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TwitchCon 2025 is on the horizon, and here’s all the information you need about the upcoming events in EU and NA.

Fortnite OG now gives the least XP of any mode in the game – and by a pretty wide margin.

A number of users are frustrated about the new Instagram notifications sound, wondering if there’s a way to change it.

YouTuber Ranveer ‘BeerBiceps’ Allahbadia has apologized after he made an “inappropriate” comment on India’s Got Latent.

BEAU Greaves has achieved another huge career breakthrough after winning her first PDC Pro Tour game against a top male player.

Greaves secured a place in the second round of the Players Championship 2 after edging to a 6-5 victory over Josh Rock – who is Luke Littler‘s pal.

X @OfficialPDC

Beau Greaves beat Josh Rock 6-5 on Tuesday[/caption]

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Rock is the current world No.17[/caption]

Greaves, 21, beat former World Youth champion Rock on Tuesday – but has since been defeated 6-2 by Krzysztof Ratajski in the last 64.

The Doncaster-born star secured a 2-0 lead early on against Rock after hitting a 17-darter and 13-darter.

Rock then took three legs in a row to lead 5-3 after eight legs, before Greaves began her comeback.

After Rock missed a matchdart on the bullseye, Greaves narrowed the deficit to 5-4 with a 16-darter.

She posted a stunning 102.7 average – including six 180s – to win 6-5 against the 23-year-old.

Rock regularly faced off against star boy Littler as the pair rose up through the ranks together.

The Northern Irishman even enjoyed a spot of dinner with The Nuke before the latter’s first night of Premier League action last week.

Rock – who is the current world No.17 – posted a picture of Littler enjoying steak and chips in Belfast.

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Greaves is now top of the Challenge Tour Order of Merit, which allows her to compete an alternate in the Tour Card.

It comes after the world’s best women’s player won two of the first five Challenge Tour tournaments in January.

The 21-year-old can step in when holders fail to register or cancel.

Rock, current World No. 17, tipped himself to be as big as Littler after bagging the fourth PDC ranking title of his career.

But he has lost out to Greaves – who also beat Fallon Sherrock’s beau Cameron Menzies at the Grand Slam of Darts in November – this time around.

She lost 6-4 to Owen Bates at the players Championships on Monday.

Greaves claimed a third-straight WDF women’s world title in December and previously expressed concern about competing against “the lads”.

CONOR MCGREGOR has been brutally told by Joe Rogan that his UFC career is over.

The Notorious was due to make his long-awaited UFC return last June but was forced out of his Sin City showdown with Michael Chandler due to injury.

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Conor McGregor hasn’t fought in the UFC in nearly four years[/caption]

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The Notorious’ legion of diehard fans are confident he’ll make his grand return later this year[/caption]

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McGregor’s diehard followers are confident he will return to the cage – which he’s been away from for four years – in 2025.

But veteran UFC colour commentator Rogan doesn’t foresee the Irishman ever fighting again.

During a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, former UFC heavyweight Brendan Schaub said of McGregor fighting agin: “The ship has sailed.

“It’s like, we want him to come back [but] it ain’t happening.”

Rogan candidly replied: “Well he knows too [that the ship has sailed].”

Rogan’s belief that McGregor will never fight again is in part down to the Dubliner’s antics outside the cage, in particular his partying.

The 57-year-old said of the former two-division champion: “I don’t know if Conor is ever gonna fight again.

“I don’t know the real details of [the civil assault case]. I know his version of it, and her version of it, and what played out in the court.

“The reality is that guy’s partying, and he’s partying real hard, and he talked about it in the court case, he’s talking about cocaine.”

UFC President and CEO Dana White forecast an autumn return for the promotion’s poster boy last month.

But the veteran promoter seemingly now has serious doubts over the long and protracted Return of the Mac.

When asked about McGregor during the UFC Fight Night 250 post-fight press conference earlier this month, he replied: “Conor?

“Um… Not sure when Conor will be back”

McGregor hasn’t set foot inside the octagon since breaking his left leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier in July 2021.

If he does ever fight again, his next outing will be his first since being found civilly liable for assaulting Nikita Hand at a Dublin Hotel in December 2018.

Mystic Mac – who was accused of “raping and battering” Ms Hand – has vowed to appeal the verdict of last November’s civil trial at Dublin’s High Court.

SPORTSFILE

Conor McGregor was civilly liable for assaulting Nikita Hand at a Dublin Hotel in December 2018 last November[/caption]

A DAD’S debilitating symptoms were repeatedly dismissed as “vertigo” by doctors.

