TOM CRUISE is on the lookout for a young Ethan Hunt to play the character in his next two Mission: Impossible films.

One of my insiders tells me the Hollywood superstar plans to take fans back into secret agent Ethan’s early life in the eighth and ninth instalments of the action movie series.

Alamy

Tom is working on finding a budding young actor to take on the role.

The opportunity is undoubtedly huge and would mark the cards of the lucky person who gets the job.

My insider said: “Tom is keen to give Mission: Impossible a fresh take in the next two films and wants to explore a bit of Ethan’s past.

“They’re going to start looking for a young star to take on the role and they will appear a bit in the next film and then more in the ninth.

‘Real stir’

“It’s very important to Tom that they get the right person.

“They are seeking a youngster who is completely fresh on the scene and will cause a real stir.

“It’s a huge role but the hunt is on to see if they can find a young Tom Cruise.

“The scenes will show Ethan in his early life and explore the things that happened to him before he went on to start working as a spy. It is something they’ve not done before with Mission: Impossible and so Tom thinks it could be a really interesting tangent for fans.”

Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning is due for release in May.

The seventh movie, Dead Reckoning Part One, did not get the best reception at the box office in 2023.

But earlier this year it was nominated twice at both the Oscars and Film Baftas — no mean feat given how snobby the film world is. Here’s hoping a baby-faced version of Tom can get crowds back into the cinema.

Christina’s pink look is so sweet

instagram/xtina

Christina Aguilera shows she’s sweet on the festive season as she poses with a giant piece of candy[/caption]

instagram/xtina

CHRISTINA AGUILERA proves she’s sweet on the festive season as she poses with a giant piece of candy.

The American singer shared snaps from a photoshoot on Instagram as she wished fans a merry Christmas.

Christina, who turned 44 last week, showed off newly dyed pink hair and went all-out with her decorations.

That meant she even enjoyed a white Christmas, despite living in Los Angeles.

She created a winter wonderland in her back garden, complete with a snowy slope, so she could go sledging.

It was a balmy high of 20C there yesterday so I hope she made the most of it. I bet that slope is the envy of every child in her neighbourhood.

Matty digs detectoring

instagram/gabbriette.

Matty Healy and fiancée US model Gabbriette testing out their favourite Christmas gift – a metal detector[/caption]

AS one quarter of The 1975, Matty Healy has made a fortune.

But that didn’t stop the frontman spending Christmas Day looking for more treasure.

His fiancée, US model Gabbriette, flew to the UK to be with Matty and his mum Denise Welch.

She shared this snap of them testing out their favourite gift – a metal detector.

The couple dug a sizable hole but didn’t reveal whether they struck gold.

Brit joy at reunion with estranged son

Instagram/britneyspears

Britney Spears was reunited with son Jayden for the first time in two years[/caption]

BRITNEY SPEARS got her Christmas wish as she was reunited with son Jayden for the first time in two years.

The singer, who has now stepped away from music, became estranged from her two sons after they moved to Hawaii with their dad, Britney’s ex-husband Kevin Federline.

However, relations have thawed recently and she finally met up and shared photos and videos on Instagram.

Alongside the snaps, Britney, who has her own aptly titled 2000 festive song My Only Wish (This Year), wrote: “Best Christmas of my life!!!

“I haven’t seen my boys in 2 years!!! Tears of joy and literally in shock everyday koo koo crazy so in love and blessed!!!

“I’m speechless thank you Jesus!!!”

She only shared photos with Jayden, so it is unclear whether she also saw her eldest son Sean Preston. It comes after Jayden turned 18, which meant she was no longer obligated to pay child support to her ex partner.

That has raised some suspicion with her fans.

But I am remaining optimistic about the reasons behind their reunion and it’s clear Britney is thrilled.

She has not had an easy few years and I am hoping this marks a change of fortunes for her – and finally brings the kids back into her life.

---

Marvin Humes has all but ruled out having more kids with his telly presenter wife Rochelle.

The JLS singer, who has two daughters and a son with the former Saturdays star, said:

“Will we have any more children?

“I think it’s very unlikely because it’s a lot in our household.

“We are super-lucky and very happy with where we’re at.”

FORMER Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been offered his own fly-on-the-wall TV show.

