WAG Taylor Ward says she feels safer living in Saudi Arabia with husband Riyad Mahrez after escaping the threat of burglary gangs targeting Premier League stars’ homes.

The reality star, 27, told The Sun on Sunday she “can now sleep at night” after making the move to Jeddah, where the ex-Manchester City star, 34, now plys his trade for Al-Ahli following his £30million switch from the Premier League champions.

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Gangs have targeted several footballers’ multi million pound homes in what’s been dubbed the “Cheshire Golden Triangle” – comprising the prestigious towns of Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, and Prestbury.

Some of those houses have been decked out by Taylor’s mum Dawn Ward, an interior designer to the stars, but now she feels secure in the Middle East, so much so she’s allowing her £850,000-a-week husband to splash out on expensive gifts.

Taylor said: “I feel way safer in Saudi – I can actually sleep at night now.

“My house in Saudi is ten times bigger than my house in England, and if I had to stay on my own somewhere, I would choose Saudi every day of the week.

“I’ve never stayed on my own in England, ever. We live in an apartment. I’ve never stayed there by myself. I’m just really conscious.

“There’s so many burglaries and bad things going on especially in Cheshire. It’s a massive problem.

“Living abroad now is great because I don’t bring anything home. It’s not worth it because we’ve been burgled in the past and it puts you off having nice things.

“I used to say to Riyad, ‘please don’t buy me a watch for my birthday, please don’t buy me these because I don’t want to be a target.’

“Now that we live in Saudi, you actually get the opportunity to enjoy and wear nice things.”

Manchester City winger Jack Grealish had his £5.6m house raided on Boxing Day, while he was playing, by a gang who fled with £1m worth of luxury goods including watches and jewellery.

His terrified girlfriend Sasha Attwood was inside the property when the raid took place.

Former Liverpool stars Steven Gerrard and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, ex-Everton defender Phil Jagielka have also been previously targeted.

Taylor, who shares a 20-month-old daughter with Mahrez and is stepmum to his other two daughters, is one of the five WAGS starring in Prime Video series Married to the Game, which follows the glamorous lives of partners of renowned footballers.

The second series, which starts on Monday, sees Taylor joined by Cat Harding, fiancée of Arsenal star Jorginho, Gabrielle Figueiredo, the wife of his Gunners’ teammate Gabriel Magalhães, Chelsea WAG Claudia Rodríguez and boyfriend Marc Cucurella, plus Aston Villa star Leon Bailey and his girlfriend Stephanie Hope.

In the debut series streamed last year, Taylor went viral after sobbing when five-times Premier League winner Mahrez told her they were moving to Saudi Arabia following his transfer from Manchester City.

But having taken months to finally settle in the Middle East, Taylor now feels at home – although there are some stark differences, especially when it comes to the WAGS out there.

She explained: “There’s no champagne. When we used to go to the Etihad it was like a day out and I had a really good relationship with them all at Man City.

“We traveled so much, because they were in all the finals, like the Champions League and all that kind of stuff.

“We did a lot of trips together and we had a really close bond, which is really nice.

“That’s slightly different in Saudi. I don’t know the players and the partners as well.

“People keep themselves to themselves more out here.”

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POSH department store Selfridges sparked outrage by selling a T-shirt with a slogan mocking the jobless.

The offending top features the words: “Nothing pays as good as unemployment feels.”

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Each one costs £55 — more than half the £90.50 someone out of work gets to live on for the week.

Furious politicians hit out at the slogan on the tops, available online and at Selfridges’ flagship London store in Oxford Street.

And after The Sun on Sunday asked Selfridges for an explanation, bosses withdrew them from sale.

Beforehand, former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith had fumed: “It is an insult and in poor taste — both to those trying to get off benefits and taxpayers.

“Why don’t they do a T-shirt saying, ‘Nothing feels as good as that first pay cheque you earned yourself’? It is not a joke. Selfridges should bin them.”