But Marcus Williams, 35, was given just hours to live after he became unable to recognise his own daughter.

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Marcus Williams with daughter Lola and his wife Laura[/caption]

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The suffered with headaches and fatigue and was unable to recognise his daughter[/caption]

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Marcus was given hours to live after scans showed a mass in his brain[/caption]

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The dad was rushed into emergency surgery to remove the mass[/caption]

The dad began experiencing intense headaches, fatigue, and seizures but doctors repeatedly misdiagnosed his symptoms as vertigo.

Doctors told his family there was nothing to be done when “his eye suddenly went lazy” and he began “projectile vomiting”.

But when the dad-of-one started to lose his memory – and couldn’t recognise his daughter, Lola, five – his wife, Laura, 31, pushed for him to get a CT scan.

It revealed a large tumour and Marcus was rushed for emergency surgery – after being given just hours to live.

Surgeons were able to remove 98 per cent of the mass during a painstaking 12-hour surgery.

Following the op, Marcus was diagnosed with a glioblastoma, a fast-growing brain tumour that develops in cells in the brain and spinal cord.

Laura, a self-employed beauty therapist, from Yatton, Somerset, said: “I was shocked when the GP surgery texted me saying there was nothing more they could do.

“Both they and doctors at A&E insisted Marcus had vertigo, but I knew it was something far worse.

”When his eye suddenly went lazy, I feared he was having a stroke.

“Even the paramedics downplayed his symptoms, suggesting his projectile vomiting could be due to a blocked ear or even mental health issues.

”I couldn’t understand how so many medical professionals, people we are meant to trust with our lives, were so dismissive and treated us like timewasters.

“Soon, Marcus started losing his speech and memory. He didn’t even recognise our little girl, the person he cherishes most. I was at breaking point.

”It wasn’t until I confronted a doctor at A&E and demanded a CT scan that they finally found the large tumour.

“That was when I was told he had only hours to live and needed emergency surgery.”

A neurosurgeon from Newquay, Cornwall, was flown in and successfully removed 98 per cent of the tumour in a 12-hour operation.

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Marcus’s symptoms were dismissed as vertigo and a blocked ear[/caption]

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Marcus in hospital[/caption]

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The dad underwent a gruelling 12-hour op that saw most of the tumour removed[/caption]

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Marcus and the NHS staff from Radiotherapy, Oncology Bristol[/caption]

Marcus remained in intensive care for the following five days.

The family finally received a diagnosis following the operation and were devastated to learn that he had a glioblastoma – an aggressive and cancerous brain tumour.

Laura was told by medical professionals that Marcus would experience memory loss, speech difficulties, and other challenges, and the family brought in photos and Marcus’ favourite snacks to help speed up his recuperation.

For his daughter, Lola, things were especially difficult.

I was told I was hours away from losing my husband and, at every turn, medical staff dismissed me as a timewaster. Only research and a cure can prevent others from going through what we did, and I won’t stop fighting for that

Laura Williams

Laura said: “She kept repeating, ‘Why won’t daddy play with me?’ and ‘daddy’s got a poorly head’ but she just couldn’t grasp what was happening.

“The whole situation has been incredibly tough on her. When I had to leave her with my parents to stay with Marcus in the hospital, she was devastated.

”She didn’t know where I was or what was happening, and she didn’t understand why daddy wouldn’t be with her either.

“Being out of school due to half-term only made things harder. It broke my heart to see how much she was struggling.

“Marcus had always been the fun dad, playing pillow fights and doing gymnastics on the floor with her.

“After his surgery, he could only sit there, quiet and exhausted, as he recovered.”

Hope ahead

Marcus is now showing signs of recovery and his memory is returning, after undergoing six-weeks of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

He has additional medication to manage occasional seizures but remains bedbound for the time being.

Marcus and Lola still enjoy reading and colouring together, and are still hoping for a return to gymnastics together soon.

Laura is taking part in Brain Tumour Research’s 10,000 Steps a Day in February challenge, along with friends and family.

Laura adds: “I was told I was hours away from losing my husband and, at every turn, medical staff dismissed me as a timewaster.

”Only research and a cure can prevent others from going through what we did, and I won’t stop fighting for that.

”That’s why we’re taking on the 10,000 Steps a Day challenge, followed by wing walks and skydives, all to raise money for this vital cause.

“If even one pound helps find a cure or eases another family’s pain, it will be worth it.”

Ashley McWilliams, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “Marcus, Laura, and Lola’s story is a powerful reminder of the devastating impact brain tumours have on families and the urgent need for better diagnosis, treatment, and support.’

