51 minutes ago Had Meghan Markle's acting career hit a dead end before she married Prince Harry? When she was written out of her big

Like many young women living in Los Angeles , Meghan Markle was always trying to get her big break and make it as a famous actress

Politics

2 hours ago Lauryn Goodman asks Kyle Walker to rent out £2m Sussex home amid plans to move abroad

The 34-year-old footballer is facing a turbulent period, with transfer rumours surrounding his playing career and reports of a divorce adding strain to his personal life

Society

5 hours ago Five sunny destinations for January travel – including hotspot with £17.99 flights

There are plenty of places to visit in January which are hot and perfect for a break away. Now Skyscanner shared its top picks for a last-minute holiday with cheap prices

Economics

12 hours ago Friends who turned tiddlywinks into a competitive sport mark 70 years of club

They established competitive rules, wrote a thesis ‘The Science Of Tiddlywinks’ and coined new terminology.

Sport

2 hours ago Elon Musk praises Labour MP for becoming the first to break ranks with Keir Starmer and call for a national inquiry into grooming gangs

The tech mogul, who has launched a barrage of attacks on the PM over Labour's rejection of a new widescale probe, praised Liverpool Walton MP Dan Carden.

Events

3 hours ago Dancing on Ice: Michaela Strachan's surprise career, cancer diagnosis and partner

Michaela Strachan is taking to the ice for Dancing on Ice 2024

Science

7 hours ago BBC celebrity chef nicknamed 'Flamebaster' went from working as a carer to traveling the culinary world

Chris 'Flamebaster' Roberts' from Caernarfon began showcasing his cooking skills on Instagram in 2016, but has since garnered a glittering career as a chef

Transport

69 minutes ago The Princess of 72nd Street by Elaine Kraf review – charming portrait of an artist in her own world

Kraf’s charming and challenging fourth and final novel, now published in the UK, is narrated by a New Yorker who experiences psychotic episodes“I am glad I have the radiance. This time I am wiser,” begins Elaine Kraf’s 1979 novel – now published for the first time in the UK – in irresistibly intriguing style. The narrator is Ellen, an artist living on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, where she regularly experiences periods of what she calls radiance, or what the rest of us would call psychosis, mental illness, or detachment from reality.And what “the rest of us” think is part of the problem for Ellen, because the radiances make her happy and she is no threat to anybody. “Fools! No one likes anyone for what they really are.” So she becomes Esmeralda, self-styled princess of 72nd Street. “I am not one of those rulers who is never seen on the streets mingling with the common people.” Continue reading...

Politics

24 hours ago Reeves doubles down defending China trip as fears over impact of economic crisis grow

Early indications that chancellor will slash disability benefits and delay increases to the defence budget to the 2030s to avoid breaking borrowing rules

Economics

16 hours ago James Rodríguez is a player out of time who brings his best to international stage | Jonathan Wilson

The 2024 Golden Boot winner flopped at Everton and faded away at Real Madrid but is still a maestro for ColombiaOn Monday, Rayo Vallecano released James Rodríguez on a free transfer. It hadn’t been much of a stay. In four and a half months at the club, he managed 136 minutes of league football. Only once did he start in La Liga. Rodríguez is 33 now. Since he left Everton in 2021, he has started just 37 league games and scored only 10 goals. This is the sixth season in a row in which he has been released on a free transfer as he has drifted from Real Madrid to the team currently 12th in the table, via Qatar, Greece and Brazil. The sense is of a waning career nearing its end.And yet in those three and a half years since his last game for Everton, Rodríguez has played 32 times for Colombia. While at Rayo, he has played 374 international minutes. True, he doesn’t often last a full game, but there are few other indications of decline. As Colombia reached the final of last year’s Copa Amé...

Sport

3 hours ago Simon Cowell begs 'those who can help, to help' in message of support to Los Angeles residents after devastating inferno burns 37,000 acres of land and claims 16 lives

Residents have been encouraged to evacuate their homes and strict water saving rules have been imposed as a result of the inferno.

