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I went behind the scenes of Disneyland Paris’ huge park expansion – with new Frozen land and first ever Lion King ride
DISNEYLAND Paris is undergoing a huge new expansion and I was one of the lucky few to get an exclusive behind-the-scenes preview.
The theme parks’ Walt Disney Studios Park land won’t just be receiving a new name, but an entirely new identity.
Frozen, The Lion King, Tangled and Up are part of the new expansion that will see the Hollywood inspired theme park double in size.
As part of my sneak peek, I journeyed into what will soon be the lush Parisian gardens of Adventure Way.
Across from the newly installed Adventure Bay I was drawn to something that I’ve only seen in movies – the Kingdom of Arendelle.
Opening next year, towering above the picturesque Scandinavian inspired town will be The North Mountain.
Just like in the movie, the mountain will become the home of Elsa’s Ice Palace, though at the moment this has yet to be installed.
Elsa may have used magic and a song to create her palace, but
Disneyland Paris has hundreds of Imagineers working right now to bring it all to life.
When the World of Frozen opens in 2026 so too will the ‘Frozen Ever After’ boat ride, with the current banging of hammers replaced with choruses of “Let it Go” as we experience the tale of Anna and Elsa.
Announced last year, Disney Adventure World will host the very first land based on the The Lion King too.
Sat next to World of Frozen, the 37-metre-high ‘Pride Rock’ will reign across the skyline.
The land will house a new water attraction where guests will see Simba’s journey from cub to lion.
The entrance of Disney Adventure World is also receiving a makeover where you’ll attend your very own movie premiere.
During my preview, I got to see exactly what will greet guests when
World Premiere opens its doors on May 15.
A brightly coloured neon cinema sign draws guests to the end of a Hollywood inspired boulevard.
The design was influenced by the famous El Capitan Theatre and acts as the gateway to Adventure Way and beyond!
World Premiere is also home to art deco themed shops and a beautiful dining terrace, all set against a Los Angeles evening backdrop (and watch out for shooting stars as you grab a
bit to eat next to the Hollywood Sign).
The new Adventure Way won’t just be a path to the World of Frozen, as the area will be home to two new rides.
The ‘Raiponce Tangled Spin’ will be a reimagined teacup ride, bringing to life the iconic floating lantern scene from Tangled.
Pixar’s Up will also receive its own attraction, with a ride based upon a flying carousel.
Unlike the action-packed areas of Avengers Campus and Toy Story Land, Adventure Way will offer guests a more relaxed space to enjoy the atmosphere of the beautifully designed park.
With a new soundtrack and twinkling light, guests are encouraged to take a break from saving the world with Iron Man and appreciate the lake views from The Regal View Restaurant and Lounge.
Adventure Bay lake itself has been designed to give a 360-degree view of a brand new nighttime spectacular, with water, light displays, fireworks and even drones.
The transformation of the Disneyland Paris resort isn’t limited to Disney Adventure World, with the shopping and dining district of Disney Village currently receiving a huge modernisation makeover too.
Even the Disneyland Paris hotels are getting a refresh.
The Disney Davy Crockett Ranch and Disney’s Sequoia Lodge are the latest hotels about to receive an update after the recent crowd-pleasing changes to Disney Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel and the flagship Disneyland Hotel.
Just like Elsa, the magical powers of Disneyland Paris are getting bigger and I can’t wait for 2026 when I can switch out my hard hat for Minnie Mouse ears.
In the mean time, The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey went on a day trip to Disneyland Paris – without children.
Plus, how to stay at Disneyland Paris for less than £285 per person.
The new McDonald's also opening at Disneyland Paris
The McDonald's will feature sleek architecture and have several floors
As part of the expansion, there will also be a new McDonald’s at Disneyland Paris.
The park will be getting a massive McDonald’s restaurant in its shopping and dining district.
The “state-of-the-art” McDonald’s will have a modern look, with a giant ‘M’ at the front.
The plans show that the building is due to have a lot go greenery and Disneyland Paris has also promised that this McDonald’s will have a “unique architecture”.
In addition to the new McDonald’s, the shopping and dining district will also gain several other new restaurants, including La Petite Rosalie, Casa Giulia and The Sports Bar will get an update.
Work on the restaurant began late last year, and is due to open in early 2026, and will feature several floors.
Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Real Madrid star in ‘cut-price deal’, Forest set £100m price tag for Arsenal target
ARSENAL are looking ahead to what is expected to be a MASSIVE summer transfer window as they look to close the gap at the top of the Premier League.
