free website hit counter USA Update – Page 1357 – Netvamo

USA Update

Category Added in a WPeMatico Campaign

Nathan Cleary Net Worth 2024: How much is the Arugby league scrum half Worth?

Who is Nathan Cleary? Let’s unravel the mystery that is Nathan Cleary. Born on November 14, 1997 in Sydney, Australia, this athletic wonder is not just another good-looking face in sports-although he could easily moonlight as a model with those chiseled features! He plays as a halfback for the Penrith Panthers and has athletic grace …

Read More »

Sales of ‘brilliant little tablet’ rocket by 1,140% as Amazon cuts price from £65 to £30

a purple tablet is open to the home page

AMAZON has slashed prices on its devices hours ahead of Prime Day, with one tablet stealing the limelight.

The Fire 7 tablet has been cut from £64.99 to a bargain price of £29.99, and it’s flying off the shelves.

a pink tablet is open to the home page
Amazon
Sales of this budget tablet are rocketing on Amazon in an early Prime Day deal[/caption]

Amazon Fire 7 tablet, £29.99 (was £64.99)

The 7-inch tablet is currently gracing the top of Amazon’s Movers & Shakers list of best-selling devices.

In the past 24 hours, sales have rocketed by a staggering 1,140% since the asking price took a nose-dive.

That’s unsurprising, given the popular tablet is currently over half price, at just shy of £30 quid.

The deal comes hours ahead of Amazon’s second Prime Day, set to officially kick off at midnight and running for 48 hours from October 8-9.

Of course, Amazon often likes to treat its shoppers to an early wave of deals, and this is one of many on its popular range of devices.

The entire range of Fire tablets is on sale this week, so you’re spoilt for choice.

Our Deputy eCommerce Editor, Matt Breen, also reported on a 48% price cut on the premium Fire Max 11 tablet with ‘superb battery life’.

But the real bargain comes on the cheap and cheerful Fire 7 tablet, reduced to £29.99.

There’s also been a wave of ideas on Fire streaming sticks, Echo speakers, and Ring doorbells in the mix.

Typically these deals are exclusive for Prime members, but for the time being, the deals are open to all shoppers, but that can quickly change.

The budget tablet is great for kids or anyone who just wants a cheap tablet to access the internet or streaming platforms.

Its 7-inch display means you can slip it into your bag or coat pocket, using it as an e-reader that’s capable of doing that bit more.

There’s no arguing with that price tag, though, at just £29.99, it’s well worth snapping up.

This option comes with 16GB of storage, which is enough for your little ones or light entertainment use.

But you can bump that up to 32GB for an extra £10 if you plan on downloading a lot of content or games.

Amazon Prime Day: 10 best early deals

Amazon Prime Day kicks off tomorrow (8th-9th October), but there's already some early deals to check out. Here's our favourites:

*If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue

  1. Amazon Fire TV Stick, £16.99 (was £44.99) – buy here
  2. Xinwld Wireless Earbuds, £24.99 (was £99.99) – buy here
  3. Ring Battery Video Doorbell, £59.99 (£99.99) – buy here
  4. Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara, £7.79 (was £12.99) – buy here
  5. Silentnight Comfort Control Electric Blanket, £35.99 (was £42.99) – buy here
  6. Stanley Classic Legendary Food Jar, £26.23 (was £37.99) – buy here
  7. COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Skin Serum, £12.15 (was £23.99) – buy here
  8. Philips OneBlade 360, £34.99 (was £54.99) – buy here
  9. Olay Regenerist Collagen Peptide 24 Eye Cream Without Fragrance, £17.33 (was £38) – buy here
  10. Remington Keratin Protect Hair Straighteners, £52.76 (was £119.99) – buy here

We’ll be keeping a close eye out for some of the best deals so remember to check back to snag these deals

We’ve rounded up more great offers here:

‘My wife loves this tablet, such a bargain too,’ writes one shopper, who described the Fire 7 as a ‘brilliant little tablet.’

‘I use it for watching YouTube videos and Facebook in the wee small hours. The sound and picture quality are excellent,’ added another.

‘I use a full-size PC in the daytime but I take my little Fire 7 to bed with me,’ they continued.

A third concluded: ‘It’s brilliant, I can read my books and watch downloads of films and documentaries when flying.’

With the sale now hours away, you’ll find discounts on Fire TVs, streaming sticks, Kindles and other gadgets on our Amazon device deals page.

When the 48-hour sale kicks off next week, we’ll have all the finest bargains we find listed on our best Prime Day deals page.

