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USA Update

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FTC bans hidden junk fees on hotel and live event ticket prices

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission announced a new rule on Tuesday that will prohibit ticket sellers, hotels, and vacation rental services from hiding total prices and burying junk fees during the checkout process. The Junk Fees Rule helps ensure that consumers know exactly what the full price will be before they buy event tickets or […]

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War of the Rohirrim starter set doesn’t include LotR film’s main character

Games Workshop maintains lots of different product lines. There’s Warhammer 40,000, of course, but also its many spinoffs like Necromunda, Kill Team, and Legions Imperialis just to name a few. With all those little figures clamoring for attention, it can be hard for every product line to get its turn in the spotlight. That’s especially […]

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Video Captures Moment That Blast Killed Russian General

The doors swing open, and two figures emerge from a nondescript building. A scooter is propped against the front wall. A man identified by Russia as Igor Kirillov, a high-ranking general, takes a few steps forward. Then the screen, framed by the dash of a car, erupts into a flash of white. A video that […]

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Microsoft Is Going to Delete Passwords for 1 Billion Users

Thanks to an increase in the amount and sophistication of cyberattacks, Microsoft wants to do away with passwords entirely, like, as a concept. This will happen eventually. It’s not like they’re going to delete your passwords starting tomorrow or something. But Microsoft is prepping for a future where logging in doesn’t require a password but […]

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The Next Evolution of Cantonese Food

Cantonese food for many American diners has long been associated with easy, comforting flavors: sesame chicken piled in a ring of steamed broccoli, creamy crab Rangoon dipped in sweet-and-sour sauce and moo shoo pork rolled into pancakes with tangy hoisin. But at New York’s recently opened Cha Cha Tang restaurant, the menu is more adventurous. […]

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From the turkey to your cauliflower cheese – how to cook an ENTIRE Christmas dinner in the air fryer, saving time & cash

GET ready to revolutionise your festive feast.

This Christmas, we are embracing the magic of the air fryer to craft a sumptuous dinner with all the trimmings.

A woman presents a Christmas dinner with roasted turkey and various side dishes.
Ryan Ball - Commissioned by The Sun
We can show you how to cook an entire Christmas dinner in the air fryer[/caption]
Woman smiling with a Ninja dual-zone air fryer.
Danielle Wood
Chef Clare Andrews is a best-selling author and air-fryer guru[/caption]

From mouthwatering pigs in blankets to succulent turkey, discover how this nifty gadget can make your cooking easier and more delicious than ever.

Chef, best-selling author and air-fryer guru Clare Andrews has the perfect Christmas Day recipes to make your festive family showpiece as stress-free and tasty as possible.

The 44-year-old, who has a teenage son and lives in Oxfordshire with her partner Will, says: “Using an air fryer to cook your meal can be a game-changer in terms of saving time and money.

“It offers a faster, more energy-efficient way to prepare your festive meals.

“Unlike traditional ovens, which take longer to heat up and cook, an air fryer reduces cooking times by up to 30 per cent.

“They’re perfect for juggling multiple dishes all at once.

“You can streamline your festive meal preparation without sacrificing taste or quality, all while keeping costs in check.

“Even if you don’t cook the family’s entire Christmas meal in the air fryer, it is a wonderful added tool to your kitchen arsenal, especially at this time of year.

“And they are also great for crisping-up your dishes quickly.”

  • Clare Andrews’ The Ultimate Air Fryer Cookbook: One Basket Meals is available now from Amazon.

Breaded prawn cocktail

Serves 4

Christmas air fryer shrimp salad in glass bowls.
Ryan Ball - Commissioned by The Sun
Breaded prawn cocktail is a great retro starter[/caption]

YOU NEED:

  • 160g of fresh prawns (not frozen)
  • 3 tbsp plain flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 5 tbsp of stale breadcrumbs (or ready done panko breadcrumbs)
  • Vegetable oil spray
  • Salt and pepper to season
  • To serve
  • ½ iceberg lettuce
  • ½ cucumber
  • 4x small tomatoes
  • 1 jar seafood sauce
  • 2 x lemons (to dress and squeeze on the top)
  • Seasoning

METHOD: Dip each prawn into plain flour, followed by the egg wash and then finally into the breadcrumbs.

Spray with a little light vegetable oil then place all your breaded prawns into the air fryer drawer.

Cook on 180C for four minutes then turn the prawns over and cook for a further four minutes on the other side.

Thinly slice your lettuce and wash, pat dry with kitchen roll and place into small bowls or on a large platter if you’re serving lots of people.

Thinly slice the cucumber and tomatoes and scatter around.

Take the prawns out of the air fryer and leave to rest for a minute or two.

Pop them on the salad, drizzle with lemon juice and follow with the seafood sauce.