Arsenal target Morgan Gibbs-White has had a mega £100million price tag slapped on him by Nottingham Forest, aiming to fend off any potential suiters.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have held talks with Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen, and have now also entered the race for the likely Liverpool bound Milos Kerkez.
In other news, Real Madrid have reportedly made Arda Guler available for a cut-price £30million after his struggles in Spain.
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Follow ALL of the latest news, rumours and transfer updates from the Emirates below…
Spain Easter weather shock as forecast predicts SNOW & storms on mainland AND holiday islands after floods hit Lanzarote
BRITS heading to Spain this Easter have been warned to brace for snow and storms – just days after horror floods swamped Lanzarote.
More than a year’s worth of rain fell in two hours in parts of the Canary Islands on Saturday – leaving roads underwater, cars stranded and hotels without power.
Holidaymakers in Majorca and Ibiza are also on alert, with heavy rain and hail forecast across both islands following the devastating downpour in Lanzarote.
The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has now issued a special Easter week forecast – warning of more wild weather to come across the country.
Stormy Easter
On Monday, heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected along the Galician coast and parts of the Mediterranean.
Strong winds will batter coastal areas, especially in the northeast, while the Balearics could see more intense storms.
Temperatures will drop in most places, the AEMET said, except along the Cantabrian coast.
From Tuesday to Wednesday, a blast of polar air will push snow levels down to as low as 900 metres.
Holidaymakers should expect showers, isolated storms, and snowfall across the main mountain ranges.
Winds will remain strong, particularly in the southeast and over the Alboran Sea.
Thursday will bring a brief break in the weather, with rising temperatures and only light rain in parts of the north.
But a fresh storm is expected to move in on Good Friday, spreading rain across the northwest and hitting most of the country by Saturday.
Western and northern regions will see the heaviest downpours, while thunderstorms are likely further east.
After a brief warm-up, temperatures will fall again heading into the weekend, according to the AEMET.
By Easter Sunday, unsettled conditions are likely in the north, east and Balearic Islands, with the risk of heavy showers and thunderstorms continuing into Monday.
Flood chaos
It follows a weekend of weather chaos in Lanzarote, where a short and sharp storm unleashed catastrophic flooding across the island.
A two-hour torrent on Saturday dumped more than 100 litres of rain per square metre in parts of Costa Teguise — the equivalent of over a year’s rainfall.
The UK government issued a travel warning after the island was swamped by floods in a catastrophic rainstorm.
“Services across the island are affected. Some hotels are currently without power. Some roads are currently affected by mud,” the official alert stated.
“If you are in Lanzarote or travelling to Lanzarote, follow the advice of the local authorities and monitor local weather updates.”
Staggering footage showed homes and businesses left ruined and roads turned into rivers in Arrecife, San Bartolomé and other towns.
Officials declared a state of emergency, with the town of Arrecife pushing for a state of catastrophe to be declared — opening the door for recovery funds.
Local mayor Yonathan de León praised the community for pulling together and said draining the water and cleaning up were top priorities.
The UK Foreign Office also issued an alert for Ibiza and Majorca, as the storm system — named Olivier — pushed east.
A yellow alert for heavy rain and hail was issued across both islands on Sunday night, and extended into Monday.
“Holidaymakers could be struck by severe rainfall and devastating storms,” AEMET warned.
“The yellow warning is expected to be deactivated on Monday afternoon – after conditions should improve.”
‘This is everything for me’ – Liam Cameron out to snatch Ben Whittaker’s ‘stardom’ from him in bitter rematch
LIAM CAMERON is out to snatch Ben Whittaker’s stardom in their bitter rematch.
The pair look to settle their score on Easter Sunday in Birmingham – six months on from their controversial draw in Saudi Arabia.
In Riyadh, the bout prematurely went to the judges scorecards after five rounds when the pair went over the top rope.
Injured Whittaker was unable to continue – with many feeling Cameron was on the road to an upset.
Already Cameron won over a legion of fans with his humble approach compared to cocksure showboater Whittaker.
And Cameron told Ariel Helwani: “This is life-changing for me. This is mega, mega-stardom for me in my own head. This is everything for me.
“This is, in a way, life or death in boxing. Do you know what it is? It’s one fight at a time [but] this is how much I want to win this fight — if I could win [just] one more [fight] in my life, and lose every single one of them [after that], it’d be this one.”
Whittaker was accused of QUITTING after being pulled out before the halfway mark.