Amazon Fire 7 tablet, £29.99 (was £64.99)

Discover more top deals and savings at your favourite tech retailers by heading to Sun Vouchers. Sun Vouchers is the one-stop shop where you can find hundreds of discount codes for top chains including Currys, Argos, AliExpress, Dyson and more.

Stuck between buying a tablet or an e-reader? Read our Amazon Fire tablet vs Kindle explainer.

Head to our shopping tech section for more tech deals and discounts.

Read More »

Ultra-rare Lotus Esprit dubbed ‘most sought after EVER’ with unmistakable 80s interior goes on sale for eye-watering sum

THE ‘most sought after ever’ Lotus Esprit is on sale with a staggering price tag.

With a distinctive 80s interior and just 53k miles on the clock, the motor is one of just 13 left in the country.

a blue sports car with a license plate that says opm 665w
mediadrumimages
The Lotus Esprit model is one of the rarest in the world[/caption]
a blue car with a red white and blue stripe is parked on the side of the road
mediadrumimages
It has the signature Essex Esprit insignia[/caption]

The car features pop-up headlights, metallic blue paint emboldened with red and silver ‘go faster’ stripes and the Essex Esprit insignia.

It is on the market for £135,000 – but there’s good reason for the eye-watering cost.

The Essex Commemorative edition of the Lotus Esprit was publicly launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1980 in honour of the Turbo Esprit in collaboration with Essex Petroleum who were the main Formula One sponsor at the time.

The car was unveiled at a party hosted by Essex in London’s Royal Albert Hall in February 1980.

Essex founder David Thieme, who made many millions trading oil, allegedly spent most of the budget for the 1980 season on lavish car launches and events, according to PistonHeads.

He was later arrested, four races into the following season on apparent fraud charges, with the Essex corporation dissolving soon after.

According to Lotus Cars this meant the planned 100 commemorative cars were never achieved.

Only 34 production Essex commemorative cars were recorded, 23 for the domestic UK market and 11 for the export market.

According to records there are only 13 Essex cars left in the UK and this car has 53K miles.

The listing is held by PistonHeads with the owner commenting on the listing.

“I have owned this car for nine years in which time it has undergone a full restoration with a full engine rebuild, gearbox cleaned and checked by PNM Engineering and a full mechanical overhaul,” reads the listing.

“Everything on the car has been refurbished or replaced.

“The restoration took around seven years to complete.

“It comes with a large file full of receipts which amount to over £26,000.

“The original tool kit and jack are supplied with the car as is an original Lotus soft car cover.

“Also included is a certificate of provenance and after sales letter from Lotus Cars.

“The body of the car was fully stripped and painted to a very high standard and the car was fully retrimmed also to a very high standard.

“Thousands of man hours have gone into this restoration and the outcome is stunning.

“This Essex Esprit has got to be one of the best examples in the UK.”

a dashboard in a car with a few buttons on it
mediadrumimages
The car has a roof panel and has had around £26,000 worth of work done on it[/caption]
a blue car with a license plate that says opm 665w
mediadrumimages
Front of car. CHELMSFORD, UK: AN EXTREMELY rare opportunity to own the most sought after Lotus Esprit model, with only 53K miles on the clock, has been revealed- you just need ¿135K. Pictures show the unmistakably 80¿s designed car with features including pop-up headlights, metallic blue paint emboldened with red and silver ¿go faster¿ stripes […][/caption]
the interior of a car with red leather seats and a steering wheel
mediadrumimages
The entire interior is red[/caption]

Read More »

All the classic British sitcoms removed from streaming services over controversial episodes

A NUMBER of popular British sitcoms have been removed from streaming services due to controversial content in recent years. 

The classic comedy Little Britain was notably removed from all streaming platforms in 2020. A number of streamers have followed suit with other sitcoms, including Come Fly With Me, Peep Show, Fawlty Towers and Bo’ Selecta!

a woman in a pink kappa jacket stands next to a group of people
BBC
A number of classic British sitcoms have been removed from streaming platforms in recent years[/caption]
two men hugging in front of a poster that says drugs
BBC
Shows like Little Britain have bee criticised for their use of blackface and controversial portrayal of other characters[/caption]
two women are posing for a picture in front of a sign that says buy pic
Handout
David Walliams and Matt Lucas’ subsequent series Come Fly With Me has also been axed[/caption]

These shows have either been removed in full or certain episodes have been cut due to their use of controversial storylines and characters as well as outdated themes.