Turkey crown

Serves 4

Roasted turkey breast with cranberries and orange slices for a Christmas dinner.
Ryan Ball - Commissioned by The Sun
This turkey crown should only take around an hour to cook[/caption]

YOU NEED:

  • 1.5kg turkey crown (making sure it will fit into your air fryer)
  • 1 tsp vegetable oil
  • 1 clementine – halved
  • 1 small brown onion, halved (skin removed)
  • 2/3 garlic cloves
  • Seasoning

TO MAKE: Set your air fryer to 180C.

Pat dry the turkey crown with some kitchen roll.

Place your clementine, onion and garlic into the cavity of the turkey (if you don’t have room, just use half the ingredients).

Rub with your oil and season well.

Place into the air fryer, breast side down and cook for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, turn the crown over and cook for a further 20-30 minutes, or until the juices run clear and you have a crispy skin (with an internal temperature of about 65C if using a meat thermometer).

Stuffing balls

Serves 4

Christmas air fryer dinner with Yorkshire puddings and stuffing balls.
Ryan Ball - Commissioned by The Sun
These stuffing balls will take under 10 minutes to cook[/caption]

YOU NEED:

  • Packet of any stuffing mixture
  • Cooking spray
  • Knob of butter

METHOD: Make the small balls as per the packet instructions, making sure you add a knob of butter to the mix to add a bit of naughtiness.

Lay them out on an oven-proof dish and spray with oil.

Cook them at 170C to start, turning after five minutes.

Then a further three-to five minutes on your maximum setting (200C-220C).

That should give you a soft and fluffy inside and a super-crunchy outside.

Leeks, peas, and pancetta

Serves 4

Christmas dinner with peas, leeks, and bacon.
Ryan Ball - Commissioned by The Sun
Leeks, peas, and pancetta is an easy, unique side dish[/caption]

YOU NEED:

  • 2 large leeks
  • 130g diced pancetta
  • 150g frozen peas
  • Seasoning

METHOD: Pop your diced pancetta into the air fryer and cook on 180c for around eight to ten minutes, stirring a few times on the way.

Meanwhile, wash and thinly slice your leeks.

When the pancetta is looking crispy, remove and set aside on kitchen roll to drain the fat.

Put the sliced leeks into the air fryer and cook for around four to five minutes (until the leeks start to soften), stir and add in your frozen peas.

Stir well and cook for a further four to five minutes, stirring in between, or until the leeks start to brown and the peas are cooked through.

Finally, add in your cooked pancetta.

Mix, season to taste and serve.

Pigs in blankets

Serves 4

Bacon-wrapped sausages with cranberries and rosemary for Christmas dinner.
Ryan Ball - Commissioned by The Sun
These traditional pigs in blankets taste great[/caption]

YOU NEED:

  • 8 rashers streaky bacon
  • 8 chipolatas
  • 1 tbsp runny honey
  • 1 heaped tsp Dijon mustard
  • Cooking spray

METHOD: Wrap your chipolatas in the streaky bacon, starting at one end and rolling so they are all covered.

Mix the honey and Dijon mustard together in a bowl and brush over each chipolata, so they are all coated.

Cook on 180C for about 15 to 20 minutes, turning halfway and brushing with any leftover glaze.

Make sure the sausage is cooked throughout before serving.

If you are using smaller sausages, they may take less time to cook.

Rosemary carrots

Serves 4

Roasted carrots with rosemary for a Christmas dinner.
Ryan Ball - Commissioned by The Sun
These rosemary carrots are a quick and perfect side dish[/caption]

YOU NEED:

  • 4 fresh carrots
  • Cooking spray
  • Seasoning
  • Dried rosemary

METHOD: You can cook these directly in the air fryer tray or use an oven proof dish.

Peel and slice your carrots into small batons, in a fries-style shape.

You should get around four or six per carrot.

Pop them in a bowl and spritz with cooking spray, adding in your dried rosemary and seasoning.

Place into the air fryer on 190C for about five to seven minutes, turning or shaking the basket halfway.

You might need more cooking time depending on the size of the carrot.

Cauliflower cheese

Serves 4

Christmas air fryer cauliflower cheese.
Ryan Ball - Commissioned by The Sun
This cauliflower cheese will please the whole family[/caption]

YOU NEED:

Cauliflower florets 240g (you can buy these pre-cut, which is so much easier)

A store-bought jar of cheese sauce

Handful of grated mozzarella or cheddar, or both!

Worcester sauce

Seasoning

METHOD: Par boil the cauliflower, (either using a microwave or on the hob in boiling water for five minutes) then place into an oven proof dish and pour over your sauce.

Sprinkle over the grated cheese.

Cook on 180C for around ten to 12 minutes.