And Cameron said: “I can remember thinking, I’m going to start [going through the gears], he’s unraveling — I’m going to stop him.
“So I [stepped on the] gas a bit and hit him with some body shots, and he fell off balance, and he’s falling [onto] me.
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“Then he’s hitting me low, he’s holding a lot, he’s spitting his gum shield out, and [the fall out of the ring] just happened so fast.
“It’s like when you’re having a hard spar sometimes, it’s horrible, [isn’t] it? And you’re tired — and that’s what it [was] like for Ben.
“He didn’t want [any] part [of the fight], his emotions got to him, he [was] looking all over.
“I study body language and stuff — I watched everything of that fight, and he [was] like a rabbit in the headlights. Even in [the] corner, he got [the] shock of his life.”
Controversy has also surrounded the rematch too.
Cameron revealed he was sent a contract for a 12-round bout while Whittaker’s was for ten.
Promoter Ben Shalom appeared to suggest the dispute had been resolved via financial compensation towards Cameron.
But the former Commonwealth middleweight champion – now up at light-heavyweight – hit back to say no agreement had been reached.
Opening up on the paperwork gaff, Cameron said: “What happened is we signed for a 12-round contract.
“When I [was] signing, I thought, ‘This is a bit strange.’ [Whittaker was] tired after five [rounds] the last time, and this is [for] a 12, it [doesn’t] make sense.
“Then obviously, a week later, it happened. [Promoter BOXXER was] saying, ‘Can we do 10 [rounds]? There’s been a mishap [with the contract], and will Liam do a 10 [round fight] now?’ And we’ve been saying no.”
The moment when Liam Cameron and Ben Whittaker 𝙗𝙤𝙩𝙝 went 𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) October 13, 2024#BeterbievBivol | #RiyadhSeason | @Turki_alalshikh pic.twitter.com/ISHzr245KO
It remains unclear whether the dispute has been resolved or not.
But regardless, Cameron said: “I’ve [now] got confidence in myself.
“It can’t be every time that people are having bad performances, they’re [taking] me lightly. It was the same with [Arthur] before Ben.
“He [supposedly] took me lightly. I [was] there to get beat both times, stopped, and looked good against.
“But I’ve been boxing [for] years. I’ve done everything as an amateur apart from [going to the] Olympic Games.
“I [was] on the GB podium [squad], and I turned it down and went pro. I’ve got pedigree, I am a good fighter.
“I am, it’s been proven now. I just don’t like the fact that people [are] saying, ‘Oh, it’s an off night.’
“That [was] Ben’s time to look good in Saudi. He had a fight penciled in for December, headlining in America.
“There’s no way he took me lightly. He [wasn’t] showboating or anything — that’s all excuses. How long ago was that?
“[Was] that four years ago [the 2020 Olympics — which took place in 2021]? That form is gone now.
“[It’s been] four years [since Whittaker was] fighting at [the] elite level. He’s had shoulder injuries, he’s not boxed the best people.
“What’s he done in [those] four years of boxing professionally?”
‘Didn’t talk to me once’ – Bryson DeChambeau gives insight into Masters rivalry with Rory McIlroy
RORY McILROY “didn’t talk once” to Bryson DeChambeau on a gripping final day of the Masters.
The Northern Irishman, 35, burst into tears on the 18th green as he finally ended his 10-year wait for a Green Jacket – but only after threatening to blow a five-shot lead with eight holes to play.
The winning putt
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) April 13, 2025pic.twitter.com/TZiZnyKFrB
McIlroy infamously imploded to gift DeChambeau the US Open title last year and vowed revenge – and looked set to do the same as a rampant Justin Rose charged back to force a playoff.
After his US Open heartbreak, McIlroy – speaking in Las Vegas last December – said: “I’d like to go up against Bryson and get him back for what he did to me at the US Open.”
DeChambeau jokingly responded: “To be fair, you kind of did that to yourself.”
While there’s no real bad blood between the superstars, it’s reported by golf.com the pair are “not friends”.
On Sunday, McIlroy got his wish as he was partnered with the American for the final round – but refused to utter a word to him all day on the course, according to his rival.
When asked how McIlroy was doing in the clubhouse after his win, DeChambeau replied: “No idea…
“He didn’t talk to me once all day.”
When asked if he had tried to chat with the new champion, DeChambeau snapped: “He wouldn’t talk to me.”
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It’s not unusual for rivals gunning for glory to ignore each other during the final round – and DeChambeau didn’t appear to hold any ill will towards the eventual champion.
