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We were told we’d be household names… my dad said ‘so’s Domestos’ reveals Enders legend as stars mark 40th anniversary

THEY are the magnificent Walford women who have helped make EastEnders a national institution.

Now, as the soap celebrates its 40th anniversary, they have come together for a sensational look back at four decades of divas ruling Albert Square.

Black and white portrait of Gillian Taylforth in a black gown.
Letitia Dean, 57, reflecting on EastEnders’ incredible journey, says, ‘It was going to last a few months, if we were lucky – then suddenly — bang!’
Nicky Johnston
Letitia Dean as Sharon Watts in EastEnders.
Letitia has been in the show since the start as Sharon Watts — the only child of Dirty Den and Angie Watts
BBC
Black and white portrait of a woman in a black sequined dress and long gloves.
Nicky Johnston
Gillian Taylforth, 69, recalls being told the show would make them household names — only for her dad to reply, ‘Yes, so is Domestos’[/caption]
Stacey Slater and Kathy Beale in a pub scene from EastEnders.
Gillian has played Kathy Beale since EastEnders began in 1985
BBC

The longest serving of the stars is Gillian Taylforth, who appeared on the very first episode of the BBC One show when it launched in 1985.

She originally went for the role of cafe owner Sue Osman but, at 29, bosses thought she was too young, so instead they cast her as Kathy Beale.

In the new edition of Radio Times — in which the seven leading ladies appear on seven different covers — Gillian, 69, said: “The show’s producer, Julia Smith, said to us, ‘When this goes out, you’re going to become household names’.

“I told that to my mum and dad — they were people who kept your feet on the ground — and my dad said, ‘Yes, so is Domestos’.

“Kathy’s a bit more outspoken than me.

“I’m not very opinionated and I don’t like confrontations, unless I’m really pushed.

“But Kathy is very strong, bolshie, and she’s not afraid to say what she thinks.

“I wish I was a bit more like her, sometimes.

“But I protect her and if I think something’s wrong, I will say so.

“Just recently, I’ve had to say, ‘Oh, I don’t think so . . .’ because I’ve invested in her for 40 years and I love her.”

Gillian is joined by co-stars including Kellie Bright, 48 (Linda Carter); Diane Parish, 55 (Denise Fox); Balvinder Sopal, 46 (Suki Panesar-Unwin); and Letitia Dean, 57, who has also been in the show since the start as Sharon Watts — the only child of Dirty Den and Angie Watts.

Letitia, 57, reveals how expectations for the soap were initially low.

She said: “It was going to last a few months, if we were lucky.

“Then suddenly — bang!

Black and white photo of Michelle Collins in a black dress for EastEnders' 40th anniversary.
Nicky Johnston
Michelle Collins, 62, says returning to EastEnders has made her more content, admitting, ‘I’ve certainly grown, and hopefully I’m a better actor’[/caption]
Michelle Collins as Cindy Beale sitting on a sofa.
BBC
Michelle made her mark as Cindy Beale, causing havoc from 1992 as Ian Beale’s scheming wife[/caption]
Black and white portrait of a woman in a hat and sequined dress.
Nicky Johnston
Jessie Wallace, 53, says she had no idea how huge her character, Kat Slater, would become after arriving on the square in the year 2000[/caption]
Kat Moon from EastEnders in a zebra-print coat.
BBC
Jessie’s Kat Slater makes a statement of intent with her red lipstick and the mini-skirts[/caption]

“I was 17 when I started, but it’s still as exciting when I get a great story as it was back in 1985.

“It’s still a thrill and an honour to be trusted.

“And I’m kind of used to the crying.

“Anita (Dobson) wasn’t the original Angie, but when she came in, watching her and Leslie Grantham, who played Den, in rehearsals, you felt this surge of energy between them.

“The chemistry just worked.

“It was, and still is, TV gold.”

Also joining the line-up is Jessie Wallace, 53, who insists she had no idea how huge her character, Kat Slater, would become after arriving on the square in the year 2000.

‘We have got voices’

She said: “I came in as the troublemaker of a new family and didn’t know she would become as big as she has.

“Kat has developed over the years and I love dressing up as her.

“She makes such a statement with the red lipstick and the mini-skirts.

“To create a character that stands out, who people love, makes me very proud.”