Even Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway has had episodes pulled over the presenters’ use of blackface.

Streamers like Netflix, NOW TV, Britbox and the BBC iPlayer have taken a stand against such shows for their use of racial slurs, sexist language and blackface as “times have changed.”

Acknowledging that their shows have caused offence, comedy stars have offered public apologies with Matt Lucas acknowledging that some of his Little Britain sketches were “wrong” and Bo’ Selecta star Leigh Francis saying he “didn’t realise how offensive” his work was at the time. 

Keep reading for the full list of sitcoms you can no longer watch and details of why they were removed from streaming platforms. 

Little Britain (2003 – 2006)

Little Britain, starring David Walliams and Matt Lucas was a TV favourite across the nation when it first aired but it has now been removed from Netflix, NOW TV, Britbox and BBC iPlayer because of its controversial portrayal of black and Asian characters as well as gay characters and those with disabilities. 

Speaking about removing the sitcom, A BBC spokesperson said: “There’s a lot of historical programming available on BBC iPlayer, which we regularly review.

“Times have changed since Little Britain first aired, so it is not currently available on BBC iPlayer.”

Two years later Little Britain returned to BBC iPlayer but some major changes had been made to the episodes.

A BBC spokesperson said: “Little Britain has been made available to fans on BBC iPlayer following edits made to the series by Matt and David that better reflect the changes in the cultural landscape over the last twenty years since the show was first made.”

Come Fly With Me (2010 – 2011)

Come Fly With Me is David and Matt’s follow-up series to Little Britain, but this sketch show is set in an airport. 

Like its predecessor, it has also been removed from streaming series like BBC iPlayer, Britbox and Netflix for featuring blackface. 

Creators and stars David and Matt have apologised for any offence caused by their programs, with Matt tweeting in 2020: “David and I have both spoken publicly in recent years of our regret that we played characters of other races. Once again, we want to make it clear that it was wrong and we are very sorry.”

The Mighty Boosh (2003 – 2007)

Netflix removed all three series of Noel Fielding and Julian Barratt’s BBC series, The Mighty Boosh

The comedy was pulled from the streamer due to Fielding’s performance, which saw him don dreadlocks and blackface paint to portray the ghost of a famous jazz musician in a number of episodes.

However, the sitcom has remained available on BBC iPlayer. BBC director general Tony Hall said the corporation was “constantly assessing whether things feel appropriate” but that no changes needed to be made in response to The Mighty Boosh.

The League of Gentlemen (1999 – 2022)

Like The Mighty Boosh, The League of Gentlemen, which follows the lives of four bizarre characters in Royston Vasey, a fictional town in northern England, has also been pulled from Netflix due to the use of blackface. 

However, the series remains available to stream on BBC iPlayer with co-creator Reece Shearsmith denying that his character Papa Lazarou was supposed to be black.

“It was not me doing a black man,” he said. 

“It was always this clown-like make-up, and we just came up with what we thought was the scariest idea to have in a sort of Child Catcher-like way.

Best 80s sitcoms

We take a look at some of the best sitcoms to air on TV in the 80s.

The Simpsons

This satirical depiction of life in the US was developed by Matt Groening, James L. Brooks, and Sam Simon. It first launched in 1989 and has been going ever since as viewers tune in to see the antics of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, Maggie and the rest of the Springfield residents. With over 35 series making it onto the television airwaves, it has become one of the most famous and long-running television shows in history.

Only Fools And Horses

Widely accepted as one of the best British sitcoms of all time, Only Fools and Horses has made viewers laugh for decades. Seven series of the show were made for the BBC One from 1981 for ten years. Set in working-class Peckham, it starred Sir David Jason in his most famous role as the infamous market trader Derek “Del Boy” Trotter. Nicholas Lyndhurst starred as his younger half-brother, Rodney Trotter. In 2004, it was voted as Britain’s Best Sitcom in a BBC poll.

Full House

The US sitcom Full House was created in 1987 with Bob Saget starring father-of-three Danny Tanner. After his wife died, he called in the help of his brother-in-law Jesse (John Stamos) and best friend Joey (Dave Coulier) to move in and help raise his young daughters, DJ (Candace Cameron Bure), Stephanie (Jodie Sweetin) and Michelle (Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen). After eight series, the show came to an end before Netflix revived the franchise for a spin-off, Fuller House.