Pitched somewhere between The Osbournes and Keeping Up With The Kardashians, it would see the Tory politician at work and play with his wife, Carrie and the rest of his family.

Getty

The potential deal comes after Boris was also offered a place on reality juggernaut I’m a Celebrity[/caption]

The potential deal comes after Boris was also offered a place on reality juggernaut I’m a Celebrity . . . Get Me Out of Here! in 2023, which his spokesman turned down.

A TV insider said: “As unlikely as it sounds, an At Home With show has become a more realistic prospect for high-profile politicians ever since Jacob Rees-Mogg made his own one this year.

“Meet The Ress-Moggs was generally well received when it aired a few weeks ago on Discovery+ and Boris even got several name checks in that series. So producers have clearly adopted the nothing-ventured-nothing-gained approach and contacted the former premier on the off chance he might go for it.

“It just goes to show how, more than two years after leaving Downing Street, there’s still huge interest in BoJo. As well as being a politician, he has the profile and personality that makes him a celebrity in his own right.”

It’s not known which production company has approached Boris’s team, but there is hope that filming could start as early as next year.

Surprise projects

A bidding war would most likely break out between channels and streamers keen to buy up the rights to the show, and it’s believed Channel 4 and Netflix would be the parties most interested.

As well as Rees-Mogg, there have been several politicians who have taken on surprise TV projects.

The most obvious are former Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Reform MP Nigel Farage who went on I’m A Celebrity in 2022 and 2023.

A spokesman for Boris declined to comment on his latest TV offer.

Maya’s panel so classy

THE MASKED Singer’s panel have spilled the beans on new judge Maya Jama.

The Love Island – who is stepping into Rita Ora’s shoes on the ITV1 show – will be seen for the first time on the new series next Saturday.

ITV

The Masked singer panel have spilled the beans on new judge Maya Jama[/caption]

And Maya has been a big hit with the show’s old hands.

Jonathan Ross revealed: “Maybe I send her too many funny Instagram links. We swap music and have a gossip.”

Mo Gilligan shared: “Maya knows a lot of people because she’s been in the business a long time.”

And newly blonde Davina McCall added: “She’s gone in at the deep end and is smashing it!”

Maya added: “I’ve found it really fun – I never know what’s going to happen each day, it’s been such a laugh.

“It did feel like the first day at school vibes. They are all legends in their own fields and each show felt like I was at the coolest school ever.”

A MAN shot dead on Christmas Day in Brazil has been identified as the “brother-in-law” of Real Madrid star Endrick.

Mauricio Nunes Goncalves was killed in a hail of bullets at a street bar in Samambaia near the capital Brasilia.

Lavinia Sudre/Instagram

Getty

Endrick plays for Real Madrid[/caption]

The 38-year-old was the brother of the partner of Endrick’s older sister Lavinia Sudre, but is being referred to in Brazil as the footballer’s brother-in-law.

Mauricio received several shots to the head as he tried to escape the “targeted” gun attack.

Lavinia changed her Instagram profile picture to one showing a black ribbon after learning about the gruesome murder, which happened early yesterday morning.

She also posted a photo of the victim, naming him under the pic before adding: “You left beautiful memories in our hearts that we will never forget.”

The funeral was due to take place this afternoon at 3pm local time.

Witnesses have told the police there was no prior argument between the gunman and his victim and described it as bearing all the hallmarks of a cold-blooded execution.

No arrests have been made, according to reports.

Endrick, reportedly linked last month to a shock move to Southampton, has yet to make any comment.

The 18-year-old Brazil international moved to Real Madrid from Palmeiras this summer but has been given little playing time since joining the Spanish LaLiga giants.

Recent reports in Spain have also pointed to the possibility of a six-month loan deal with Seville side Real Betis as Endrick seeks more opportunities to demonstrate his quality on the pitch.

Police were today continuing to investigate the murder.

There have been no reports of any arrests.

Rex

The Brazil star has yet to comment on the death of Mauricio[/caption]

SIR ALEX FERGUSON was the only family member with a huge smile as he sat in the stands at Peterborough

The ex-Manchester United boss wore a festive grin – while son Darren’s expression became more like the Grinch.