The Queen Victoria pub exploding.
BBC
Prepare for the show’s anniversary to go with a bang as the Queen Vic explodes – but who will make it out alive?[/caption]

Completing the set is Michelle Collins, who first appeared in EastEnders as Cindy Beale from 1988 to 1990, but really started causing havoc from 1992 onwards when she returned as the scheming wife of long-suffering Ian Beale.

Michelle, 62, candidly admits: “When I came back in the Nineties, I was in my early 30s and very ambitious.

“I never saw myself there for the future.

“Now I’m back, I’m happier to stay.

“I think I’m more comfortable in my own skin, more content, and I’m not running away all the time.

“I’ve certainly grown, and hopefully I’m a better actor.

“That’s in contrast to Cindy, who hasn’t changed.

“She’s still discontented and never happy with what she’s got.

“TV isn’t great for women of a certain age, but soaps are.

“What EastEnders and characters like Cindy show is we have got voices, we have got stories — and they should be heard.”

For now, though, Albert square will be echoing to the sound of the Queen Vic pub explosion, which will be the centrepiece of the 40th anniversary shows next week.

The first official images of the blast have been released by the BBC and show just how devastating it will be for the pub and the square.

It remains to be seen just how many cast members — newbies or veterans — might be departing Walford as a result . . . 

Radio Times cover featuring Balvinder Sopal celebrating EastEnders' 40th anniversary.
Nicky Johnston
Balvinder Sopal, 46, plays Suki Panesar-Unwin[/caption]
Radio Times cover featuring Diane Parish celebrating EastEnders' 40th anniversary.
Nicky Johnston
Diane Parish, 55, who plays Denise Fox is also celebrated by the Radio Times[/caption]
Radio Times cover featuring Kellie Bright celebrating EastEnders' 40th anniversary.
Nicky Johnston
Kellie Bright, 48, who plays Linda Carter, joins the Walford women in celebrating the show’s 40th anniversary[/caption]

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Horoscope today, February 11 2025: Daily star sign guide from Mystic Meg

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in 2023 but her column is being 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

Being creative in love is one of your star gifts, and it is doubled today, so make the most of it.

The ways you find to show you care can be unforgettable, and take a partnership to the next level.

If you are single, how you decide on dates is your key to success – break free from a set strategy and try a totally different one.

an advertisement for mystic meg with maggie innes
Your daily horoscope for Tuesday

♉ TAURUS

April 21 to May 21

Maybe you sense that a close pal or family member is hiding something – your chart today is so tuned in to this, and how to get to the truth.

But remember, not everything you learn may be easy to face.

Looking at your home through new eyes shows you that the warmth lies in who lives there, not what they have.

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

♊ GEMINI

May 22 to June 21

Breaking a big learning task into bite-size chunks helps you make a positive start – to keep pushing forward, trust yourself to see where you can cut corners, instead of feeling you have to follow orders.

Your passion self is uninhibited, and at least one idea is out there before you can stop it.

This makes for a delicious day

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

♋ CANCER

June 22 to July 22

Mercury deftly deals with an inner drive to upgrade your image or speak more boldly – you choose just the right tiny tweaks to make an impact without rocking the boat.

Many people are talking about you and rating your skills, but until you rate yourself, a work situation may stay stuck.

Luck opens a shiny black door.

Luck adds up to 24.

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

♌ LEO

July 23 to August 23

The moon inspires insight and intuition, and you are surprised by how accurately you read faces, rooms and atmospheres.

This can be the missing piece in a team-building puzzle.

As for love, finding a balance between big personalities is easier when you keep the fun going.

Single? The One wears a big rucksack.

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

♍ VIRGO

August 24 to September 22

Your Jupiter chart benefit is sheer outer brilliance, balanced with inner modesty – so when you let your actions speak for themselves you’ll win hearts and minds that have previously resisted.

A moon of big secrets highlights a deep well of inner emotions that you avoid disturbing.

This is your day to face them, with love

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

a purple circle with the zodiac signs in it
Getty
Neptune links luck to your sense of taste[/caption]

♎ LIBRA

September 23 to October 23

Your Venus strength is building and maintaining a group dynamic – but make sure it isn’t happening at a personal cost.

It’s fine to keep people together, but you must also remember your own needs.

Travel-based prizes and a country you have always wanted to visit can combine in lucky ways. “D” wedding news is close.

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

List of 12 star signs

♏ SCORPIO

October 24 to November 22

The more you focus on an emotional outcome, the easier your path towards it gets, so keep your eyes on a passion prize all day.

You see ways to adapt a relationship that leaves both sides happier.

If you are single, a dream date that seemed out of reach is coming closer.