Golden Girls

Seven series aired from 1985 until 1992. It followed Four women – who were previously married – moved in together in a shared apartment in Miami. Together, they faced various struggles and encounter comical situations in their daily lives. Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty starred in roles that short them to superstardom.

Cheers

1982 was the year that saw the inception of Cheers. An eclectic group of people from all different paths of life meet at a bar Cheers. The boston boozer sees the group share their experiences as they work and drank at the establishment. It starred the likes of Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Rhea Perlman. Huge names such as Kelsey Grammer, Woody Harrelson and Kirstie Alley also starred in the hit series.

Growing Pains

Dr. Jason Seaver (Alan Thicke) is a psychiatrist who works from home so his wife, Maggie (Joanna Kerns), can resume her career as a journalist. They share three children, Mike (Kirk Cameron), Carol (Tracey Gold), and Ben (Jeremy Miller). This was before their precocious daughter Chrissy (Ashley Johnson) was born. The programme tackled topical issues such as drugs, suicide, peer pressure and alcohol.

“And I don’t think we ever had any complaints then.”

Bo Selecta (2002 -2004)

Leigh Francis’ comedy sketch show has been removed from Channel 4’s streaming platform. 

The show received nominations for a BAFTA and British Comedy Awards during its run, but creator Leigh Francis has since been criticised for his portrayal of Michael Jackson, Craig David and Trisha Goddard using latex face masks.

The comedian has since apologised, saying in an Instagram video: “I portrayed many black people. Back then I didn’t think anything about it, people didn’t say anything, I’m not going to blame other people. I didn’t realise how offensive it was back then.”

Fawlty Towers (1975 – 1979)

Fawlty Towers had one of its episodes, The Germans (1975), temporarily removed from UKTV over “racial slurs” and “outdated language”. 

The episode, which shows the character Major Gowen (Ballard Berkeley) repeatedly using the N-word in reference to members of the West Indies cricket team, was taken off the platform while the streamer carried out an investigation. 

a man in a suit shakes hands with a woman in a blue jacket
Alamy
Fawlty Towers was criticised for its use of racial slurs[/caption]
a man in a green sweater is talking to two other men
BBC
One scene from a 1975 episode was cut but the series is still available to stream[/caption]

It includes hotel owner Basil Fawlty, played by John Cleese, goose-stepping around while shouting “don’t mention the war” in front of a group of visiting Germans, after suffering a blow to the head. The scene had been edited out of repeats shown on the BBC in 2013. 

However, the episode has returned to UKTV. In a statement the streamer said that its return would come with “extra guidance and warnings… to highlight potentially offensive content and language.”

Peep Show (2003 – 2015)

A series two episode of Peep Show in which Jez (Robert Webb) wears blackface has been re-edited for Netflix. 

However, the unedited version remains on Channel 4’s streaming service. 

The moment appears in the season two episode Dance Class, during a bedroom scene featuring Jez and his girlfriend Nancy, played by Robert Webb and Rachel Blanchard, respectively.

In a statement, Channel 4 said: “We do not believe that erasing our creative history is a quick fix for the issues affecting our society today.”

Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway (2002 – 2024)

Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway was essential weekend viewing for over a decade – but early episodes of the popular ITV sketch show did feature some controversial moments. 

During undercover sketches in 2003 and 2004, Ant and Dec dressed as Jamaican women and Japanese girls using makeup and exaggerated accents. 

The episodes have since been removed from ITV’s catch-up service and the presenters apologised, saying: “We realise that this was wrong and want to say that we are sincerely sorry to everyone that we offended. 

“We purposely stopped doing this several years ago and certainly would not make these sketches today.”

a man in a green jacket with the word doir on it
BBC
Noel wore dreadlocks and blackface for scenes in The Mighty Boosh[/caption]
a group of people posing for a picture with an airplane in the background
Handout
Like Little Britain and Come Fly With Me a number of British sitcoms have been removed from streaming services[/caption]

Read More »

Desperate search for missing mum who vanished TWO WEEKS ago as CCTV shows her walking street in pyjamas at 3am

AN URGENT search has been launched for a missing mum who vanished two weeks ago as new CCTV footage is revealed.

Mary White disappeared from her home at Downham Market in Norfolk on Tuesday, September 24.

a woman in a blue jacket is standing on a beach .
Mary White, 73, disappeared from her home at Downham Market in Norfolk on Tuesday, September 24
Norfolk Police
a black and white photo of a person walking down a street at night .
CCTV captured Ms White walking along Railway Road at 3.30am on Wednesday, wearing white pyjamas
Norfolk Police

The 73-year-old was last seen at around 10pm.