Labour’s David Blunkett, Work and Pensions Secretary under PM Tony Blair, also slammed the tops.

Lord Blunkett declared: “It seems to me as though someone has completely lost their marbles.

“Perhaps a taste of unemployment might bring them up to speed.”

The T-shirts were dreamt up by the US fashion brand Praying, hailed by Vogue as “the fashion industry’s most perverse viral hit”.

The slogan is a take on the controversial 2009 quote by model Kate Moss, who was accused of encouraging eating disorders when she said “nothing tastes as good as skinny feels”.

Praying did not respond to requests for a comment.

Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to cut £5billion from the soaring welfare budget by getting more people off sickness benefits and back to work.

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LEEDS are after a new No1 and will move out Illan Meslier — whether they go up or not.

The Whites have decided they need a keeper and started to look at options.

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Leeds United are looking to part ways with goalkeeper Illan Meslier this summer[/caption]

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Newcastle’s Nick Pope is admired by promotion-chasing Leeds[/caption]

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James Trafford has been linked with Newcastle and Leeds[/caption]

Meslier was dropped for No 2 Karl Darlow for Saturday’s trip to Luton, which ended in a 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road.

The once Championship leaders went 1-0 down inside 15 minutes after Isaiah Jones‘ back-post volley from five yards.

Dan James curled in a stunning equaliser less than 14 mintues later, but Darlow would’ve had to pull off the save of the season to keep it out.

Darlow, who joined Leeds from Newcastle in the summer of 2023, had not made a league appearance since 29 December that year.

The disappointing draw saw Burnley – who beat Coventry 2-1 – leapfrog Leeds and Sheffield United to the top of the table.

Newcastle’s Nick Pope and Burnley’s James Trafford are on a shortlist to replace Meslier at Elland Road.

But their chances of signing will depend where clubs and players are in the summer.

Manchester United keeper scout Tony Coton is a fan of the 25-year-old and may push his case.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS

Meslier – who is contracted until June 2026 – has made high-profile errors this season but is not short of admirers.

The Frenchman‘s error gifted Swansea their first equaliser in last Saturday’s 2-2 draw.

It was the latest in a series of costly mistakes and led to calls from fans and pundits for Farke to make a change.

He also dropped an almighty clanger as Leeds blew two points at the death against Sunderland in October.

Manager Daniel Farke revealed he had made the decision to drop Meslier to protect the shot-stopper from further scrutiny.

He said:“I work with human beings. For Karl, he is buzzing. For Illan, it’s always a bit difficult to take.

“I think, in general, with a goalkeeper, it’s important you don’t change game to game, even after a few mistakes.“

Sam Allardyce also recently revealed that he dropped Meslier “straight away” as persisting with him was “harmful”.

The veteran boss was given the job for the club’s final four Premier League games of the 2022/23 season in a desperate attempt to avoid relegation.

Big Sam failed to keep the club up, picking up just one point during his brief stint in charge.

But his first action after being appointed was to drop under-fire Meslier for back-up stopper Joel Robles for the end of season run-in.

Meanwhile, Grady Diangana is putting a move to MLS on hold in the hope Leeds and Wolves firm up interest in him.

The West Brom winger, 26, will be a free agent in the summer and  two American sides  are after him already.

AN MP is being investigated by cops over claims of a sex assault at celeb hangout Groucho Club.

The politician was interviewed under caution over the alleged attack at the private members’ club, which closed last year amid a rape probe.

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An MP is being investigated by cops over claims of a sex assault at celeb hangout Groucho Club[/caption]

The MP allegation is not connected to that incident.

And sources said that the MP — elected for the first time last July — had informed parliamentary authorities.

The alleged attack is said to have taken place at the club in London’s Soho in August 2023.

But the MP was only questioned by Scotland Yard last month.

It is unclear whether he knew he was under investigation when he stood in last year’s General Election.

Stars including Stephen Fry, Liam Gallagher, Damien Hirst, Kate Moss and Lily Allen have partied at the £1,250 a year Groucho Club since it opened in 1985.