Neptune links luck to your sense of taste.

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

♐ SAGITTARIUS

November 23 to December 21

Pretending you don’t care about a deal or decision may be the Jupiter way, but it’s not the right way today.

If you know what you truly want, you can say so, but do listen carefully to any response.

You can work with it together. Uranus shakes up a work routine, and role swaps that seem unlikely can be a touch of genius

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

♑ CAPRICORN

December 22 to January 20

Mercury’s last few days in your money zone are your star cue to start some cash calculations again, and this time see them through.

It’s time to admit certain people are not doing or paying what they should.

In love too, fairness is important to you, and making a new division of tasks or time can revive romance.

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

a zodiac circle with the signs of the zodiac on it
Supplied
Pisces partners are each secretly planning the same buy[/caption]

♒ AQUARIUS

January 21 to February 18

Words are your personal power today as Mercury’s communication skill is extra strong.

Writing about your life, maybe with a comedy flair, can lead you to a stage or screen, while VIP calls or messages are right on target and make an impact.

Do keep a love question open-ended, with room for surprise additions.

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

♓ PISCES

February 19 to March 20

Digging deep into your secret self unearths the willpower you need to push a wellbeing process forward.

Others can’t do it for you – this is your path to navigate.

A familiar face from a screen appears in your everyday reality and is a strong romance signal.

Pisces partners are each secretly planning the same buy.

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.

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Alesha Dixon, 46, shows off toned figure as insists she’s a raver who can still out party her friends

ALESHA Dixon puts the boot into talk of settling for a quiet life as a 46-year-old mother-of-two — insisting she’s a raver who can still out-party her friends.

The former Mis-teeq singer and Britain’s Got Talent judge shows she’s still fighting fit in a Women’s Health shoot.

Alesha Dixon in a tan coat and black boots for Women's Health UK.
Matthew Monfredi / Women’s Health UK
Former Mis-teeq singer and Britain’s Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon shows she’s still fighting fit in a Women’s Health shoot[/caption]
Alesha Dixon in Women's Health UK magazine.
Matthew Monfredi / Women’s Health UK
Alesha has called herself the ‘original raver’ and told how she can still out-party a lot of people[/caption]

She says there’s “no shutting her up or sitting her down” on the dance floor.

Alesha, who split from partner Azuka Ononye last year, added: “Even at the age I am now, I can out-dance and out-party a lot of people.

“I always call myself an original raver.”

Despite not being married, Alesha had often called Azuka, 43, her “husband” — including once in 2017 on Michael McIntyre’s Big Show on BBC1.

Alesha will return to our screens when Britain’s Got Talent makes its comeback on Saturday, February 22 at 7pm.

Last year’s series saw Sydnie Christmas take the crown, winning a life-changing £250,000 and a place on the bill at the Royal Variety Performance.

The decision who wins this series will be in the hands of the voting public, with the judges having the power to hit the Golden Buzzer for the most jaw-dropping acts.

BGT remains one of ITV’s biggest entertainment shows, boasting a massive 46 million social media followers and a staggering 25 billion video views worldwide.

With bigger acts, more drama, and an extra judge at the table, this year’s competition is set to be the most exciting yet.

Alesha Dixon on the cover of Women's Health UK magazine.
Matthew Monfredi / Women’s Health UK
Alesha on the front cover of Women’s Health magazine[/caption]

Read More »

First look at devastating EastEnders fire as Queen Vic blaze ‘leaves at least one character dead’

EASTENDERS’ iconic boozer the Queen Vic will be torn apart by a fire that rips through it later this month – and fans have been given a preview of the shock scenes.

New snaps show the iconic pub on fire after an explosion to tie in with EastEnders‘ 40th anniversary.

EastEnders,7069,The Queen Victoria Pub exploding,***EMBARGOED UNTIL TUE 11th FEB 2025***,BBC PUBLIC SERVICE,Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron
Shock photos show the Queen Vic on fire after an explosion
BBC
EastEnders,7069,The Queen Victoria Pub exploding,***EMBARGOED UNTIL TUE 11th FEB 2025***,BBC PUBLIC SERVICE,Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron
The iconic boozer is devastated by the flames
BBC
EastEnders,03-10-2023,Sonia Fowler (NATALIE CASSIDY), BBC, Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron
Natalie has quit as Sonia Fowler – fuelling speculation the character will perish in the blaze

If the images are anything to go by it looks unlikely that anybody in the building will survive.