She was reported missing the next morning after her house in Nelson Avenue was found empty.

CCTV footage revealed Ms White walked along Railway Road at 3.30am on Wednesday.

She was wearing white pyjamas and police say there has been no sign of her since despite specialist search teams operating for two weeks.

Her daughter shared a heartbreaking appeal on Facebook which read: “Please anyone in the Downham Market area or near keep a eye out for my mum Mary White she has gone missing either last night or early hours of this morning, she will probably be confused, as far as we know she is still in her pyjamas and slippers.

“Police are out looking so please any sightings or anything contact them or me.”

Ms White is described as around 5ft tall and of slim build, with shoulder-length grey hair.

Ch Insp Chris Banks said: “We do have to be open to all possibilities and our focus remains on finding Mary.

“Clearly this is a distressing time for her family and we continue to keep them updated.

“Anyone who has seen Ms White or has any information should call Norfolk Police on 101, quoting ref 48 of 25 September 2024.”

A Norfolk Police spokesperson said: “Officers are continuing their inquiries to locate missing Downham Market woman Mary White.

“Mary was last seen at her home address in Nelson Avenue at around 10pm on Tuesday 24 September 2024.

“She was reported missing by family the following morning when it was discovered she was no longer in the house.

“CCTV shows the 73-year-old walking along Railway Road at 3.30am on Wednesday 25 September 2024 wearing white pyjamas.

“There have been no sightings since, and Mary remains missing.

“Over the last six days specialist search teams including the marine unit and police drone have carried out extensive searches around the town, in open areas, and along the riverbanks.

“They have also searched insecure buildings and carried out door-to-door inquiries.

“These specialist searches are now largely complete.

“Officers will continue regular searches in the area and are also carrying out ongoing inquiries.”

Read More »

Girl, 14, tells court she stabbed two teachers and pupil on school playground because she ‘woke up in bad mood’

A SCHOOLGIRL today told a court she stabbed two teachers and a pupil on the playground because she “woke up in a bad mood”.

The teen, who was aged 13 at the time, is accused of launching into a frenzied attack at Ysgo Dyffryn Aman in Ammanford, Wales.

a group of people are standing next to each other on a sidewalk .
The teen is spotted talking to the teachers outside right before launching the attack
two women sitting at a table holding drinks with straws
WNS
Fiona Elias was one of the teachers stabbed in the horror[/caption]
a woman wearing a red and white shirt with the word wru on it
WNS
Colleague Liz Hopkin had come over to help when she was knifed[/caption]
PA
The girl smuggled a fishing multi-tool into school[/caption]

Jurors heard she first knifed assistant headteacher Fiona Elias after telling her: “I’m going to f***ing kill you”.

The girl also stabbed Fiona’s colleague Liz Hopkin, 53, as she rushed over to help and a 14-year-old student, it is said.

Giving evidence at Swansea Crown Court today, the girl was asked why she brought a bladed “fishing multi-tool” to school.

She said: “I get very upset or grumpy when I’m on my period. I woke up in a bad mood that morning.”

The teen, now aged 14, told jurors she had armed herself with a knife in school since Year 3 as she felt “scared and worried”.

Six months before the attack, she was caught with a vegetable knife in lessons and suspended for a week.

But on April 24 – the day of the attack, she smuggled the blade into school in the waistband of her trousers, the court heard.

In footage shown to jurors, the girl could be seen stabbing Fiona before lashing out at brave Liz.

She also attacked a pupil in the upper torso and leg and left Liz with knife wounds to her neck, back, legs and arms.

The court heard the horror only came to an end when two male members of staff, Stephen Hagget and Darrell Campbell, rushed over.

After she was arrested, the girl told police: “I’m pretty sure this is going to be on the news so more eyes will be looking at me. That’s one way to be a celebrity.”

Giving evidence, she claimed she now feels “terrible” and “guilty” over the attack.

She added: “I regret the way I behave, I feel sorry, I’d do anything to go back.”

The girl also told the court she didn’t attempt to murder anyone and didn’t want them to die.

She told jurors: “I remember thinking to myself: “What am I doing? Stop. I can’t look back, it’s dark, I remember being very hot.”

Police searched the girl’s home and discovered a school planner with the words “death before dishonour” written on it.

The court was told she also wrote about how a girl would “burn” and had scrawled “cut their mouths and eyes” on a drawing of a woman.

She also labelled another drawing “Mrs Frogface Elias”, it was said.