Despite the blunt interview, the American – who hilariously became an unlikely sex symbol during the Augusta weekend – revealed his heart was breaking for McIlroy as he looked destined to miss out on yet another Major.
After McIlroy found Rae’s Creek in his approach to the 13th to eventually notch a double bogey, DeChambeau said: “I wanted to cry for him.
“I mean, as a professional, you just know to hit it in the middle of the green, and I can’t believe he went for it, or must have just flared it.
“But I’ve hit bad shots in my career, too, and it happens. When you’re trying to win a major championship, especially out here, Sunday of Augusta, the Masters, you have to just do it and get the job done and do it right.
“There were times where it looked like he had full control and at times where it’s like, what’s going on? Kind of looked like one of my rounds, actually.”
McIlroy’s success on the course comes after a turbulent year off it.
And that was typified by his emotional embrace of wife Erica Stroll and daughter Poppy as soon as he made his way off the 18th green.
Inside Rory McIlroy's whirlwind love life
RORY MCILROY enjoyed a high-profile romance with former tennis world number one Caroline Wozniacki before their split in 2014.
The following year, the golf ace began dating Erica Stoll, who he had first met on the PGA Tour in 2011.
Erica often interacted with players through her role as the PGA’s manager of championship volunteer operations.
She even prevented McIlroy from missing his tee time at the 2012 Ryder Cup after some confusion over the time zone.
The incident began a firm friendship between the pair, four years before their relationship turned romantic.
McIlroy and Erica were spotted on a string of dates in Rochester, New York, in the early days of their relationship.
Just eight months later, the couple got engaged in Paris and walked down the aisle at Ashford Castle in Ireland in 2017.
The pair then welcomed daughter Poppy into the world three years later.
Throughout their time together, McIlroy and Erica have kept their relationship to themselves, with the golfer keen to protect his family from the cameras during filming of Netflix’s Full Swing documentary series.
However, after seven years of marriage, McIlroy filed for divorce from Erica.
The reasons for the divorce were not disclosed, but the Northern Irishman submitted documents to a court in Florida.
However, a few weeks later, performed a U-turn on their decision to divorce.
McIlroy told the outlet: “Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.”
After his win, a tearful McIlroy said: “It’s a dream come true.
“I have dreamt about that moment for as long as I can remember.
“Watching Tiger (Woods) here in 1997 do what he did, winning his first green jacket, I think that inspired so many of my generation to want to emulate what he did.
“It feels incredible. This is my 17th time here and I started to wonder if it would ever be my time.
“The last 10 years coming here with the burden of the grand slam on my shoulder and trying to achieve it, I wonder what we’re going to talk about going into next year.
“I’m absolutely honoured, thrilled and proud to be able to call myself a Masters champion.”
Masters 2025
RORY McILROY finally won the Masters to complete an epic Grand Slam after YEARS of waiting.
The fans’ favourite fell to his knees and roared in celebration after beating Justin Rose in a dramatic play-off.
McIlroy later broke down in an emotional TV interview as he said: “A moment like that makes all the years and all the close calls worth it.”
LATEST FROM AUGUSTA
‘It’s just soundbites’ – Roy Keane slams Bruno Fernandes over ‘meaningless’ interview after Newcastle maul Man Utd
ROY KEANE slammed Bruno Fernandes over a “meaningless” interview following Manchester United’s 4-1 defeat at Newcastle.
The Red Devils were torn apart by their opponents at St James’ Park on Sunday.
Altay Bayindir had a nightmare Premier League debut and gifted Newcastle their fourth goal with an absolute howler.
But United were second best in all areas of the pitch as the defeat left them 14th in the table.
And thoughts now turn to Thursday’s crunch Europa League clash against Lyon, who netted a late equaliser last week thanks to Andre Onana’s clanger.
Speaking after the match, Fernandes insisted United can do better and vowed to make amends in the next game.
He said: “My team-mates – I only get frustrated with them because I know how good they can be.”
“I know how tough it is to represent this club. They want so much to give to the club, to win because they know how much they will be remembered if they win something with this club.
“On Thursday we go forward, we create a big atmosphere in our stadium, we need to be on the front foot and give everything we have because we want to get to the semi-final.
“In tough moments we have done great performances against the biggest clubs.
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“In decisive games when everyone is watching. We are Man United, we have to step up and do everything to win the game.”
But this did not go down well with Keane, who accused Fernandes of producing “soundbites” while glossing over the real issues of the day.