If you like a crispy top to your cauliflower cheese, then turn up the air fryer temperature to maximum for the last two minutes.

Mince pies

Serves 4

Christmas mince pies with custard.
Ryan Ball - Commissioned by The Sun
These mince pies will get everyone in the festive spirit[/caption]

YOU NEED:

  • 500g short crust pastry – ready rolled for ease
  • Flour for dusting
  • 350g mince meat
  • 1 large egg

To serve:

  • Some brandy cream
  • Icing sugar for dusting

METHOD: Depending on the type of pastry you’re using, either roll it out to about ½ cm thick or unroll on to baking paper.

I use an 8cm circular pastry cutter.

Make as many discs as you can, trying to use up all of the pastry.

Start to spoon about a teaspoon of mincemeat into each circle, filling half of the pastry discs and leaving the rest for the lids.

You could use a small star-shaped or snowflake stamp on some of the tops. In a bowl, mix your egg to brush lightly around the edges.

Carefully place the lids on top and brush each pie with the egg.

I like to poke a little hole in the top of each, just to allow the steam to escape.

Use a fork to seal the edges and pinch around the edge to make sure the mincemeat stays inside the pie.

Leave to chill for about 30 to 40 minutes.

Set your air fryer to 180C and pop a layer of baking paper on the bottom to stop any sticking.

Cook your pies in batches for eight to ten minutes, turn them and cook for a further three to five minutes if needed.

Make sure your pastry is starting to brown, and your filling is piping hot.

Leave to cool and lightly dust with icing sugar.

6 of the best airfryers

WHICH air fryer will do the business for your family?

Here, JOEL COOPER looks at six of the best for £60 or less to help you whip up a festive meal . . . 

Black 8-liter digital air fryer with control panel.
George Home Black Textured 8 Litre Digital Air Fryer, £35, Asda (was £53)
Black Cookworks 5L air fryer with digital display.
Argos
Cookworks black 5-litre, £60, Argos[/caption]
White HOMCOM 2.5L digital air fryer with a black control panel.
The Range
HOMCOM 2.5-litre digital with timer, £41.99, The Range[/caption]
Salter 8L digital air fryer in black and stainless steel.
Robert Dyas
Salter black and stainless steel 8-litre digital, £59.99 Robert Dyas[/caption]
Black and copper 3L touchscreen air fryer.
Debenhams

Living and Home 3-litre touchscreen £39.99, Debenhams (was £168)

Black 4.5L air fryer with digital timer.
B&Q
Mtronics black digital 4.5-litre with 60-minute timer, £43.99, B&Q[/caption]

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Keely Hodgkinson wins BBC SPOTY 2024 as Olympic gold medallist pips Luke Littler to top prize

KEELY HODGKINSON has been crowned the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

The result meant heartbreak for fellow favourite Luke Littler, who finished as the runner-up at the glitzy event in MediaCity, Salford.

Woman holding a trophy.
PA
Keely Hodgkinson has won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award[/caption]
Keely Hodgkinson at the 2024 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards.
PA
Hodgkinson stunned in a black dress on the red carpet[/caption]
Keely Hodgkinson at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards.
Alamy
She became a hero for starring at the Paris Olympics[/caption]
Keely Hodgkinson, gold medalist in the women's 800m, celebrates with a crown and British flag.
Getty
She won gold in the 800m event[/caption]

The other nominated stars were footballer Jude Bellingham, triathlete Alex Yee, Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey and cricketer Joe Root.

Hodgkinson, 22, was one of Team GB‘s stars at the Paris Olympics in 2024.

She stormed to gold in the 800m event and made an incredible moment even more iconic as she wore a crown during her celebrations.

The Atherton native also claimed the European title in Rome – two months before competing in France.

Hodgkinson broke the British national record and became the sixth fastest woman in history.

In August, she was ruled out for the remainder of the year due to a “small injury”.

She stunned as she arrived on the red carpet ahead of the event in a black dress.

Earlier this month, she was honoured in her hometown of Birmingham in a Pret a Manger display.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS

A display was created of the moment she won gold in the window of the branch on New Street.

Her trainers Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows were named the Coaches of the Year.

Luke Littler at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards.
Alamy
Luke Littler was the runner-up for the award[/caption]
Luke Littler of England celebrates winning a World Darts Championship quarterfinal match.
AP
Luke Littler has become the face of darts after his stunning emergence[/caption]

Littler, 17, shot to fame with his brilliant run to the previous PDC World Championship final.

He was denied a famous victory by Luke Humphries but that did not stop him from going on to become one of the stars of darts.

Littler has gone on to win multiple majors and has earned over £1million in prize money from his exploits.