The girl, who can’t be named, denies three charges of attempted murder but admits three counts of wounding with intent and one of possessing a bladed article article on school premises.

The trial continues.

a room with tables and chairs and a sign that says a4 media
Moments before the horror, the girl could be seen stabbing the floor with a knife
a police officer walking in front of a building
PA
The school was placed in a ‘code red’ lockdown[/caption]


Read More »

Inside the best Christmas theme park takeovers across the UK – from Legoland to Alton Towers

CHRISTMAS is getting closer and some of the UK’s biggest attractions are dusting off their baubles and hanging up the festive lights in preparation.

If you fancy treating the kids to some extra fun in the run up to Christmastheme parks across the country will soon start running festive entertainment alongside their most popular rides.

a woman in a purple outfit stands next to a santa claus statue
Legoland
Twinkling lights and a giant Duplo Christmas tree are set to transform Legoland Windsor later this yea[/caption]

Legoland

Twinkling lights and a giant Duplo Christmas tree are set to transform Legoland Windsor later this year.

From November 23, 2024, guests will enjoy Father Christmas’s Magical Sleigh as it travels from Heartlake City to Pirate Shores.

After making its debut in 2022, Ollie’s Christmas Chaos show is back for another year and it promises the same level of mischief.

A selection of 25 rides will also be open to the public, and there will also be an opportunity to visit the big man himself.

Christmas tickets cost £34pp as well as an additional £25 per child to see Father Christmas inside Santa’s Grotto.

What's it like to visit Legoland at Christmas?

WHEN it comes to the Christmas build-up, there’s only one place to be.

Legoland Windsor promises to get budding builders of all ages into the festive spirit after transforming the brilliant brick paradise into a winter wonderland.

And it didn’t take long for my lad and his mate to be bowled over by the Christmas delights on offer. On entering the park we were met by a towering 33ft Duplo tree, cleverly adorned with intricately built baubles and a huge star.

While the boys stood in wonder, I used the Legoland app to plan our day – a useful tool to avoid any pesky queues. As we headed to the Driving School – a family fave – sleigh bells were suddenly heard ringing in the distance.

This was very soon followed by squeals of delight ringing in my ears as the boys whooped and waved at Santa whizzing past on his sleigh – made of Lego, obvs.

But now it was time for the main event. A meeting with a gruffly-voiced fellow with a bit of a belly and scraggly beard. No, not Daddy, but the main man himself – Father Christmas.

If you really want to spoil the kids then a visit to see Santa in his log cabin costs a little extra but is worth every penny when you see the smiles that result.

The boys, led by Mr C’s little helpers, were buzzing as they weaved through a maze of snowy Lego trees right up to Mr Claus’s ho-ho-home. After a nervous wait, his door opened and the kids were led in, their jaws dragging on the floor behind them.

By Owen Anslow

a wooden barrel with the word powder on it
Merlin Entertainments
Magical Days Out at Alton Towers have returned for another year[/caption]

Alton Towers

On selected dates from November 29 until January 5, 2025, Alton Towers will also be on the receiving end of some festive magic.

The theme park’s Magical Days Out have returned for another year, and they’re set to feature a new live show called Santa’s Toy Workshop.

Park-goers will watch as a team of hard-working elves prepares for Christmas Day, with Santa even making an appearance.

Also new for 2024 is the Reindeer Games, where visitors to Alton Towers must help find a missing reindeer.

Tickets to the Magical Days Out start from £18 per person and include entry to CBeebies Land and Mutiny Bay.

Santa Sleepovers are also back for another year, with the festive staycation including a visit to Santa’s grotto, Christmas activities and entertainment, a festive meal and an overnight stay.

The stay also includes complimentary breakfast, entry to the Caribbean-themed waterpark and crazy golf.

Two new pantomime shows have been added for 2024, including a Jack and the Beanstalk Panto and a festive courtyard show featuring Santa.

The Christmas-themed staycations are available from £90pp this November and December.

During the Santa’s Sleepover days, not all of the standard theme park rides are available, but there are plenty of other activities to keep the little ones busy.

For instance, make sure to schedule time for the included visit to Santa’s Grotto, where the kids will be able to speak to the big man himself.

a thomas the train with christmas lights on it
Youtube / Drayton Manor
A new Festive Light Train will feature at Drayton Manor[/caption]

Drayton Manor Park

On selected dates from November 23 until December 31, Drayton Manor will also play host to a range of festive attractions.