”Their courage and determination to raise awareness and funds will make a real difference to the 12,000 people diagnosed with a primary brain tumour each year.”

You can support Laura’s 10,000 Steps a Day in February challenge here.

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Laura is raising funds for Brain Tumour Research[/caption]

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She’s angry that she and her husband were made to feel like time wasters[/caption]

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Marcus has been making positive steps towards recovery[/caption]

VOLVO has reinvented its smallest motor into an all-electric, all-terrain 4×4 – with a delightful focus on off-road driving.

A jacked-up version of the EX30 is set to become the Swedish brand’s first EV and first SUV to use Volvo’s cool new Cross Country branding.

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Volvo are to release an all-terrain, cross country version of the EX30[/caption]

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The small EV will get a host of tweaks and changes – both aesthetically and mechanically[/caption]

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It will also include the Cross Country branding – which hasn’t been released in the UK for 25 years[/caption]

While drivers might already be familiar with the EX30 – the smallest car Volvo makes, which has become hugely popular thanks to its good looks and competitive price point – the EX30 Cross Country introduces a string of notable differences.

Firstly, it’s much taller and chunkier; raised by 19mm, with beefier front and rear skid plates, the optional addition of mudflaps, and 720mm all-terrain tyres.

There’s also a five-link rear suspension that has been softened to cope with bumpier, off-road terrain.

Volvo also claims it can handle muddy tracks and even “ankle-deep” snow.

However, the brand has stressed that the EX30 Cross Country is not a “hardcore” off-roader, saying it’s more aligned with “weekend explorers”.

They added: “Cross Country is about helping you access nature on nature’s terms – not conquering it.”

It certainly looks the part, featuring a more rugged appearance than the standard car – including a blacked-out front grille and boot lid, as well as more sculpted front and rear bumpers and blackened arches.

It can also be optioned with 19-inch alloy wheels, as well as a roof-mounted kayak holder, roof-mounted tent, and stowable towbar.

Despite these additions, the interior of the EX30 Cross Country is exactly the same as the standard car’s.

Only available in all-wheel drive – at least for now – the 4×4 set-up draws power from a 69kWh battery, which feeds two motors for a combined 422bhp.

It also offers 264 miles of range – certainly enough for weekend explorations.

Jim Rowan, Volvo Cars’ CEO, said: “We launched our first Cross Country car over 25 years ago, and this concept of durable and all-weather cars is core to the Volvo brand.

“In Sweden, we face harsh winters, but we also like to make the most of them by getting out and exploring our amazing nature, even when it’s minus 20 Celsius outside.

“That’s why we want to deliver a fully rounded experience – not simply a car – to our EX30 Cross Country customers.”

Volvo last introduced the Cross Country badge some 25 years ago with the V70 XC. 

Since then, in the UK at least, this rugged, special off-road trim has been non-existent.

The Cross Country EX30 line-up is expected by the summer and will command a premium price – roughly £1,000 over the standard Twin Motor Ultra – so expect it to start around £47,000.

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Despite the changes, it remains exactly the same as the standard car inside[/caption]

THE Masked Singer 2025 has had judges and fans alike scratching their heads trying to work out the identities of the secret celebrity singers.

With the grand finale fast approaching on Saturday, February 15, here’s everything you need to know about this year’s finalists.

The Masked Singer 2025 kicked off on ITV on Saturday, January 4.

The series began with 12 famous contestants, each hidden behind an elaborate costume and mask.

As the competition progressed they were gradually unmasked, revealing the celebs’ identities to the excited audience and panel of judges.

The three grand finalists this year are Dressed Crab, Wolf and Pufferfish.

Here’s a breakdown of their journeys on the show so far, including the songs they’ve sung and clues given about their secret identities…

Dressed Crab

ITV

Dressed Crab has made it all the way to the final[/caption]

Performances

The crooning crustacean has sung the following songs en route to the final:

• Lean on me by Bill Withers
• California Dreamin’ by The Mamas & the Papas
• Are You Gonna Go My Way by Lenny Kravitz
• Suddenly by Billy Ocean
• Let’s Groove by Earth, Wind & Fire
• Hit the Road Jack by Ray Charles

Clues

Dressed Crab’s hints so far include:

• An American football helmet
• A non-disclosure agreement
• Gold coins
• Film roll
• Dressed crab is a look that never goes out of fashion.
• Just marvel at some of my creations; my work has lit up the UK.
• I’ve scuttled all over the planet
• A riddle
• NFL mask
• “This Dressed Crab is the style of the season, and like all great trends, I’ll just keep coming back”
• “You have to be Da Vinci to crack this code”
• Three clocks with times for London, Miami, and Tokyo
• Dressed Crab told the panel: “I came out of my shell”
• Mentioned “big little lies”

They also shared the riddle: “I don’t want to be beaten, there’s too much at stake, I have a taste for the high life, my rivals should quake.”