Events

34 hours ago Seven new driving rules and law changes facing motorists this year including car tax

The new year brings about a range of changes for drivers, some of which could prove expensive for car owners who have previously been exempt from certain laws

Transport

75 minutes ago Heidi Montag thanks fans for providing 'hope and faith in a dark time' by pushing her 15

The couple were forced to flee their Pacific Palisades property with only the clothes on their backs as the devastating inferno razed more than 37,000 acres of residential areas to the ground.

Politics

28 hours ago Top destination with ‘340 days of sunshine’ a year is only a £17 flight from Manchester Airport

Escape the January chill with this sunny city break destination, that's been dubbed the 'new Turkey'

Economics

27 hours ago 11 Rangers players who nearly joined Celtic including Ibrox hero who would've 'jumped' at Parkhead move

The career paths of some famous names in Rangers' history could've turned out very differently

Sport

4 hours ago Pep Guardiola's secret 'inner anguish' after Kyle Walker drops Man City bombshell

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed that veteran defender Kyle Walker wants to move on and see out his career abroad, with a January transfer now on the cards

Events

3 hours ago In Attendance: Paying Attention in a Fragile World review – visions of mortality abound

Fitzrovia Chapel, LondonIn a former hospital chapel replete with its own stories, works by Paula Rego, Phyllida Barlow and others resonate in their exquisitely contemplative surroundingsThe Fitzrovia Chapel is a miniature cathedral in the heart of London – a tiny vault of marble, stained glass and gold conceived on the most human of scales. Old photographs show congregations of barely more than 50. It is possible to walk from one end to the other in fewer than a dozen steps, but along the way are glimmering mosaics, glowing stars and some of the most moving words I have ever read in a church.This chapel, where King Charles recorded his recent Christmas message, is all that remains of the old Middlesex hospital in the heart of London. A neo-gothic building of dark red brick, it once nestled inside this venerable teaching hospital, founded in 1745. Now it stands alone, and fully visible, dwarfed instead by the high-rise apartments and luxury shops of the Pearson Square complex that re...

Politics

28 hours ago 'I would have my first drink during the girls' bath time': Made In Chelsea star MILLIE MACKINTOSH reveals the darkest days of her alcohol addiction

Made In Chelsea star Millie Mackintosh reveals the darkest days of her alcohol addiction, and the terrifying night that forced her to confront it

Sport

12 hours ago Naomi Watts says she was told revealing that she'd hit the menopause at 36 would end her Hollywood career

Now, aged 56, British-born actress Naomi Watts has spoken of her experiences of menopause in a new book aimed at challenging the stigma older women face in Hollywood.

Events

4 hours ago Britain is a weak link in Donald Trump’s new world order, so it needs to find friends fast | Will Hutton

Amid deepening debt and an onslaught by the president-elect, Labour must calm the markets, then think big economicallyIt’s certainly not 2008, nor even Truss 2022, but the men and women who move the financial markets are suddenly darkly pessimistic. Some of the private emails and WhatsApp messages circulating last week matched any efforts by Cassandra. The mood has turned against Britain.It is not one single thing, but a toxic mix. There is the prospect of a long period of stagflation, the consequence, as even the markets recognise, of 14 years of epic misgovernment. The problem now is partly that Labour does not have a plausible growth story, partly that the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, is painted as having an economic tin ear that douses capitalist animal spirits, and partly because Trump’s arrival has exposed just how dependent an indebted, economically wounded Britain is on the kindness of strangers. It’s not yet a crisis – the stock market has held up – but without some skilful e...