Man Utd ratings vs Newcastle as Zirkzee does well before injury but dropped Onana's stand-in has a shocker
MANCHESTER UNITED’S worst ever Premier League season was confirmed with a 4-1 defeat to Newcastle.
The Red Devils are now guaranteed to finish on less than 56 points, which is their lowest ever Prem total.
And they can only get that high if they win ALL of their last six games.
If they’re not careful, they could even finish 17th – just one spot above the marooned bottom three.
It was another dark day that reflects a poor campaign for United as Newcastle carved them open with ease in the second-half.
Ruben Amorim dropped keeper Andre Onana after his horror show against Lyon midweek.
But stand-in Altay Bayindir had a game to forget too.
Sandro Tonali’s volley, a double by Harvey Barnes and a Bruno Guimaraes finish cancelled out Alejandro Garnacho’s goal.
Here is how SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse rated the United performances…
Keane said: “Bruno does front up but it’s kind of just soundbites now.
“There’s no meaning to it. I don’t know how we can listen to the United players’ interviews anymore because I’m not sure if they’re an honest group.
“He keeps talking about having belief in his team-mates, but real good team-mates put demands on each other. These aren’t team-mates, they are bluffers.
“When I listen to Bruno, amazing player, I still have question marks about his leadership. He’s certainly not getting any help around him.
“Newcastle were outstanding. I think United now are physically and mentally a weak team.
“Ruben Amorim is scratching his head. I bet he cannot believe how bad this Man United team is.”
Fans reacted online to Keane’s latest criticism of Fernandes.
One said: “I’m not impressed either.”
Another declared: “No matter what Fernandes does, it will never be good enough for Keane.”
One noted: “Take no notice of it Bruno.”
Another added: “Absolute joke.”
Roy Keane's rant in full
Speaking live on Sky Sports:
“To be fair to Bruno Fernandes he fronts up but to me it’s just soundbites now.
“Talking about Thursday, it’s all they talk about. Lyon are sixth in the league, I fully expect Man United to beat them.
“He was talking about his team-mates and belief but what about his right-back Dalot who didn’t put a leg out to tackle?
“I hope he is pulling him in the dressing room because he keeps talking about having belief in his teammates but real good teammates put demands on each other.
“When I listen to Bruno, I have question marks about his leadership.
“He certainly isn’t getting any help around him, it must be tough playing in that midfield when the expectation is on him because that’s unfair on him.
“But when he’s doing his chats about supporters and this, to me it’s just soundbites. There is no meaning to it.
“I’m not sure this United group are an honest group. The best players put demands on me. That’s what real good team-mates do. These aren’t team-mates, they are bluffers.
“We keep making excuses for this team. There are not enough players who can run in the team.
“I don’t think there are players who want to run. Not enough of a goal threat. You’ve got to dig deep, even when you’re up against it and they didn’t do that in the second half.
“We spoke at half-time [about] the big test was to come in the second half.
“Looking at Newcastle, they’re outstanding, they’re used to winning big games now, they’ve got into a really good habit.
“United are the opposite. I think United now are physically and mentally a weak team.
“Ruben Amorim is scratching his head. I bet he cannot believe how bad this Man United team is.”
Tan fan, 20, warns others to not over-do it as she shows off shocking damage after just 15 minutes on a sunbed
A WOMAN was left with a shockingly intense tan after making a simple mistake on a sunbed.
Charlie Urwin, 20, from Houghton-le-Spring, UK, was getting ready for her holiday in the way she knows best – by topping up her tan.
A regular sunbed user for the past year, Charlie decided to up her time from 12 minutes to 15 in the hope of a golden glow.
However, the call centre agent immediately realised something was wrong the moment she stepped out of the sunbed and noticed her skin was noticeably darker than usual.
Charlie explained that although the intense tan eventually faded, the experience served as a wake-up call and made her rethink her approach to tanning.
She added that the mishap has encouraged her to stick to the recommended time slot in the future and be more cautious with her sunbed use.
Posting the footage to social media, the clip went viral, hitting over 500,000 views.
The jaw-dropping tan left people torn over it being their dream tan colour or fearful over the long term health effects of sunbeds.
One viewer said: “How does it feel to be living my dream.”
Another commented: “You’re a beautiful girl, you don’t need to be damaging your skin like that, because respectfully the damage is visible.
”You are beautiful as you are.”
Someone else chimed in with their horrific experience, writing: ”My mum got skin cancer from sunbeds.”