Judges’ guesses

Jonathan Ross guessed the celeb behind the Dressed Crab costume was Jamie Foxx, while Maya Jama chose Billy Porter.

Mo Gilliagan went for a different Porter — Gregory — while guest judge Sir Mo Farah thought it was diving superstar Tom Daley.

Davina McCall was convinced it was singer The Weeknd.

Jonathan later changed his guess to Nile Rodgers, Mo switched to Seal, while guest Tom Daley thought it might be Adam Lambert.

Wolf

ITV

Wolf’s identity remains a mystery — but not for long[/caption]

Performances

The wily wolf has belted out the following songs in their run to the final:

• Let’s Dance by David Bowie
• Copacabana by Barry Manilow
• The Candy Man by Sammy Davis Jr
• Birds of a Feather by Billie Eilish
• Rebel Yell by Billy Idol
• Don’t Dream It’s Over by Crowded House

Clues

Wolf’s clues this series have included:

• A T-shirt with “Wolf Pack” written on it
• References to “two sides to every story” and “take me as I am”
• Mentions of “good foundations” and keeping a roof over your head
• Bishop seen behind the camera
• Imagery of multi-coloured bowling pins and a ball
• Clues about a ship and being perceived as “big” or “bad”
• “You wanna know more about little old me, if the three little pigs had listened to my advice no huffing or puffing would’ve blown those houses down”

Wolf’s riddle was: “As a wolf, I’ve held dominion over everything I see, wild woods, creek or cave, that’s my territory.”

Judges’ guesses

Johnathan guessed it was either Jason Donovan, David Tennant or Paul Weller.

Vicky McClure thought Wolf could be Mike Skinner, while Mo opted for U2 frontman Bono.

Davina believed the mystery star behind the mask was really Duran Duran‘s Simon Le Bon.

Pufferfish

Performances

The inflatable fish has sung some classic songs on their way to the final:

• Good Luck, Babe! by Chappell Roan
• Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
• Loose Control by Teddy Swims
• Don’t Rain on My Parade by Barbra Streisand
• What Was I Made For? by Billie Eilish
• One Night Only by Jennifer Hudson

Clues

Hints about the celeb behind the Pufferfish mask include:

• An American football
• A rubber spider shown on a hairbrush
• A pair of dice that land on a five and six
• Pufferfish could be seen squashing a rubber chicken with its blue boot
• “The Empire State is just too hard to miss out on”
• “I’m a speedy learner and it runs in the family too”

They also shared the riddle: “Being puffed up all day can feel so excessive, sometimes being small is just as impressive.”

Judges’ guesses

Maya guessed US star Nicole Richie, while guest judge Vicky chose Kelly Osbourne.

Other judge theories included actress Hayden Panettiere, as well as Sort Your Life Out host and former X Factor singer Stacey Solomon.

Jonathan even put Rag ‘n’ Bone Man‘s name in the mix as the star hiding behind the Pufferfish costume.

These three fantastic finalists will be hoping to be crowned The Masked Singer 2025 champion on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 7pm on ITV1.

NICKY HENDERSON has delivered a devastating update on Sir Gino, confirming: “The situation remains critical.”

The legendary Seven Barrows boss was forced to pull his superstar novice chaser from Cheltenham Festival yesterday.

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Nicky Henderson confirmed Sir Gino remains in a critical state[/caption]

Sir Gino was odds-on fav for the Arkle Chase on day one – and all set for a blockbuster head-to-head with Willie Mullins’ Majborough.

But a wound picked up last week turned out to be much worse than first thought.

Henderson delivered this update on the five-year-old on Tuesday.

In a statement on X, the trainer said: “Firstly, we would just like to say thank you for the absolutely amazing amount of well wishes following Sir Gino’s setback and admittance to the Equine hospital.

“It has been overwhelming that any horse could cause as much sentiment and it is much appreciated by us all.

“Sir Gino remains under treatment and the veterinary team were pleased with how that went yesterday.

“The situation does remain critical but he is comfortable and eating remarkably well under the circumstances.

“The medical attention will be ongoing for the foreseeable future and he is in the very best hands.

“He has the potential to be one of the greats and hopefully with all fingers and toes crossed he still will be.”

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• 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.