ll take the certificates to display on the way in.

“Our parents don’t remember seeing each other when they registered us, but they must have been sat together in the waiting room, and in front of the same registrar. It’s just bonkers.”

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