Viewers are gearing up for one of the soap’s most sensational storylines yet – and speculation over who will perish in the fire has started.

Photos of the aftermath surfaced earlier this month, showing a vast array of flowers left outside the gutted pub.

The Sun previously revealed Natalie Cassidy will be leaving Albert Square after 32 years, and her character Sonia Fowler is now one of the favourites to be killed in the blast.

EastEnders’ dramatic anniversary week will start on Monday, February 17, and features a special live episode

Other characters who have been thrown into the mix include Cindy Beale [Michelle Collins], Phil Mitchell [Steve McFadden] and Denise Fox [Diane Parish].

But fans can look forward to the return of iconic character Grant Mitchell, played by Ross Kemp, who is coming back in time for the milestone.

After it was revealed he is heading back to Walford, Ross said: “I’m delighted to be returning to EastEnders as the show heads towards its 40th anniversary.

“EastEnders has always meant so much to me, so to return as the show is about to celebrate such a special anniversary, is an absolute honour. 

“Grant has never been far from the action and let’s just say, this time is no different as he certainly comes back with a bang.”

EastEnders,Grant Mitchell (ROSS KEMP),***EMBARGOED UNTIL TUE 4th FEB 2025***,BBC PUBLIC SERVICE,Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron
Ross Kemp is returning as Grant Mitchell for the anniversary
BBC

Read More »

Thousands more construction workers promised as Education Secretary pledges to ‘make trades great again’

RED tape is being slashed to train more British builders instead of relying on migrants – as the Education Secretary pledges to “make trades great again”.

Bridget Phillipson last night announced 10,000 more apprentices will be qualified each year by scrapping the requirements on them to pass English and Maths. 

Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson MP at a construction site.
Simon Jones
The Sun’s Jack Elsom with Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson[/caption]
Secretary of State for Education laying bricks at a construction site.
Simon Jones
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson visiting a building site[/caption]

Backing our Builder Better Britain crusade, she said: “It’s time as a country that we took skills a lot more seriously. 

“The Sun’s campaign has really shone a light on the challenge we face, but also the opportunities that are there for more young people to have the chance to get a trade.”

Channelling Donald Trump, she added: “And I think it’s time that we make trades great again.”

Ms Phillipson confirmed our exclusive last week that she is letting bosses award apprenticeships even if they have not passed Level 2 English and maths.

She is also shortening the minimum duration of a course from 12 months to eight months to boost the workforce quicker.

It is hoped this will drive home-grown talent in key sectors like construction, social care and healthcare that are currently heavily dependent on migrant workers.

Dismissing fears of “dumbing down”, the Education Secretary told The Sun: “We need to get boots on the ground.

“I know Sun readers want more opportunities for young people to take on a trade, but alongside that the need to reduce migration numbers.

“Unless we get serious about investing in our young people and our home-grown talent, we will remain dependent on foreign labour and we’ve got to break that cycle and provide more training opportunities and great careers for few people here in this country.”

By JACK ELSOM, Chief Political Correspondent 

KIDS must be taught about Britain’s “proud history”, the Education Secretary has decreed after work charities pushed to scrap classes on the Empire.

Bridget Phillipson last night slapped down calls for schools to ditch lessons that praise our imperial past.

She is currently carrying out a sweeping review of the national curriculum that is collecting views from Brits.

The Bell Foundation reportedly made a submission proposing “moving away from the greatness of the British Empire”.

Ms Phillipson told The Sun: “It’s essential that all young people have a strong foundation in our country’s rich history, and there is so much to take pride in in terms of what we’ve achieved as a country. 

“I also think that whilst it’s great to look to the past in our proud history, I want more opportunities for young people, because I think our best days as a country lie ahead of us.”

Ms Phillipson also insisted her VAT raid on private schools will not overwhelm the state sector.

Read More »

Holly Willoughby accused of ‘spoiling’ Dancing On Ice as she reveals her upset over exit

HOLLY Willoughby has been accused of “spoiling” Dancing On Ice – after revealing the skate off results online.

The ITV presenter posted about being sad to lose Chris Taylor from the competition after coming off air.

Woman in a gold sequined gown backstage.
Holly Willoughby posted a snap from backstage at the Dancing on Ice studios

But some fans complained they’d seen her message before catching up on ITVX.

Holly posted a photo of herself backstage in a stunning gold-sequinned dress, writing: “Night all… thank you for watching Dancing On Ice.