Alamy

Sir Alex Ferguson went through the emotions at Peterborough[/caption]

Getty

Fergie saw his son Darren’s side trail 3-0 at half-time[/caption]

Getty

The Scot, 82, was well wrapped up against the cold[/caption]

Ferguson Junior’s League One strugglers were thumped 3-0 at home by Mansfield.

Sir Alex might not have been beaming quite so brightly later – as 78 miles down the road the Red Devils slumped 2-0 at Wolves.

But his son was focused on a festive beast of a display from Peterbourough that he called “unacceptable”.

His legendary dad, 82, defied the chilly weather as he wrapped up warmly and watched on attentively, suggesting his love for the game is as deep as ever.

Sir Alex reigned at Old Trafford like none before or since, finally retiring in 1986 after 27 years dripping in trophies.

In contrast, 52-year-old Darren has spent most of his managerial career in the EFL, with brief spells in the Championship at Peterborough and Preston.

The ex-United midfielder arrived back at Posh for a FOURTH time in charge in January 2023.

And he’ll need another happy new year to turn things round as Peterborough sit just 17th in the third tier after their Boxing Day beating..

Alamy

Darren Ferguson labelled his team’s home performance as ‘unacceptable’[/caption]

FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS

A Will Evans double and a soaring header from Baily Cargill showed its not just Santa’s reindeer with sparkling antlers at Christmas – as the Stags romped 3-0 up at half-time

Posh defender George Nevett. 16, was then given a straight red for a foul five minutes from time.

By that stage Fergie had switched to a more intense look, no doubt in sympathy with his son.

And the big question then was: Would Daren give his flops the junior hairdryer treatment?

Getty

Alamy

But Baily Cargill then put Mansfield on the way with a sixth-minute opener[/caption]

BEYONCE pulls off a cracker of a Christmas Day show — along with her lookalike daughter.

The superstar, 43, and Blue Ivy, 12, wore cowboy hats and white chaps for the country-themed family outing.

Getty

Beyonce mini-me daughther Blue Ivy joined her for a country dance during the superstar’s Christmas Day show[/caption]

Getty

Beyonce performed tracks from her country album Cowboy Carter[/caption]

Beyonce was headlining the half-time entertainment at a gridiron game in her home city of Houston, Texas — singing tracks from her album Cowboy Carter, including her No1 hit Texas Hold ’Em.

The singer was also joined by rapper Post Malone and singer Shaboozey.

At the end of the performance, at the NRG Stadium, she was raised into the air while a banner was unfurled with the word “BANG.”

We revealed this week that Beyonce intends to push ahead with a tour in early 2025 despite a civil lawsuit over an allegation of child-sex abuse made against Jay-Z, 55, which he has strongly denied.

Insiders confirmed Beyoncé will finally announce the dates in the coming weeks — kicking off with a huge opening night in Los Angeles.

A source said: “It’s been a very tough few months for Beyoncé but she’s laser focused on making her upcoming tour a success.

“The next few weeks are crucial as she will announce a new album and a new tour. The announcement was supposed to happen a couple of weeks ago but it was pushed back.

“Despite Jay Z being resolute in his denials and that the allegations are totally false, people are aware mud can stick.

“Online chatter has claimed Beyoncé and Jay Z have lost their power couple status, but Beyoncé is ready to remind the world why she’s one of the best.

“The tour she’s planning is nothing short of spectacular, as is the album.”

The Sun understands Beyoncé’s tour will be her most extravagant yet — with the stage boasting a huge catwalk, multiple trapdoors and moving platforms.

It is expected to include concerts at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in North London — where she performed her 2023 Renaissance Tour.

Getty

Beyonce intends to push ahead with a tour in early 2025 despite a civil lawsuit over an allegation of child-sex abuse made against Jay-Z[/caption]

WOLVES landed a shock Boxing Day knockout as Manchester United’s struggles continued.

The 2-0 defeat means Ruben Amorim has won just two of the seven Premier League games he has taken charge of.

Reuters

Bruno Fernandes was sent off for two yellow cards[/caption]

Getty

Andre Onana was beaten directly from a Matheus Cunha corner[/caption]

United find themselves 14th in the table and today was not helped by Bruno Fernandes’ red card and Andre Onana letting one in direct from a corner.