The high points of the sensation’s 2024 include finishing top of the Premier League Darts and winning the Grand Slam of Darts as well as the World Series Finals.

Littler’s emergence in the sport has seen him become a household name and the most searched-for athlete of the year.

He is also set to be honoured with his very own waxwork at Madame Tussauds.

Littler did have the consolation of winning the Young Sports Personality of the Year award.

Meanwhile, the other nominated stars also enjoyed successful years in their own fields.

Dame Storey won two gold medals in the C4-C5 road race and the C5 time trials in Paris.

Root became England’s leading scorer in Test cricket as he surpassed Sir Alastair Cook‘s record.

Bellingham starred for England in their run to the Euro 2024 final and at Real Madrid by winning the Champions League and LaLiga titles.

Yee provided one of the moments of the Olympics with his triathlon gold medal.

More to follow…

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..

The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.

Dame Sarah Storey at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards.
Getty
Dame Sarah Storey wore a beautiful velvet dress[/caption]
Alex Yee attends the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards.
©Karwai Tang
Alex Yee was joined by girlfriend Olivia Mathias[/caption]
Mary Earps at the 2024 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards.
PA
Last year’s winner Mary Earps was in attendance[/caption]

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Conspiracy theorists claim Harry & Meghan’s family photo is AI-generated – but that’s not what intrigues me about image

CONSPIRACY theorists are having a field day with the Sussexes’ “happy holiday” (ugh) card that gives a rare glimpse at how Meghan and Harry’s children have grown.

They say the digital image is AI generated, the children’s proportions are all out of whack and the family dog appears to be levitating.

Prince Harry and Meghan's Christmas card featuring family photos.
PA
Conspiracy theorists claim Harry & Meghan’s family photo is AI-generated – but that’s not what intrigues me about image[/caption]
Family playing with dogs in a park.
I was more intrigued by the fact that Archie and Lilibet are running into the arms of their parents as if they haven’t seen them for eons
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the Invictus Games.
Mega
One wonders what a fly on the wall of their luxurious home might be witnessing when the cameras are switched off[/caption]

Whatever. I was more intrigued by the fact that Archie and Lilibet are running into the arms of their parents as if they haven’t seen them for eons.

It is reminiscent of the famous photo when, arms outstretched, Princess Diana greeted her boys on the deck of the Royal Yacht Britannia in 1991 when they joined her and Charles on an official visit to Canada.

Then again, given the Sussexes’ fondness for staged schmaltz, perhaps that was the intention all along.

However, one wonders how long the scaffolding of “our perfect life” can continue to prop up the “Archewell” basket into which all their eggs appear to have been placed.

There’s the worthy “Foundation” side, along with the less altruistic “Productions” arm through which, one assumes, they hope to continue funding their hugely expensive lifestyle.

But — and it is a big but — everything they touch commercially appears to be struggling. Or “flopping” as US liberal bible The Cut described it last week. Ouch.

It is quite an about turn for the publication that, just two years ago, ran a glowing, 6,000-word interview with Meghan which was dismissed by critics as “vanity PR”.

Its latest article cites Polo — Archewell Production’s series for Netflix about the elite sport — as the latest salvo in the couple’s “tortured attempts to launch a successful Stateside endeavour”.

It mentions the “horrific reviews” and, separately, brand experts say it could be the nail in the coffin for their Netflix deal if it fails to attract big viewer numbers.

Meaning they will have to find other ways to fund what one property guru estimates is the “hundreds of thousands per year” running costs of their Montecito mansion, not to mention the legal bills for Harry’s various ongoing court battles.

Meghan would have to sell millions of her snappily titled American Riviera Orchard jams to cover it.

So, despite the couple’s carefully curated photos of charitable endeavours and beaming smiles, one wonders what a fly on the wall of their luxurious home might be witnessing when the cameras are switched off.

The pressure to prove they can thrive financially following their decision to leave the Royal Family must be immense and, if it’s not causing some marital dissent, it would be a Christmas miracle.

Prince Harry embracing Meghan Markle.
The card also featured highlights from the year
Prince Harry holding a patient's hand in a hospital.
Harry clutches a patient’s hand
A woman hugs a young girl.
Meghan hugs a schoolchild

PRINCE INVITES RISKS

THE knee-jerk reaction to the latest Prince Andrew scandal is, what could this royal buffoon possibly know that would be of any use to a Chinese spy?

The opening times of Pizza Express, Woking, perhaps? The medical function of eccrine sweat glands?

But according to those in the know, it’s all about the connections he unwittingly facilitates by inviting Uncle Tom Cobley and all to Buckingham Palace.

Remember the photo of a smug Jeffrey Epstein and his fixer Ghislaine Maxwell sitting on the porch of the Queen’s residence at Balmoral at Andrew’s invitation?