“Sad to see Chris Taylor leave, those skate offs are brutal…

“So happy for Anton Ferdinand though… See you next week for 80s week.”

One fan commented: “I was about to watch it on catch-up lol, spoiler alert x.”

Another added: “SPOILER ALERT.”

Chris became the fourth star to be eliminated from Dancing On Ice in the first skate off of the series against Anton Ferdinand.

Ashley Banjo chose to save Anton and Annette, with Oti Mabuse agreeing.

Christopher Dean also saved Anton and Annette, sealing Chris’s fate.

Jayne Torvill would have had the deciding vote if it was a tie, although on this occasion her vote didn’t change the result.

She revealed, however, that she also would have saved Anton and Annette.

Asked how he felt to leave by host Holly, Chris joked: “To be honest, I shouldn’t have feng-shuied my caravan today!”

Screenshot of a man and woman ice skating competitors.
ITV
Chris Taylor was axed from Dancing On Ice[/caption]
Screenshot of two dancers on a television show.
ITV
He faced Anton Ferdinand in the skate off[/caption]

Read More »

Horse racing tips: ‘Recent winner has loads more to come’ – Templegate’s Tuesday NAP

TEMPLEGATE takes on Tuesday’s racing looking for winners.

Back a horse by clicking their odds below.

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ROCK ON JET (3.10 Ayr, nap)

He showed plenty of promise at novice level but really came into his own on handicap hurdle debut here last month. He went from the front over this trip and and didn’t see another horse in running out a comfortable six-length winner. It’s interesting to see him quickly switched to chasing with former champ Brian Hughes on board. That looks like a recipe for even more improvement.

WALK ON QUEST (2.10 Ayr, nb)

Like many Lucinda Russell horses, has looked a different beast since going over fences. He kicked off with a debut victory at Kelso and took a step forward when following up at Carlisle in November. That was over two miles but this stiffer test of stamina looks more suitable and his rider’s claim accounts for a 5lb rise in the handicap.

AWORKINPROGRESS (2.55 Lingfield, treble)

He’s another who has taken his form to a new level since tackling the bigger obstacles. Nick Gifford’s hope has yet to taste defeat in three chases including his past two around here. He can improve past his rising mark with relatively few miles on the clock.

WONDER (8.30 Wolverhampton, Lucky 15)

Just ran out gas when second over 1m6f here last time.James Fanshawe wisely drops him back in trip today and that can make the difference at a track that suits.

Templegate’s tips

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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 chases their losses
  • Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
  • Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
  • Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

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Plane smashes into jet on runway at Arizona Scottsdale Airport as all flights grounded

AT LEAST person has been killed after a plane and a jet crashed on the runway of an Arizona airport.

All flights at the Scottsdale Airport have been grounded following the shock incident on Monday.

A private jet that has crashed at an airport.
citizen.com
At least one person has been killed in this runway crash[/caption]
Airport control tower and surrounding buildings.
scottsdale airport
The shocking crash happened at the Scottsdale Airport in Arizona[/caption]

A multi-million dollar jet horrifically smashed into another business jet at around 2.45pm.

At least one person was killed following the deadly crash, according to AZ Family.

Three other people have been rushed to hospital and at least one person was being treated on the runway.

“We have five souls, one [dead on arrival], two immediate that have been transported to local trauma centers, one delayed stable to a local hospital, and this is still an active scene,” said Scottsdale Fire Department Captain Dave Folio.

“We are still working on extricating one soul out of one of the airplanes.”

“An accident has occurred upon arrival to runway 21,” the Scottsdale Airport said.

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed two private jets collided and they have temporarily paused flights into the airport. 

“Learjet 35A veered off the runway after landing and crashed into a Gulfstream 200 business jet on the ramp,” the FAA said.

It is currently unclear how many people were on board the two planes.

Terrifying footage caught the two jets mangled on the runway.

A video also captured ambulances and emergency crew rush to the crash site.

The FAA said it was temporarily pausing flights into the airport.

It is not yet clear when operations and flights will resume.

An investigation has been launched into the horror airport incident.

More to follow… For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos.

Like us on Facebook at TheSunUS and follow us on X at @TheUSSun

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Trump’s chilling ultimatum to Hamas as he calls for all Gaza hostages to be freed this week or ‘all hell break loose’

PRESIDENT Donald Trump has issued an ultimatum to Hamas as he warns all hell is going to break out if they refuse to hand over the final hostages.