Christmas at Drayton Manor will feature decorations, Santa’s grotto and access to 25 family-friendly rides and attractions in Thomas Land too.

In Thomas Land, a Festive Light Train, which is new for 2024, will take passengers on a journey where they’ll enjoy a magical Christmas tale with Sir Topham Hatt.

The journey will end at Rusty and Dusty’s Hot Chocolate Factory, which is also new for 2024.

Park-goers will learn the secrets behind the art of hot chocolate making as they warm their little hands on a cup of sweet cocoa topped with marshmallows – other treats are also set to await.

Santa’s Grotto experience will return for another year where children will be provided with entertainment as well as the chance to meet Father Christmas who will give them a gift.

An accessible Christmas Grotto that’s been specially designed for kids who need more time or a calmer setting will also feature in this year’s line-up.

Park entry starts from £19pp, with tickets that include festive additions like a visit to Santa’s Grotto, starting from £32pp.

two people are riding a roller coaster with a baboon on it
Merlin Entertainments
The Winter’s Tail at Chessington World of Adventures has returned for another year[/caption]

Chessington World of Adventures Resort

The Winter‘s Tail is back for another year and, from November 23 to December 31, guests can visit Father Christmas and be given access to a top-secret toy workshop.

A new Christmas village has been installed for 2024 complete with a cosy grotto where guests can meet Father Christmas.

Park-goers can also explore the Enchanted Hollow where Santa’s Elves have set up their Toy Workshops in the underground town.

Guests can also visit selected theme park rides, and a zoo with its very own reindeer.

Tickets for the Winter’s Tail event start from £32pp.

a group of people dressed as santa claus and elves are dancing on a stage .
Paultons Park
Live shows will take place at Paultons Park – the home of Peppa Pig World[/caption]

Paultons Park and Peppa Pig World

On selected dates from December 6 until December 23, Paultons Park will also be getting into the festive spirit.

The park will be filled with magical illuminations, and a selection of rides and attractions will be open for the festive period too.

Guests will get the opportunity to meet their favourite Christmas characters like Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Reindeer and Billy and Belinda Elves.

Theatre shows have also returned for another year, with Santa’s Christmas Wish Show set to feature singing, dancing, special effects and Christmas characters.

Christmas tickets cost £38.75 each for those over 1m tall.

THOUSANDS of Christmas lights sparkle as we walk up to the Alton Towers Hotel.

I’ve arrived for a Santa’s Sleepover with my two and four-year-old children and it already feels like we are in a winter wonderland.

Our moon voyage-themed room is spacious with a double bed and bunk beds tucked in their own cove.

It’s the perfect set-up for families and my four-year-old boy is especially excited to see an Xbox.

We head to the bar where a Christmas helper draws all the kids into fun and games so that Mummy can get into the festive spirit with a tipple.

The atrium is decorated with gorgeous garlands and a huge tree.

Then it’s time for dinner at the Secret Garden – a roast dinner buffet with all the trimmings, plus kids’ specials.

The food gets the thumbs-up from my two fussy eaters.

We hotfoot it to the Robin Hood panto.

Filled with laughs, singing and dancing, the show really impressed me.

In the morning, we head to Mistletoe Lane where we’re booked in to meet Father Christmas.

The little ones are excited to head to the grotto and knock at the big red door, answered by one of Santa’s elves.

There’s two chances for photos before we meet the big man himself.

Miraculously, my kids have made it on to the nice list and are overjoyed to get an Alton Towers teddy to take home.

We’ve made it to lunchtime and most of the rides are working – we clamber aboard Postman Pat Parcel Post and the In The Night Garden boat rides.

Queue times are short and we manage to pack in most of the attractions.

by Lana Clements

Tickets to LaplandUK went on sale earlier this year – and they may already be sold out.

And a much-loved Christmas steam train is set to make a return to the UK this year where passengers can meet Santa.

a family walks through the entrance to thomas land
Youtube / Drayton Manor
Theme parks in the UK will be given some festive cheer throughout November and December[/caption]

Read More »

Cast of hugely popular noughties film reuniting for threequel TWO DECADES later

THE cast of a smash-hit noughties film are coming back together for a threequel – two decades on.

This franchise already has two beloved films under its belt and is set to add another.

three girls are posing for a picture and one is wearing a shirt that says ' catholic ' on it
Alamy
A smash-hit noughties franchise is getting a ‘threequel’[/caption]
a woman in a tiara holds the hand of another woman
Alamy
Anne Hathaway has confirmed a third Princess Diaries film[/caption]
a woman stands in front of a sign that says 92ny
Getty
Since her time playing Mia Thermopolis, Anne went on to win an Academy Award for her role in Les Miserables[/caption]

Taking to Instagram, Anne Hathaway revealed there will be a third Princess Diaries movie.