Or Ghislaine and Kevin Spacey sitting on thrones at Buckingham Palace?

Their seats at the heart of power were gifted by the useful idiot with the deadly combo of being a man with a giant ego but without portfolio.
Making him a prime target for Yang Tengbo to blow smoke up his royal derriere to secure an invite to the heart of British establishment.

The grand old Duke of York, eh? The legend of futility continues apace.

Jedward’s Grimes against Oasis

Noel and Liam Gallagher.
Bauer Media Group
John and Edward Grimes, also known as Jedward, posing as, er, Noel and Liam[/caption]

THE Gallagher brothers have never been backward in coming forward with forthright opinions.

So brace yourselves for their reaction to the latest edition of Heat magazine and its famous Stars Dress Up festive feature.

For there, alongside Vicky Pattison posing as Taylor Swift, are Jedward – aka twins John and Edward Grimes – posing as, er, Noel and Liam.

Says Edward: “I’m overwhelmed. I feel like I’m in Oasis. They’ve taken over my body.”

They look more like the Kray Twins to me. Either way, it’s criminal.

ATTACK ACTION

FOLLOWING the 13-week suspended sentence meted out to the woman who threw milkshake in his face, Nigel Farage fumes: “We now live in a country where you can assault a Member of Parliament and not go to prison.”

He has a point.

Although the maximum sentence for assault by beating is 26 weeks in prison, 25-year-old OnlyFans “model” Victoria Thomas Bowen – who showed no remorse for her actions – walked free from Westminster Magistrates’ Court because the judge said there was no lasting physical injury.

But surely the point is to send the message loud and clear that any attack on a politician (be it milkshake or otherwise) is an attack on democracy.

And failing to do so will only give the green light to others incapable of robust debate to resort to such base actions.

Praise be for Rich

LORD Evans of Weardale – a former head of MI5 – has been tasked with finding the new Archbishop of Canterbury.

No one can apply; they must be approached to enter the recruitment process.

Reverend Richard Coles at the Strictly Come Dancing 2017 launch.
Getty
Reverend Richard Coles would make a great Archbishop of Canterbury[/caption]

May I suggest that Lord Evans starts by extending an invitation to my I’m A Celebrity campmate, the Reverend Richard Coles?

Formerly of 80s band The Communards, Richard was ordained as a Church of England priest in 2005 and, in 2022, was vicar of Finedon in Northants when he announced his retirement from parish duties, due to the church allegedly increasingly excluding gay couples, and what he described as its “conservative, punchy and fundamentalist” direction.

In the jungle, both with his fellow campmates and the TV audience, he gained popularity by showing himself to be open-minded, inclusive, funny and approachable – all underpinned with good values.

The Church of England is suffering from a collapse of church attendance, particularly among the younger generation that could guarantee its future.

So it should modernise, fast.

When I exited the jungle, a friend’s daughter texted me: “The Reverend is so cool. If the vicar in our village was like him, I’d go to church daily.”

Praise indeed.

And better still, if he replaces the exiting Justin Welby, we can have the IAC reunion party at Lambeth Palace.

ARIEL WASHED UP

A TONGUE-in-cheek article in the Christmas edition of the British Medical Journal has listed all the potential health risks associated with being a Disney Princess.

Cinderella? Prolonged exposure to dust could lead to lung disease.

Pocahontas? That cliff jump would cause a “symphony of fractures”.
Belle? At risk of rabies from close contact with the Beast, right. Aurora?

Likely obesity, stroke and bed sores.

Rapunzel, Mulan, Snow White and Jasmine get honorary mentions too, but curiously, no Ariel.

In which case, let me oblige. Having spent most of her life underwater, she would undoubtedly be liable to fungal and bacterial infections and suffer from open sores.

But, hey, kiddies, don’t let this ruin your enjoyment of these classic films.

Read More »

TV star Angellica Bell backs Sun’s Xmas SOS Appeal as millions of older people struggle with loneliness over holiday 

LEADING a conga around the floor, TV presenter Angellica Bell is spreading Christmas joy. But behind the dancing, there’s a serious message.

The former kids’ telly host is backing The Sun’s Christmas SOS Appeal with Age UK, to combat loneliness and isolation among older people.

A young woman and an elderly man holding hands at a Christmas party.
Former kids’ star Angellica Bell is backing The Sun’s Christmas SOS Appeal with Age UK, to combat loneliness and isolation among older people – as Tony Townsend, 92, takesher for a spin
Stephen Poulter
Woman at Age UK Christmas party.
An Age UK volunteer enjoys the fun in sparkly gear – but many older people are left struggling with loneliness over the festive season
Stephen Poulter
Angelica Bell at an Age UK Christmas party.
Stephen Poulter
Age UK centres are vital for helping older people combat many problems, in addition to loneliness, but they need help to carry on vital services[/caption]

We are asking readers to donate money to Age UK, volunteer as a phone befriender or visit one of its shops.