Here is how SunSport rated the performances…

ANDRE ONANA: 4

He needed to make an agile save from Jorgen Strand Larsen in the first half, but badly misjudged the flight of Cunha’s corner for the opening goal – his claim that he was obstructed by Matt Doherty was rejected.

LENY YORO: 5

Recalled but booked after only four minutes for a foul on Cunha, so he was walking on eggshells and was tested by Wolves throughout, he was subbed just after the hour mark.

HARRY MAGUIRE: 6

The England defender did his best to keep United in the game when they were under pressure for long periods – at least he helped to stem the tide until the dying seconds and had a header on target in stoppage time.

LISANDRO MARTINEZ: 6

Teamed up well with Maguire to stop Wolves from winning this more easily, he stood his ground and produced some important challenges in the latter stages before Wolves caught him on the break with the last action of the game.

NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI: 5

Tenacious and determined, but was one of several players given a torrid time by the best player on the pitch Cunha.

MANUEL UGARTE: 5

Dispossesed too easily at times, struggled against a lively Wolves attack and was eventually taken off as one of Amorim’s subs following Fernandes’ red card.

KOBBIE MAINOO: 5

Looked a threat early on, created some good openings, but he was booked after the break as United looked short on ideas – faded and was subbed.

DIOGO DALOT: 6

Brought a tremendous save from Jose Sa in the first half in what was a rare bright spot for United – but he had no major influence on a poor United display.

AMAD DIALLO: 5

Lacked awareness of his team-mates sometimes and looked a shadow of the player who turned the Manchester derby around less than two weeks ago.

BRUNO FERNANDES: 3

Sent off early in the second half for a second yellow after a challenge on Nelson Semedo, but the captain had cut a frustrated figure before that.

RASMUS HOJLUND: 5

Became visibly annoyed at times at a lack of service from his team-mates, he had no joy up front and as subbed with 10 minutes left.

SUBS:

Casemiro (for Mainoo, 63 mins): 6

Christian Eriksen (for Ugate, 63 mins) 6

Antony (for Yoro, 63 mins) 6

Alejandro Garnacho: (for Amad, 79 mins) 5

Joshua Zirkzee: (for Hojlund, 79 mins) 5

MILLIONS of Co-op shoppers must prepare for a huge change set to hit certain customers soon.

The chain has warned some of it’s buyers that a massive shake-up could affect them from next Tuesday.

Getty

Co-op shoppers have been told to act quickly before the chain makes a major change to it’s loyalty scheme[/caption]

Co-op‘s loyalty scheme will no longer allow shoppers to earn cash rewards.

This means loyalty members with any cash left on their rewards balance must use it before the money expires on Tuesday, December 31.

Martin Lewis‘ MoneySavingExpert explained: “The supermarket giant’s loyalty scheme, which has 5million members, used to let you earn 2p in rewards for every £1 spent on Co-op branded goods or services.

“These rewards could then be spent on future purchases at Co-op.”

The supermarket chain announced the huge shake-up earlier this year.

Loyalty members’ cash rewards have been replaced with Members Prices.

This new scheme, which started earlier this year, gives members discounts on their shopping.

Members Prices also gives people personalised offers based on what they buy.

It costs £1 to sign up to the scheme and customers also get access to two personalised offers every week.

Although it’s worth noting that independent co-operatives – such as Central England, Chelmsford Star, Southern and Midcounties co-ops – have their own separate schemes which aren’t affected by the shakeup.

Co-op loyalty scheme members can find out how much money they have left to spend.

Firstly, these shoppers can find the amount on a receipt from a shop.

Another method is checking the “wallet” section of the  Co-op app or logging in to your online account.

CASHING IN

Shoppers who find they have cash rewards on their account have a few options.

People can scan their digital or physical membership cards at the tills.

Then they can ask a member of staff to redeem the cash reward or select the option at a self-checkout.

Customers looking to spend this money before the deadline must note that there are some exceptions to where these rewards can go.

The balance cannot be used on home delivery orders or when buying Co-op products via Deliveroo or other third-party platforms.

RUBEN AMORIM needs to spend plenty more time working on set-pieces if he is to stop United’s spectacular plunge towards the depths of the Premier league.