”Work on self love. You are worthy and perfect as you were made and you don’t need to change a thing about your natural appearance,” a fourth advised.
A former sunbed lover wrote: ”I did sunbeds too much when I was younger, bad crows feet and red cherry spot that cannot be removed as near my eyes. don’t do it.”
The NHS strongly advises against using sunbeds, as they pose significant health risks, including an increased risk of skin cancer, premature skin aging, and sunburn.
If you choose to use a sunbed, they emphasise how crucial it is to follow the recommended exposure times and seek guidance from the sunbed operator and always wear eye protection.
Risks of sunbeds
THE promise of a constant glowing tan is too tempting for some people to deny.
But while popping to the sunbed shop may seem harmless, people who use tanning beds should be aware of the risks.
Approximately 10 per cent of the population of Northern Europe use sunbeds on a regular basis, the World Health Organization says.
Some people use them for years on end, accumulating risk of serious disease.
We are here to give you the lowdown on sunbeds and if they are safe to use.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), sunbeds are as dangerous as smoking.
Like the sun, they give out harmful UV rays that damage the DNA in your skin cells.
Over time, this may lead to malignant melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer – studies have shown.
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), there is significant evidence to show that using tanning beds causes melanoma.
They report that sunbeds increase the risk of skin cancer by up to 20 per cent, and also state that they have no positive benefits to our health.
Cancer Research back this statistic, adding that ” there is no such thing as a safe tan from UV radiation”.
One study found that sunbeds can almost double the risk of cancer compared to never using them – with women 83 per cent more likely to develop the disease.
While some people think tanning beds are safer than sitting out in the midday sun, according to Cancer Research, the risk is still twice as high when compared to spending the same amount of time in the Mediterranean sun at lunch time.
The Sunbed Association claim there is not enough evidence to link sunbed use with melanoma, adding: “It is over-exposure and burning that will increase a risk of skin cancer, not responsible UV exposure.”
But the WHO says: “The majority of tanning parlours provide inadequate advice to their customers.
“The use of eye protection such as goggles or sunglasses should be mandatory.
“However, as sunbed users aim to have an even tan, they often decide against protecting any part of their body.”
Referring to the link with skin cancer, the world health experts add: “Sunbeds for self-tanning purposes have been available for the last two decades and due to the long latency period for skin cancer and eye damage it has been difficult so far to demonstrate any long-term health effects.
“Even though the causes of malignant melanoma are not fully understood, tumour development appears to be linked to occasional exposure to intense sunlight.
“Sunbeds subject their users to intermittent high exposures of UVA and UVB radiation – this may provide the ideal setting for the development of malignant skin cancer.
“However, the few epidemiological studies that have been carried out to date have not provided any consistent results.”
Despite the WHO’s cautious stance on the skin cancer link, it discourages the use of sunbeds, quoting an expert who said the use of tanning parlours is like “an industrial-scale radiation exposure experiment”.
Regardless of skin cancer, sunbeds don’t just have long-term health risks.
Users have reported a range of short-term symptoms including itching, dryness and redness of skin, freckling and photosensitivity.
Common outcomes in the longer term, especially in fair-skinned people, may involve blistering of the skin.
“Sagging and wrinkling of the skin are an almost certain price to be paid by frequent sunbed users”, the WHO says – not quite the outcome you hope for when going to the sunbed shop for a beautiful, youthful look.
Sunbed risks
Sunbeds have long been linked to skin cancer and have even been banned in countries like Brazil and Australia.
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), there is significant evidence to show that using tanning beds causes melanoma.
They report that sunbeds increase the risk of skin cancer by up to 20 per cent, and also state that they have no positive benefits to our health.
Sharing her expertise, Carol Cooper, Sun Doctor, said: ”Let’s be clear about sunbeds. It’s not just ‘some’ experts that say they’re bad for your skin. It’s almost all of them.
”Actually, anyone who’s ever used a sunbed is at least 20% more likely to develop malignant melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer.
”UV rays damage the DNA in skin cells, so they’re more likely to mutate into cancer. You don’t even have to burn for it to happen.”
Inside Rory McIlroy’s emotional rollercoaster of a year from divorcing wife Erica to rekindling and winning Masters
RORY MCILROY etched his name into golfing folklore and ended an 11-year wait for a career Grand Slam when he finally slipped into a Green Jacket at The Masters on Sunday.
But of all 11 of those years, it’s the past 12 months that have probably been the biggest rollercoaster as the Northern Irishman went from the brink of divorce to Masters champion with wife Erica Stoll by his side.