And at the charity’s Merton centre in Mitcham, South London, Angellica takes to the microphone to lead the pensioners in singing and dancing at their Sparkle Party.

The former CBBC presenter, now a consumer journalist who has worked on The One Show, says we can all do our bit to help.

I have worked with older people a lot in my job, especially on The One Show. Look at the energy here. They’ve got such a wealth of knowledge and often, sadly, their needs are forgotten about

Angellica Bell

Angellica, 48, said: “I value the older generation, their wisdom and what they give.

“I have worked with older people a lot in my job, especially on The One Show.

“Look at the energy here.

“They’ve got such a wealth of knowledge and often, sadly, their needs are forgotten about.”

Figures from Age UK show more than 4.6million people aged 65 and over in England experience one or more of the following: Loneliness, poor health, an unmet need for care, and poverty.

And in the current tough financial climate, the charity’s centres provide vital assistance, helping pensioners learn about the benefits they can claim — and to not be afraid to ask for help.

The Sun newspaper's Christmas SOS campaign logo.
The Sun has teamed up with Age UK for our Christmas SOS campaign, asking Sun readers to donate to its fantastic work

 Angellica said: “Age UK provides not just the social aspect but helping with forms.

“Older people can be one of the worst groups for coming forward and asking for support.

“And there is the not knowing what they can claim.

“The wealth of information and technology can be daunting for a generation where a lot is done online.”

As a big supporter of the charity, Angellica, who won Celebrity MasterChef in 2017, says we can all learn from older people.

“My grandmother was the keystone of our family and I loved spending time with her,” she says.

“She was a cook from the Caribbean in St Lucia.

Reassuring support

“The time with her, the songs we learnt, those experiences I had with her helped me to go on and win MasterChef.

“I’m grateful for that.

“A lot of people are in their family units now, but you never know what is going to happen in 20 or 30 years and who you will be with.

“If you know these sorts of charities are around, to have that support and network is really reassuring.”

Anne Pittham, 72, retired from nursing after more than 50 years in April 2023.

She says the centre has been a lifeline for her.

“Coming here really saved me because I am prone to depression,” says Anne.

“Loneliness could have been the problem for me.

“I found having a structure to my day helps.”

I come about four times a week. If you are not here a couple of times, they will phone you to see if you are all right. And if I’m feeling a bit down, they know. They are ever so kind and considerate.

Lynda Matson, 72

Anne comes to the centre for ­singing, craft sessions, board games and their days out.

She said: “We’ve been to the ­Science Museum, a boat trip on the River Thames.

“There are lots of things I wanted to do but didn’t want to do on my own.”

Lynda Matson, 72, has been attending the centre regularly since April after her husband John, 86, died.

“This is my home from home,” she says.

“I come about four times a week.

“If you are not here a couple of times, they will phone you to see if you are all right.

“And if I’m feeling a bit down, they know.

“They are ever so kind and considerate.”

Its lunch club serves freshly prepared hot meals.

Lynda, who was as a shop assistant in Sainsbury’s before retiring, says the centre has helped her practically.

“You are saving on your heating and you can have proper food,” she says.

“Last year, when my husband wasn’t very well and I couldn’t keep him warm, they said, ‘Don’t heat the house, heat him’.

“I bought him slippers, more clothes and a warm blanket.

“It’s little things like that that have helped.”

The practical advice from the support teams is more in demand than ever since the Government axed the Winter Fuel Payment for hundreds of thousands of pensioners, making the allowance means tested.

Those who receive Pension Credit will keep the Winter Fuel Payment, worth up to £300.

But an estimated 800,000 people eligible for pension credit do not currently claim it so the race is on to make sure they do not miss out.

Roaring success

They have until December 21 to apply and ask for it to be backdated to keep the Winter Fuel Payment.

Amanda Gibson, 54, the centre’s information and advice manager, says: “Our main focus is benefits — housing benefits, council tax support, pension credit, attendance allowance, trying to maximise that person’s income.

Angelica Bell at an Age UK Christmas party.
Stephen Poulter
Angellica shares a joke with one of the visitors[/caption]
Four women at a Christmas party, raising their arms.
Stephen Poulter
Guests are the party get into the festive spirit, thanks to Age UK[/caption]
Angelica Bell at an Age UK Christmas party.
Stephen Poulter
Staff and visitors enjoying the festive bash at Age UK’s Merton centre in Mitcham, South London[/caption]

“We tend to do home visits and telephone appointments.

“From June to the end of August we had 11 drop-ins and 100 home ­visits.