If this terrible form continues – although they will surely improve at some stage – the Red Devils could end up in a relegation fight.

Getty

Matheus Cunha scored direct from a corner as Man Utd crumbled at Molineux[/caption]

AFP

Andre Onana missed the ball completely as the hosts took charge against the ten-man visitors[/caption]

Getty

Bruno Fernandes was sent off early in the second half after picking up two yellow cards[/caption]

Matheus Cunha scored the winner directly from a corner-kick to send United to their fifth loss in 10 matches under their new manager Amorim.

And that was after United were forced to play with 10 men following Bruno Fernandes’ red card for a late challenge on Nelson Semedo – his second booking – at the start of the second half.

Incredibly, under Amorim, United have conceded from set-pieces against Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Spurs and Bournemouth.

Yet it must be the first time in the space of a week that United have ever leaked two goals directly from corners which quite frankly, is shameful.

Son Heung-Min caught out United’s stand-in keeper Altay Bayındir in the Carabao Cup and in an identical goal here, Wolves’ star man Cunha saw his corner float into the far corner of the net.

Andre Onana complained to referee Tony Harrington that he was being fouled but the United keeper was more interested in shoving Wolves defender Matt Doherty than trying to keep the ball out of the net.

Cunha is a January target for Arsenal and little wonder as he is such a good player.

And he is currently facing an FA ban for being charged with misconduct after the final whistle against Ipswich and Wolves would certainly miss him as he was terrific throughout.

FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS

So, more problems for Amorim but a great night for Wolves new boss Vitor Pereira who has now won both of his matches in charge of the club.

For Fernandes, it was his third red card of the season although his three-match ban after being dismissed against Spurs for a foul on James Maddison in September was overturned.

Reuters

Tempers flared after the break as the red mist descended for Bruno[/caption]

He was booked in the first half for a late challenge on Cunha and then just over a minute into the second period, he caught Semedo and could have no complaints.

Even before then, the Portuguese international had struggled and was constantly ducking out of 50-50 challenges even though some of the passing from his teammates was terrible.

Fernandes is one of the worst captains in United’s history but the alternatives are not great.

Having been stripped of the captaincy by Erik ten Hag, Fernandes was never going to hand the armband to the England centre-back so instead, it was given to Lisandro Martinez.

The first 45 minutes, though, was incredibly poor with both teams making a huge number of mistakes.

AFP

Amorim’s men have now lost five of their last seven in all competitions[/caption]

Reuters

Hwang Hee-chan wrapped up the points in stoppage time on the break[/caption]

The home crowd started singing the name of new man Pereira after just 26 minutes which is not bad for your first home game.

Within seconds, Jorgen Strand Larsen forced Onana to push a header over the bar.

Onana also clawed away a corner from Cunha which was about to creep into the goal at the near post so it is a shame he could not do better for the winner.

In a rare United attempt in the first half, Martinez’s header was easily saved by Jose Sa.

At half-time, United boss Amorim would have urged his team to keep things tight and for his two players on bookings, Leny Yoro and Fernandes, to be careful.

But incredibly, in only the second minute of the second half, Fernandes followed up that caution with a late challenge on Semedo and he could not have too many complaints.

No sooner had Fernandes left the pitch, Wolves stuck the ball in the net but Strand Larsen was ruled offside and a lengthy VAR check agreed with the officials.

PA

Wolves have now won back-to-back Premier League games for the first time this season[/caption]

Getty

Cunha is a January transfer target for Arsenal[/caption]

Yet Wolves continued to play with purpose and they clearly fancied their chances although they would not have expected the goal to come from a corner.

Wolves’ fans shouted in disbelief when the fourth official indicated there would be eight minutes of stoppage time.

But right at the end of that period, the hosts broke and Cunha squared for sub Hee Chann Hwang to score with a tap-in.

Now, there is even more for Amorim to think about ahead of United’s next match against Newcastle on Monday.

Mind you, if you think things are bad for Amorim, they have been even worse for his replacement at Sporting Lisbon with Joao Pereira having been sacked.

At least Amorim will get a bit more time.

Sporting Lisbon have appointed Rui Borges as their new head coach following the sacking of Joao Pereira.

Two people have died in separate incidents during the Sydney to Hobart yacht race overnight.