McIlroy, 35, shocked the golfing world when it was revealed in May last year that he was filing for divorce from wife Erica Stoll.
The announcement sent shockwaves around the sport as McIlroy also readied himself for the second major of the season.
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After seven years of marriage, McIlroy and Erica were seemingly ready to call it quits.
That was after McIlroy has submitted a three-page document to a court in Florida last May detailing his request to file for divorce from Erica.
The pair, who welcomed their first daughter Poppy in 2020, have always kept their relationship as private as possible, but the bombshell news was unavoidable this time.
It was claimed by TMZ at the time that McIlroy had asked for the couple’s prenuptial agreement to be upheld, as well as implementing a shared parenting plan in the documents.
Things couldn’t have come at a worse time either, as McIlroy was gearing up to play in the US Open just two days after new broke.
The Ryder Cup hero was spotted practicing on the course without his wedding ring on and refused to answer any questions about his love life as he was bombarded by the media ahead of the major.
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Things didn’t seem to get to McIlroy on the course as he shot a superb five-under 66 to put himself in contention from the off.
Unfortunately, he couldn’t keep that momentum going and would ultimately fall away from the pack and earn a respectable T12 finish.
SWIRLING RUMOURS
Just a matter of days after the announcement of Erica and McIlroy’s looming divorce, rumours started to swirl that the 29-time PGA Tour event winner had been caught in a romance with someone else.
The Daily Mail claimed that he may be in a blossoming relationship with CBS Sports presenter Amanda Balionis after an interview between the pair sparked rumours online.
It was reported that McIlroy and Balionis were “the talk of the links” and “left many fans wondering just how close the pair have become”.
The rumours were fuelled by eagle-eyed fans spotting that Balionis, who married a football coach in 2022, hadn’t been wearing her wedding ring for two months.
However, those claims were rubbished when a close source to the two denied there was anything between them to US Weekly, and neither party commented on the conspiracy theories.
Inside Rory McIlroy's whirlwind love life
RORY MCILROY enjoyed a high-profile romance with former tennis world number one Caroline Wozniacki before their split in 2014.
The following year, the golf ace began dating Erica Stoll, who he had first met on the PGA Tour in 2011.
Erica often interacted with players through her role as the PGA’s manager of championship volunteer operations.
She even prevented McIlroy from missing his tee time at the 2012 Ryder Cup after some confusion over the time zone.
The incident began a firm friendship between the pair, four years before their relationship turned romantic.
McIlroy and Erica were spotted on a string of dates in Rochester, New York, in the early days of their relationship.
Just eight months later, the couple got engaged in Paris and walked down the aisle at Ashford Castle in Ireland in 2017.
The pair then welcomed daughter Poppy into the world three years later.
Throughout their time together, McIlroy and Erica have kept their relationship to themselves, with the golfer keen to protect his family from the cameras during filming of Netflix’s Full Swing documentary series.
However, after seven years of marriage, McIlroy filed for divorce from Erica.
The reasons for the divorce were not disclosed, but the Northern Irishman submitted documents to a court in Florida.
However, a few weeks later, performed a U-turn on their decision to divorce.
McIlroy told the outlet: “Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.”
DIVORCE U-TURN
One month on from McIlroy’s divorce request and golf fans were left even more shocked than before when the Holywood star revealed than he and Erica had CALLED OFF their divorce.
Despite McIlroy’s initial filing claiming that their relationship was “irretrievably broken”, the pair managed to work through their differences and get their relationship back on track.
McIlroy and Erica reportedly held crisis talks in their £16m Florida home over the course of a month to try an figure things out.
At the time, McIlroy told the Guardian: “There have been rumours about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate. Responding to each rumour is a fool’s game.
“Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realised that our best future was as a family together.
“Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.”
As with the initial announcement of the divorce, news broke in the same week as a major tournament – this time the US Open was just days away.
McIlroy returned to the course to try and win his first major in 11 years, some 13 years on from when he last won the US Open too.
Despite the U-turn, McIlroy decided to play without his wedding ring for the North Carolina competition.
It was almost the perfect week for the golfing superstar, having turned around his marriage he found himself battling for victory on the final day at Pinehurst against Bryson DeChambeau.
Unfortunately, McIlroy was unable to get the better of his LIV Golf counterpart and ultimately wound up finishing second and extending his wait for another major after a late collapse.