Politics

16 hours ago Love Island's Luca Bish vows to stay out of the drama after 'dark' first series

The 2022 runner-up, who split with Gemma Owen three months after the show, says he's rusty when it comes to the dating game

Events

4 hours ago A Real Pain review – Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin spar in sublimely bittersweet Holocaust tour movie

The stars play Jewish American cousins touring Poland in honour of their grandmother in Eisenberg’s sharp, highly personal comedy boasting an Oscar-tipped performance from CulkinIt’s a slip of a thing, clocking in at a tight 90 minutes; a deft, light-footed amalgamation of two potentially formulaic comedy genres: the road movie and the mismatched buddy flick. But the second directorial venture from actor Jesse Eisenberg, which he also wrote and stars in, is considerably more than the seemingly slight sum of its parts. A Real Pain is a whip-sharp comedy driven by the rattling verbal sparring between uptight, neurotic David (Eisenberg) and his outgoing, unpredictable cousin Benji (Kieran Culkin). It’s also a profound character study – a substantial and emotionally nourishing journey that contains, courtesy of Culkin, perhaps the most devastating final shot of any film you will see this year.It’s a notable step up for Eisenberg as a writer-director. His 2022 debut, When You Finish Savi...

Politics

17 hours ago Richard Hammond's daughter brands him an 'idiot' as she reflects on his car crashes

Top Gear and The Grand Tour star Richard Hammond's daughter branded him an 'idiot' while discussing the dangers of his job in a chat resurfacing in the wake of his marriage split

Events

4 hours ago Premier League disciplinary charges make clubs rush to balance the books

This week PSR swings into action, with past points deductions against Everton and Forest a stark warningThe Premier League will issue disciplinary charges this week against any clubs it deems to have breached its profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) for the 2021-24 accounting period.Under a fast-track process introduced 18 months ago clubs who have recorded losses for the first two years of the reporting cycle were required to submit their accounts for the financial year ending June 2024 to the Premier League by 31 December. The Premier League has given its financial and legal departments 14 days to study the books of those clubs in danger of a PSR breach, and is expected to issue any charges on Monday and Tuesday. Continue reading...

Politics

18 hours ago Cartoon Network's 'darkest' show still terrifying 'scarred' fans 23 years on

One of Cartoon Network's most popular shows is often branded as one of the weirdest children's TV series from the 2000s, with now grown-up audiences admitting it still scares them

Events

4 hours ago The 10 rules of friendship: show up, go beyond banter, learn the boring details

Writers, therapists and academics give advice on how to make, and strengthen, meaningful bonds with mates and friendsEmma Reed Turrell, psychotherapist, author and host of the podcast Friendship TherapyYou can keep balance in friendship by showing your working out, rather than making assumptions and mind-reading. This might sound like: “I’d like to invite you to a party but I’m wondering if it might not be your thing and I want you to know that you can absolutely say no, or just come for an hour.” That way you get to express your wish and your friend gets to be honest in their choices, rather than people-please you or dodge the question. Look for the ‘both/and’ of a balanced friendship, rather than an ‘either/or’ situation, and negotiate how to both get what you need from your communication styles or time together, rather than create a one-way street in which one of you is always keeping the other happy. Not everyone wants a two-way street in friendship and you might find you get pu...

Politics

20 hours ago Five years ago, a missing Montana teen was found dead and officials ruled there was no foul play. Now, a man has been charged in her death

Sixteen-year-old Selena Not Afraid vanished on the way home from a New Year’s party in 2020. Now a man has been charged in her death, and Selena’s aunt tells Andrea Cavallier that she’s ready to hear the whole story of what happened that day.

Events

4 hours ago Méribel: how to stay, ski and party in France's prettiest Alpine resort

Offering excellent skiing, eating and a plethora of 5-star hotels, Méribel is the perfect destination for a winter break

Politics

22 hours ago How Nicole Kidman got her revenge, 24 years late: Babygirl actress, 57, has eclipsed ex Tom Cruise's career to become an awards darling

The ex-couple - who met on the set of Days of Thunder in 1989 - were once one of Hollywood's most influential power couples, raking in millions with every project.