In a short video, the Academy Award winner counted to three alongside clips of her younger self and co-star Dame Julie Andrews, in character, both saying “Shut up!”

Anne captioned her post: “Miracles happen. Back to Genovia with @adeleblim @disney@somewherepictures. The fairytale continues.”

Meanwhile, Crazy Rich Asians co-writer Adele Lim has signed up to direct the movie.

In both the original film and its 2004 sequel, Anne played Mia Thermopolis, Princess of Genovia, a fictional kingdom.

Mia is a shy American teenager who learns that she is heir to a Genovia’s throne.

Fellow Academy Award winner Dame Julie Andrews, 89, took on the role of Clarisse Renaldi, Mia’s grandmother and Queen regent.

Other cast members across both movies included Heather Matarazzo, Mandy Moore, Héctor Elizondo, Robert Schwartzman, Erik von Detten and Chris Pine.

One excited fan penned: “I’m seated. Quite frankly I’ve never been more sat!!!”

Another commented: “I’m happy! My favorite series of movies that I don’t wish to stop!”

While a third penned: “As a fan of the books and movies when I was a teenager, I so love love love you as Princess Mia.

“I can’t imagine anyone portraying her other than you.

“My teenage self is so happy, I can’t wait for Princess Diaries 3!!!!

“And also hoping Robert Schwartzman comes back!!!!”

While a fourth remarked: “I’ve literally been checking every year to see if there will be a third one! I can’t wait!!!”

A fifth wrote: “Please tell me the great Julie Andrews is returning as the Queen mother too!!!”

Yet another chimed in: “Anne I just rewatched both of these… somehow I knew…”

The Princess Diaries is available to watch on Disney+.

a woman is wearing a tiara and white gloves
Alamy
Fans were thrilled to hear about the upcoming third film[/caption]

Read More »

Andres Iniesta breaks down in tears as Barcelona legend confirms retirement after one of finest careers ever

ANDREAS INIESTA broke down in tears as he confirmed his retirement from football as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

Reports that the Barcelona icon, 40, was set to hang up his boots emerged last week, but now he has ended speculation with a video on social media.

a man in a black shirt is asking what does football mean to you
Andres Iniesta got emotional as he announced his retirement from football
Instagram @andresiniesta8
a man in a black shirt is covering his face with his hand
He teared up when he was asked what football means to him
Instagram @andresiniesta8
a bald man with a beard says people are happy
Pep Guardiola paid tribute to Iniesta in the retirement video
Instagram @andresiniesta8
a man in an air jordan shirt says that 's andres iniesta
Luis Enrique also hailed the legendary midfielder
Instagram @andresiniesta8

The Spaniard, who spent six years in Japan and one in the UAE after leaving Barcelona, brought to a close a 22-year career with a social media post on Monday afternoon.

It included tributes from some of his former managers including Pep Guardiola, Louis van Gaal and Luis Enrique.

But it was right at the start of the video when Iniesta got choked up.

He was asked: “Andreas, what does football mean to you?”

Instantly, Iniesta became emotional as he wiped away a tear, before he only managed to say: “For me football has been…”

It then cut to a montage of his old coaches praising him.

Guardiola even revealed during his early days at Barcelona that Iniesta gave him the “boost of energy to keep going” and that he will “always be grateful” to the midfielder.

Iniesta made his Barcelona debut in 2002 and went on to appear in 674 games for the Blaugrana, scoring 57 goals and adding 135 assists.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS

a man in a white shirt says su caracter
Louis van Gaal was another of Iniesta’s former managers to appear in the video
Instagram @andresiniesta8

His trophy haul includes nine La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues.

Playing alongside Xavi and Sergio Busquets, Iniesta is also considered to have been part of one of the greatest midfield trios football has ever seen.

Iniesta played 131 times for Spain and scored 14 goals, winning the World Cup and two European Championships.

He left Barcelona in 2018 to join Japan’s Vissel Kobe on a free transfer.

He would go on to spend five years in the J-League, winning the league, Japanese Cup and Japanese Super Cup.

UAE side Emirates Club, whom he joined in 2023, would prove to be his final team as he made 23 appearances for them, scoring five goals and providing one assist.

Read More »