RETURN TO HIS BEST
That showing at the US Open was a sign of where McIlroy was with his game, saying at the time that he was “more confident than ever” and “as close as I’ve ever been” to returning to glory.
And Erica returned to his side as he went on a PGA Tour and DP World Tour rampage for the remainder of the 2024 season.
The 37-year-old watched on and shared kisses with McIlroy as he won four events and secured 13 top five finishes across both tours last year.
That form banked McIlroy £16.8MILLION in prize money.
And reflecting on the success, he said: “It means a lot. I’ve been through a lot this year professionally and personally.
“It feels like a fitting end to 2024 – I’ve persevered this year a lot, had close calls, wasn’t able to get it done. So to be able to get over the line…I hung on and got the job done.”
McIlroy continued his form into the 2025 season, winning the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am and the Players Championship in the early stages of the season to set himself up for his best chance yet at ending his 11-year wait for a career Grand Slam with victory at The Masters.
MASTERS VICTORY
After 11 YEARS of waiting to become golf’s sixth Grand Slam winner, Rory McIlroy finally broke his Masters hoodoo on the 17th time of asking.
He didn’t make becoming golfing royalty easy, however.
McIlroy hit four double bogey’s in a whirlwind week of ups and downs that saw him need a play-off against Justin Rose to finally slip into a Green Jacket for the first time.
After breaking down in tears on the 18th green, McIlroy wasted no time in making his way over to wife Erica to give her an emotional embrace.
The pair shared a touching moment in front of the cameras as McIlroy gave little daughter Poppy a huge cuddle too.
Erica has been at Augusta with McIlroy all week, and even caddied for her husband during the famous family-oriented par-three contest on Wednesday.
While little Poppy caught the hearts of everyone watching and stole the thunder from her had when she sunk a 25ft putt on the same day.
McIlroy, who admitted to watching Zootopia with his four-year-old daughter between rounds all week, paid tribute to his family’s support after the win.
Fighting back even more tears, he said: ” Last but not least, over to my left, my family, my team. They’ve been on this journey with me the whole way through.
“They know the burden that I’ve carried to come here every year and try and try and try again.
“The one thing I would say to my daughter Poppy, never give up on your dreams. Never ever give up on your dreams. Keep coming back. Keep working hard.”
Watch the moment couple’s £12k garden renovation is wrecked in minutes when trendy buy explodes into a fireball
A COUPLE have shared their devastation after their newly-renovated garden went up in flames when their fire pit exploded.
Moll took to TikTok to share a video of their garden as the fire continued to cause destruction.
“That’s our garden on fire,” she began.
“£12k of renovations gone, in minutes”.
“We realised something was wrong when we smelt gas and then the table started hissing which got progressively louder and louder,” Moll addded.
“As my partner told me to move it, it just went up in flames.”
The situation is even more shocking given that they only finished doing their garden makeover at the end of last year,
“From the video you can’t see our full garden and how big it is but altogether £12k is how much it’s cost,” Moll revealed.
“People don’t realise what it looked like before.
“It’s a new build garden with poor ground and the garden sloped down.
“We literally started from scratch on it.”
Despite Moll’s clear devastation over the situation, she was still inundated with criticism from trolls – so much so that she was forced to turn the comments off on the video.
“I received comments saying I never bothered to put the fire out, that I didn’t tell my neighbours to get out of the house, that I deserve what happened to me,” she sighed to Fabulous Online.
“Also things like do I not own a hose pipe or an outdoor tap?
“Some comments as well saying I live in a council house which I don’t and saying the garden was never that much money and lots of people saying it’s an insurance job.
“Just all the comments putting the blame on me and most of those comments all came from men!”
Moll and her partner are now waiting for a decision from their insurance company about how to proceed.
“It all looks positive so far and hopefully works can start soon to get it back to how it was,” she said.
The 8 fire safety checks you should do in your home every night
TO avoid a devastating fire in your home, there are some checks you should be conducting every night, according to Gov.uk.
- Close inside doors at night to stop a fire from spreading
- Turn off and unplug electrical appliances unless they are designed to be left on – like your freezer.
- Check your cooker is turned off
- Don’t run appliances such as washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers overnight
- Turn heaters off and put up fireguards
- Put candles and cigarettes out properly
- Make sure exits are kept clear
- Keep door and window keys where everyone can find them
But in the meantime, she’s issued an urgent warning to anyone even thinking about getting a fire pit in their garden.
“I would never advise anyone to get one of those tables or even have a gas canister in the garden,” she sighed.