“But since the Winter Fuel announcement we have had 28 drop-ins and about 230 visits.

“We knew we were going to get an influx of people.

“We say to people, ‘You have got nothing to lose by having a pension check’.

“The older generation are quite proud and feel they don’t want to come cap in hand.

“But we tell them they have worked really hard, they deserve to have a little bit of extra help.”

Age UK’s research also shows that almost two thirds of older people who live alone are women, but the number of older men living alone is rising fast — by 66 per cent in the past 20 years.

Retired civil servant Tony Townsend, 92, attends for the facilities, food and the dancing — and whisks Angellica off for a waltz on the floor.

The keen ballroom dancer says: “Coming here, it makes sure I eat all my greens and you get to meet ­people.

“I’ve never married but I’m still on the lookout!”

The party has been a roaring success, says Sarah Goad, the branch’s chief executive officer.

She adds: “We are so thankful to Angellica and the team at The Sun for shining a light on what local charities like Age UK Merton are doing this Christmas to help reduce social isolation and to support older adults in this cost-of-living crisis.”

‘THEY NEED TO KNOW THEY AREN’T ALONE’

IT is her first Christmas as a married woman – and amid the madness of work and volunteering, Vicky Pattison is throwing her support behind The Sun’s SOS at Christmas campaign with Age UK.

The 37-year-old Geordie Shore star started volunteering for the charity during lockdown in 2020 and is still one of its biggest supporters.

So much so, she wants to help again over the festive season.

The I’m a Celebrity 2015 winner said: “Lots of older people just want to be surrounded by their family, their friends and loved ones at Christmas but not everyone has that opportunity.

“Loneliness at that age is so crippling.

“The thought that there are people facing the prospect of Christmas on their own and not feeling like they’ve got anyone to talk to or turn to is heartbreaking.

“These are people who worked their whole lives, who have raised their families. They don’t deserve to spend their twilight years like this.

“They need someone to talk to, they need to know they are not alone.”

Vicky, who married ex-Towie regular Ercan Ramadan, 31, in August, says her passion for helping and supporting the elderly generation is driven in part by her beloved grandparents David and Mavis Birdsey.

Having lost David, 92, to dementia in 2022 and Mavis in 2019, Vicky says the devoted pair who were married for 67 years instilled her sense of family values.

‘Very fortunate’

“Mavis and David were the backbone of our family.

“Some of my fondest memories are of them taking us to the beach in the summer – sandy sandwiches and swimming in the North Sea and cricket and candy floss in the theme park afterwards – it was just so lovely.

“Grandad was the life and soul of every party too.

“He just wanted everyone to have a good time. I probably get an awful lot from him.

“Grandma was strong, a real formidable woman but kind and generous. I’m very fortunate and I credit them for the upbringing they gave us.

“It was very stable.”

Vicky recalled how she got involved with Age UK initially to support those shielding from the pandemic.

She said: “I started an isolation care package project with the help of my local Age UK in Northumberland and Gateshead, navigating with them what people needed.

“It gave us a sense of purpose through lockdown as well.

“But I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the help of Age UK.”

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Donate

Give online at ageuk.org.uk/christmassos or scan the QR code

A 100-year-old mother and her 76-year-old daughter pose for a photo by a fireplace decorated for Christmas.

Or by phone: 0800 077 8751

(lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)

Or by text:

To give £5, text: SOS5 to 70507

To give £10, text: SOS10 to 70507

VOLUNTEER!

Give the gift of your time by signing up as one of Age UK’s telephone friendship volunteers

Just 20 to 30 minutes a week to chat with an older person who might be in need of company

To find out more go to ageuk.org.uk/volunteer or scan the QR code

A 100-year-old mother and her 76-year-old daughter pose for a photo by a fireplace decorated for Christmas.

SHOP

Age UK has 250 shops across the country, great places to pick up Christmas presents and support the elderly.

See Age UK site for locations.

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James Kennedy’s girlfriend Ally Lewber’s family ‘wants them to break up’ after seeing his ‘dark side’ following arrest

Ally Lewber’s family is ‘concerned’ about the Vanderpump Rules star after seeing her boyfriend James Kennedy’s so-called ‘dark side’ following his arrest, The U.S. Sun has learned. 

The reality star’s loved ones are allegedly pushing for the couple to break up following an alleged domestic violence incident last week. 

James Kennedy makes his clubhouse return as he talks to Andy Cohen on WWHL in 2023
Bravo
Ally Lewber appears on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen
Bravo
Getty
James Kennedy and Ally Lewber during his spring break concert at Mandala Beach on March 4, 2024 in Cancun, Mexico[/caption]

James, 32, was booked in the early hours of the morning after an altercation at his home in Los Angeles, The U.S. Sun confirmed.