The Republican said the ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel should be cancelled if the remaining hostages are not all released by 12pm on Saturday.

Close-up of Donald Trump.
AFP
Donald Trump has said the ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel should be cancelled if the remaining hostages are not all released by Saturday[/caption]
President Trump signing an executive order in the Oval Office.
Reuters
Trump made the comments to reporters as he signed a huge number of executive orders in The White House[/caption]

He told reporters at The White House: “If they are not released by 12 noon on Saturday, I say call it off [the ceasefire] and then everything is open… let all hell break loose.”

Speaking directly on the hostages, Trump added: “I don’t want a trickle. Not three and then two. I want them all.”

Despite the chilling ultimatum, Trump also said he fears that many of the remaining captives could be dead.

He ended the powerful statement by saying any move is ultimately up to Israel.

His comments come just hours after terror group Hamas announced they are delaying any further hostage releases.

They accused Israel of violating the fragile ceasefire pact which only started three weeks ago.

Hamas’ top brass claim Israel has been dragging its feet on allowing aid into Gaza – a charge Israel has rejected as untrue.

The major confrontation comes just half way through the agreed six-week deal which should see 33 hostages ruthlessly snatched on October 7, finally returned home to their loved ones.

So far, 16 captives have been safely handed over since January 19 in five separate groups.

As well as five Thai hostages who were returned in an unscheduled release.

In exchange, Israel has released hundreds of prisoners and detainees, ranging from prisoners serving life sentences for deadly attacks to Palestinians detained during the war and held without charge.

Over a dozen hostages are still yet to be freed with fears increasing every day about the condition of those still being held.

Serious concerns are starting to grow over the youngest hostage, baby Kfir Bibas.

Kfir was only nine months old when he was barbarically forced to spend the majority of his life as a Hamas prisoner.

He was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz during Hamas’ October 7 bloodbath alongside his parents and older brother, Ariel, five.

Trump made his Gaza comments to reporters as he signed a huge number of executive orders in the Oval Office.

One of these is aimed at encouraging the US government and consumers to purchase plastic straws opposed to paper ones. 

Trump has been vocal on his thoughts on Gaza and the current war in the Middle East since returning to office in January.

He was left furious by the condition of the latest releases saying they “looked like Holocaust survivors”.

The US president said he was losing his patience with the hostage deal after seeing footage of Eli Sharabi, Or Levy and Ohad Ben Ami, who appeared gaunt upon their release.

Last week, the President surprised the world when he said the US should take over the decimated Gaza Strip and create his vision of a “Riviera of the Middle East”.

Trump’s idea included relocating two million Palestinians to neighbouring countries like Jordan and Egypt while the US reconstructs the area he called a “demolition site”.

He said he would turn Gaza into the “most spectacular development on Earth” but Palestinians have argued they will reconstruct the area themselves.

Smiling baby holding a pink stuffed animal.
Kfir Bibas is the youngest Hamas hostage after being kinapped at just nine months old
Hamas fighters hand over an Israeli hostage.
Kfir’s dad Yarden is among those who have already been freed in the first phase of the ceasefire
Illustration of Trump's plan to rebuild Gaza.

Read More »

Asil Nadir dead: Polly Peck mega-fraudster who carried out infamous £29million swindle dies aged 83

POLLY Peck mega-fraudster Asil Nadir — infamous for his £29million workplace swindle — has died at the age of 83.

The former billionaire died surrounded by family in hospital in North Nicosia, northern Cyprus.

Headshot of Asil Nadir.
PA:Press Association
Asil Nadir — infamous for his £29million workplace swindle — has died at the age of 83[/caption]

He was initially taken there last month to be treated for suspected pneumonia.

Nadir’s wife Nur last night wrote online: “Our pain is endless.”

A funeral is set to take place this morning.

Turkish Cypriot Nadir bought British textiles firm Polly Peck in the 1970s.

Its success earned him a spot on the Sunday Times Rich List.

The company collapsed in 1990 after a probe into fraud was launched.

Nadir fled the country at the time, but in 2010 was convicted of ten out of 13 counts of theft.

He is survived by his wife and six children.

A statement added: “He will be buried in Nicosia Cemetery.

“It is announced with sadness to all friends, relatives and loved ones.”

The controversial businessman purchased Polly Peck in the late 70s and took over as chief executive in 1980.

At its peak, Polly Peck was valued at £1.7 billion, with the company posting pre-tax profits of over £161 million, net assets of £845m and boasting more than 17,000 employees.

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