86 m. ago Russell Mael: ‘Describe myself in three words? One handsome dude’

The Sparks singer on shoplifting red liquorice as a child, a head-to-head with Godzilla, and underselling his life storyBorn in California, Russell Mael, 76, and his brother, Ron, first recorded under the names the Urban Renewal Project and Halfnelson, before becoming Sparks in 1972. Two years later, they relocated to London and had a hit with their song This Town Ain’t Big Enough for Both of Us. More recently, they composed a radio opera, The Seduction of Ingmar Bergman, collaborated with Franz Ferdinand in supergroup FFS, and released a film, Annette, which won five César awards in 2022. Their 28th studio album is Mad! and their tour comes to the UK in June. Mael lives in California.What was your most embarrassing moment? Signing away the rights to my life story to a major motion-picture company for a sum that I have since been told was way below the market rate. Continue reading...

Politics

1 hour ago Callum O'Hare hopes it's third time lucky as Sheffield United head into £200m Wembley showdown

Fate has not been kind to Callum O'Hare at Wembley for the last two years - but he hopes Sheffield United will enjoy a change of fortune in the £200million promotion shoot-out with Sunderland

Economics

1 hour ago WCL and Championship playoff finals, Klopp disappointed with boos for Alexander

Buildup to today’s major finalsLive scores | Fixtures | Email EmilliaManchester City wrap up their Premier League campaign on Sunday with a game Pep Guardiola believes is “by far” their most important of the season. City head to Fulham knowing a draw will almost certainly secure a top-five spot and a place in the Champions League for next season.After winning the title in the past four seasons, it is a relatively modest target but Guardiola recognises it is the least of the club’s expectations. The City manager said: “If we want to play in the Champions League, we have to take a result there. This is what we are going to do. Of course, it’s really important.” Asked if it was the most important game of the season, Guardiola said at a press conference: “By far.” Continue reading...

Sport

2 h. ago Pep Guardiola: Fulham is Manchester City’s biggest game of season by far

City head to Fulham knowing a draw will almost certainly secure a top-five spot and a place in the Champions League for next season.

Sport

2 h. ago King Charles to show support for Canada amid war of words with Donald Trump

King Charles and Queen Camilla are heading to Canada on Monday for a landmark visit to attend the country's state opening of Parliament - at a time when Canada is embroiled in a war of words with Donald Trump

Politics

3 h. ago Which bookies are offering Free Bets ahead of Championship Play

The "richest game in football" takes place at Wembley Stadium as Sheffield United and Sunderland go head-to-head for a spot in the Premier League next season

Sport

3 h. ago The 'immaculate' West London restaurant offering an escape for a 'downright steal' of £30 per head

At The Lavery, in London's South Kensington, Tom finds excellent service and superb cooking

Economics

3 h. ago ‘It’s surreal’: Arminia Bielefeld’s dream cup run reaches its finale

After a series of spectacular upsets, the third division champions hope to do the unthinkable against StuttgartAs the clock ticked down on one of Arminia Bielefeld’s most famous victories, there was a moment when time seemed to stand still. Bayer Leverkusen, the DFB-Pokal holders, were 10 minutes from going out of the competition and, as if finally realising the urgency of the situation, shook themselves awake for one last big chance.Jeremie Frimpong peeled away on the right and scooped a cross into the box, where Patrik Schick was waiting. He rose highest, headed back across goal and, as the stadium held its breath, watched the ball glance an upright and spin wide. Jonas Kersken, the Arminia goalkeeper, had been one of the heroes of the night, but he knew their fate had been out of his hands. He did the only thing he could do: planted a grateful kiss on the post. Continue reading...

Politics

3 h. ago Those who object to music events shutting off parks are branded nimbys. But this time, I’m on their side | Moya Lothian

A high court dispute over a south London park shows the limits of private interests encroaching on public spaceA grassy south London oasis erupted into a turf war this week. From Monday, visitors to Brockwell Park would have seen calling cards left by both sides. The provocation? A sturdy 3-metre-high boundary fence, encircling large swathes of the 50-hectare (125-acre) stretch that has been designated for music festivals this summer. Daubed on the structure were signs of discord: graffitied messages in stark white lettering. “You fucked our park,” read one. “We fucked your wall.”Brockwell is now the hottest front in a conflict that has started to rear its head in the capital every summer. A week ago, it made the front pages in the form of a bombshell high court ruling against Lambeth council. The authority responsible for the park lost a case brought by Protect Brockwell Park (PBP), a group of local residents and park users who argued that the council had not obtained the proper pl...

Politics

3 h. ago 'Haunted' pub with 'disembodied child ghost and secret void' sees guests fleeing in fear

EXCLUSIVE: Ye Olde Kings Head in Chester is a former brothel believed to be one of the UK's 'most haunted' buildings where members of the public can stay and see for themselves - if they dare

Society

3 h. ago Today’s rugby news as major deal struck in Cardiff and Wales star switches regions

The rugby stories making headlines on Saturday, May 24

Economics

4 h. ago The lost outdoor pools and water parks we used to have on our doorsteps

Whenever the temperatures soared, we used to head to these brilliant spots in Greater Manchester to cool off

Politics

5 h. ago F1 qualifying start time: Monaco GP 2025 schedule and how to watch

F1 heads to its traditional crown jewel event, the Monaco Grand Prix, this weekend

Politics

5 h. ago 'I saved £170 on holiday beauty bagging £220 worth of Trinny London and Nuxe for £50'

Heading off on holiday soon, shopping writer Lucy Addicott found a way to sort her summer skincare and makeup for a fraction of the price

Economics

6 h. ago New Look's £27 lightweight 'summer jeans' that 'don't cling to legs'

These trousers offer the appearance of jeans but have a comfortable secret that most shoppers appreciate

Economics

9 h. ago Kneecap brazenly mock the police and lead singalong about the death of Margaret Thatcher at latest London show

The Northern Irish group consisting of Mo Chara, DJ Provai and Moglai Bap held a last-minute gig at The 100 Club on Oxford Street ahead of a headline appearance at a London festival.

Events

9 h. ago Hollywood agog over new memoir by Diane von Furstenberg's billionaire mogul husband in which he reveals he's been sleeping with countless men during their 50

Billionaire movie mogul Barry Diller first met the 'deliriously glamorous' Diane von Furstenberg at dinner party in 1974. But when Barry and Diane met again months later, it was a different story.

Culture

10 h. ago Poland presidential debate puts Ukraine and Europe centre stage

Rafał Trzaskowski, from the governing pro-EU coalition, faces Eurosceptic populist rightwing historian Karol Nawrocki ahead of run-offPolish presidential candidates offered different visions of Poland and its relations with Ukraine in a televised debate ahead of next week’s run-off, which remains on a knife-edge.During a head-to-head debate lasting two hours, the centrist Warsaw mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, from prime minister Donald Tusk’s governing pro-European coalition, faced the Eurosceptic historian Karol Nawrocki, backed by the populist rightwing Law and Justice party (PiS). Continue reading...

Politics

11 h. ago Moment biker riding with dog strapped to her is pulled over by shocked police officer

A motorcyclist was fined after police spotted her riding with a dog secured to her chest on May 17 in Alexandra Headland.

Events

12 h. ago Flight attendant shows off handwritten note from Meghan Markle after duchess flies commercial

‘Laminate it, frame it, put it in a lock box at the bank!’ one TikTok commenter wrote

Politics