Events

23 hours ago Ons Jabeur: ‘Kids are dying everywhere in Ukraine or Gaza. I have to speak out and use my platform’

Former world No 2 shares her struggles with seeing suffering in Palestine and how she is working with the World Food Programme to help Few players wear their heart on their sleeve as much as Ons Jabeur. The Tunisian, whose sublime skills and smile have lit up the women’s Tour over the past decade, reached the Wimbledon final in 2022 and 2023 and earned herself the nickname Minister of Happiness.But somewhere along the way, Jabeur lost the joy. Keen to start a family, she had told herself that if she won Wimbledon in 2023, that would be the perfect time to take a break. It didn’t happen – she lost to Marketa Vondrousova – and so continued playing. But injuries, illness and the scenes of human suffering in Gaza made her struggle over the past year. Continue reading...

Events

6 hours ago UK government to crack down on MPs earning extra cash from media firms

Jacob Rees-Mogg and Nigel Farage are among those who have earned large sums from broadcasters, but a tightening of rules on MPs’ outside interests is being consideredMPs would no longer be able to rake in huge sums that can see them more than double their ­parliamentary ­salaries by signing contracts with media outlets, under plans being ­considered by ministers.The Observer has been told that ­talks on further ­tightening rules on MPs’ ­outside interests, ­including media contracts, will be started by leader of the House of Commons, Lucy Powell, at a hearing of the all-party standards committee on Tuesday. Continue reading...

Politics

23 hours ago Ons Jabeur: ‘Kids are dying everywhere in Ukraine or Gaza. I have to speak out’

Former world No 2 shares her struggles with seeing suffering in Palestine and how she is working with the World Food Programme to help Few players wear their heart on their sleeve as much as Ons Jabeur. The Tunisian, whose sublime skills and smile have lit up the women’s Tour over the past decade, reached the Wimbledon final in 2022 and 2023 and earned herself the nickname Minister of Happiness.But somewhere along the way, Jabeur lost the joy. Keen to start a family, she had told herself that if she won Wimbledon in 2023, that would be the perfect time to take a break. It didn’t happen – she lost to Marketa Vondrousova – and so continued playing. But injuries, illness and the scenes of human suffering in Gaza made her struggle over the past year. Continue reading...

Events

6 hours ago Oscar Piastri's plan to avoid McLaren favouring Lando Norris with team orders in 2025

Oscar Piastri was on the wrong end of McLaren's infamous 'Papaya Rules' more times than he would have liked in 2024 and wants equal treatment to Lando Norris this term

Politics

23 hours ago Wall Street looks forward to a bonfire of capital and climate rules under Trump

Profits are poised to dominate in a new era shorn of years of hard-won regulatory restrictionsWhen some of the biggest banks on Wall Street reveal their full-year earnings this week, they will have more to celebrate than just rising profits.Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration on 20 January – scheduled the Monday after US bank results week – will raise the curtain on a period of looser regulation, lower corporation tax, and weak climate commitments. Continue reading...

Events

7 hours ago Nigel Farage front and centre, 40 Senedd seats and sweeping changes. Reform UK's bold claims to rule Wales

Their Welsh spokesman said they will be a credible party of government in Wales

Politics

23 hours ago UK drivers issued important reminder as temperatures hit below freezing

With snow and ice covering much of the UK this weekend, driving is more hazardous than usual - so you'll need to make sure you don't break these lesser-known laws

Events

11 hours ago Anger over 'wasteful, entitled' Hollywood stars including Kim Kardashian who broke water

Fury against 'wasteful, entitled' celebrities grew as stars including Kim Kardashian, were accused of squandering vital water resources that could have been used to save homes. 