Officers from the Burbank Police Department were called to the scene to deal with a reported argument between Kennedy and an unnamed woman.

An eyewitness the pair arguing and he allegedly grabbed the woman and threw her to the ground, but cops didn’t see any visible injuries on her, according to TMZ.

The DJ was arrested after midnight but authorities have yet to decide whether to charge him or not.

He was released three hours later after posting a $20,000 bail.

According to a source close to the reality star, Ally is “doing okay, as good as can be expected.”

“She’s really leaning on her friends and family right now and everyone is showing up for her, she is very loved and everyone just wants her to know how valued and strong she is. 

“It seems she’s forgotten some of that strength and independence along the way but she is finding it again. 

Instagram/allylewber
Ally Lewber with her mom Lorena Rankin at WWHL[/caption]

“Physically she is fine but mentally she is processing a lot.”

The insider alleged that “after everything happened” with the arrest, James “immediately stepped in and tried to control the narrative.”

“He wanted to downplay it like he has before, making it seem like it was no big deal. People have even seen him trying to downplay things on the show so imagine how it is off camera. 

“Her family had to step in so Ally can have some space and time to process and that’s exactly what they did.”

Throughout his 10 years on Vanderpump Rules, James was seen on camera verbally harassing multiple of his exes, including sending rage texts calling the women harsh names and screaming in their faces. 

“Of course her family isn’t happy with any of this. There’s aspects of James they completely love, he can have the best heart. 

“But his dark side is something her family doesn’t want her to tolerate and now that it’s come to a head like this, they’re trying to open Ally’s eyes. 

“Ultimately no, they don’t want James and Ally together. They want the best for James but Ally is their little girl and she doesn’t deserve what he’s put her through. 

“It’s a parent’s worst nightmare. Her mom just wants her little girl to be safe and happy.” 

BIG CHANGE OF TUNE

Originally when news broke of the arrest, TMZ reported that the incident was simply a “misunderstanding” and that the couple were not in fact breaking up.

They even claimed Ally was “standing by her man’s side” after the arrest.

The Mega Agency
Ally Lewber was seen taking a call after James Kennedy’s arrest at their shared residence[/caption]
The Mega Agency
The reality star was seen outside her Burbank, CA home she shares with James[/caption]

However, the tune quickly changed when the following day, Ally and James were spotted moving her belongings out of their shared Burbank, CA home.

They each looked somber as they packed her car up with boxes – with the outlet reporting they are now “separated” and “taking time apart” – but insisted they were “not breaking up” for good.

On the night of the arrest, James and Ally 28, attended socialite and RHOBH star Kathy Hilton‘s annual Christmas party with Bravo co-stars at her home.

Vanderpump Rules Season 11 Cast

Vanderpump Rules has returned to Bravo for one of its most explosive seasons following the fallout of Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix's relationship.

Returning Cast Members

  • Lisa Vanderpump returns as one of the original cast mates and acts as a mentor and confidant to the group.
  • Ariana Madix returns hurt following her ex, Tom Sandoval, cheating on her.
  • James Kennedy has been expanding his DJ career and recently moved in with his girlfriend, Ally.
  • Katie Maloney is working hard to open her sandwich restaurant with Ariana as she navigates life post-divorce.
  • Lala Kent has struck up an unexpected friendship with Tom Schwartz, which has caused a rift between her and the rest of the girls.
  • Scheana Shay is navigating married life with Brock and a toddler as they leave the honeymoon period.
  • Tom Sandoval has been attempting to work on himself and start repairing his broken relationships.
  • Tom Schwartz embraces a new appearance change as he takes blows for helping his pal Tom in his affair with Ariana.

New Cast Members

  • Ally Lewber is focusing on becoming an astronomer attempting to find friendships in the group after she and James embrace suburban life.
  • Brock Davies has been testing out new dynamics as a family man

Partygoers alleged that James was aggressive at the party and spent most of the night away from Ally, according to People.

“James was acting super aggressive all night long,” one attendee told the outlet.

“He was acting so erratic, running back and forth to the bar and body-checking people along the way.”

The unnamed person also claimed Kennedy, “appeared inebriated.”

They added, “Spent the evening mostly alone but when he did speak to people, he appeared irritated and rude.”

The U.S. Sun reached out to James and Ally’s rep for comment.

James has been open about his battle with alcohol on VPR and is believed to have been sober for the past few years.

Instagram/allylewber
Ally Lewber and mom Lorena Rankin in a photo shared on her Instagram page[/caption]
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Television personalities James Kennedy and Ally Lewber attend the 6th Annual Vanderpump Dog Foundation Gala at The Maybourne Beverly Hills on November 15, 2024[/caption]

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