Politics

23 hours ago Rod Stewart's personal trainer shares three exercise rules to stay fit like a rockstar

The rockstar has just turned 80 - and is still fit as he runs around the stage

Events

15 hours ago Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker has asked to leave Man City in January

The 34-year-old wants to move abroad for the final stages of his career

Politics

24 hours ago Russell Howard looks back: ‘Am I peculiar? You’d struggle to find anyone who does standup who isn’t a bit weird’

The comedian on mining his very large family for material, avoiding the celebrity circus, and being an unashamed standup fanboyBorn in Bath in 1980, Russell Howard is one of the UK’s most successful comedians. He started his career on the standup circuit while studying economics at the University of the West of England in Bristol. Television beckoned; he was headhunted for TV show Mock the Week in 2006, and from 2009 to 2015 had his own show on BBC Three. Howard now has a podcast, Five Brilliant Things, and his new standup special, Russell Howard Live, will be available to stream on his website from 15 January. He lives in London with his wife and their baby son.This photo was a happy memory: I was two and outside my nan and grandad’s house in Midsomer Norton – a place filled with magic. I was playing with my grandad’s cigarettes, and afterwards I’d go and play football with him. He’d probably make his amazing toast later – he used really thick slices of bread and we named it Granda...

Events

15 hours ago European football: Harry Kane back with penalty winner for Bayern Munich

His 15th league goal of season keeps Bayern clear at topIn Serie A, Atalanta miss chance to go level with NapoliHarry Kane netted a penalty to give Bayern Munich a 1-0 victory at Borussia Mönchengladbach in their first Bundesliga match after the winter break, keeping them four points clear of second-placed Bayer Leverkusen.The England captain sent Gladbach keeper Moritz Nicolas the wrong way in the 68th minute to break the deadlock and bag his 15th league goal this season to maintain his status as the Bundesliga’s top scorer. Continue reading...

Politics

24 hours ago Vaclav Cerny makes frank Rangers admission as star baulks at one question he has never been asked in his career

The on-loan Wolfsburg man has been one of the few shining lights at Ibrox but gave an honest view of where they find themselves

Events

17 hours ago The Traitors' Dan on 'eyeopening' moment and who he thinks is show's dark horse

The bank risk manager from Liverpool was banished in the last episode after his lie was exposed

Politics

25 hours ago Truth behind ITV's Take Me Out – told to undress, host warning and not being fed

ITV's Take Me Out used to be a fan favourite on Saturday nights, now a former contestant has lifted the lid on what the show was really like to appear on and the secret strict rules

Events

17 hours ago Richard Hammond's daughter calls him an 'idiot' and says he 'wasn't there a lot' growing up

Top Gear and The Grand Tour star Richard Hammond's daughter branded him an 'idiot' while discussing the dangers of his job in a chat resurfacing in the wake of his marriage split

Politics

26 hours ago Amazon shoppers beat dark winter mornings with smart alarm clock that 'mimics a tropical sunrise'

The smart alarm clock has become a staple for many to beat the dreaded winter wake-up calls

Events

18 hours ago Rory McIlroy trails Tiger Woods earnings despite pocketing hefty PGA Tour bonus

Rory McIlroy was unable to end his major championship drought in 2024, but the Northern Irishman still pocketed a huge windfall during the previous calendar year

Politics

26 hours ago What happened to The Sixth Sense's Haley Joel Osment? Child star and brother of Hannah Montana alum disappeared from Hollywood for 15 years after he was charged with drink driving and drug possession

Instead of perusing a career in acting like his famous sister, Haley decided to step back from Hollywood after often finding it 'aggressive, predatory and relentless'.

Events

19 hours ago My labia were causing me discomfort so I had them reduced. When I woke the surgeon casually said 'I tightened you up a bit too': In world

The actress, 59, has spent most of her career as a sex object. She tells Sophia Money-Coutts how she's finally living life on her own terms.

Politics

28 hours ago He said 'I tightened you up a bit'. BROOKE SHIELDS on the shocking post

The actress, 59, has spent most of her career as a sex object. She tells Sophia Money-Coutts how she's finally living life on her own terms

Events