Its name is a nod to comedy great Groucho Marx, who once said he would not want to be a member of any club that would accept him as one.

Those who want to join must be proposed by an existing member, whose ranks have included Harry Styles, Cara Delevingne and Rachel Weisz.

But it was temporarily shut last year after cops said they were investigating a “serious criminal offence” there.

A man, 34, was arrested on suspicion of rape in December and later bailed.

The Met Police said there were concerns of licensing breaches — and Westminster Council ruled Groucho’s licence be suspended for 28 days.

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The politician was interviewed under caution over the alleged attack at the private members’ club, which closed last year amid a rape probe[/caption]

MICKEY ROURKE has sent shock waves around Hollywood after signing at the last minute for the new series of Celebrity Big Brother.

But pals of the actor fear he could end up “cancelling” himself on the show, which starts tomorrow, due to his hellraising antics.

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Pals of Mickey Rourke fear he could end up ‘cancelling’ himself[/caption]

It comes after the ex-boxer trashed the set of his latest film, The Wheels Of Heaven, and shot scenes in the buff.

A source said: “Mickey is a real character and has a very unique way of going about things. He is outspoken and isn’t afraid to say what’s on his mind. He’s proud of his body and loves walking around naked.”

“Some pals worry he will go on CBB and cancel himself and damage his acting career, while others feel it may be the making of him.

“He is one of a kind and will provide some iconic TV moments, that’s for sure.”

In his new thriller, Mickey — who plays a crazed evangelist — shot several naked scenes. The source said: “Mickey wasn’t afraid to strip off for the role. He’s a very confident, lovely guy, but he’s quite temperamental, a law unto himself.

“It will be interesting to see how that will go down with the rest of the housemates.”

Mickey’s The Wheels Of Heaven co-star and executive producer, Gary Stretch, previously said the damage Mickey caused to the movie set cost a fortune to fix. He explained: “He smashed the set up in one take — and it wasn’t in the script.

“He did it because he’s one of those actors who just does what he wants. He is unpredictable, but I find that exciting. It cost thousands to fix. I was thinking, please don’t hit my million-dollar pound camera.”

Mickey once said he doesn’t like to be disrespected, adding: “If you start to manipulate me and disrespect me . . . then you’re going to have trouble on your hands.”

Uh, oh! I hope the shiny new Diary Room chair doesn’t get trashed . . .

BRING IT ON, OFCOM! SAYS AJ

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AJ Odudu pictured at an awards ceremony last year[/caption]

AJ ODUDU got everyone talking when she wore a raunchy latex catsuit for the relaunch of Big Brother in 2023.

And she doesn’t plan on toning down her look when she hosts the latest series of the celebrity spin-off alongside Will Best.

Chatting to Biz on Sunday ahead of its launch on ITV1 tomorrow, AJ revealed she is prepared for a backlash after BGT judge Amanda Holden received Ofcom complaints for her risque outfits.

AJ, pictured at an awards do last year, said: “This is it. I feel like other people get stressed out. They’re like, ‘We don’t want complaints’.

“But I’m like, ‘Who cares?’ I think getting all dressed up or expressing yourself through fashion in whatever way you feel, it’s sort of like my coat of armour.

“It gets me confident and ready for the show – so it’s about how I feel and how I want to present myself and not really about Ofcom.”

The Big Brother host’s launch-night rubber catsuit left her in a tight spot, though, as she had to resort to smearing herself in lube to slide into it.

Speaking about her wardrobe, AJ said: “It’s hilarious because sometimes I’m like, ‘Oh, I don’t have a catsuit. What are we going to do?’

“I might wear a dress, I might wear a playsuit – maybe that’s the evolution of the catsuit. Who knows? But I love it.” AJ, who grew up in Blackburn, Lancashire, added: “I am a proper northern lass when it comes to getting all dressed up.

“It seems like such a big moment, Celebrity Big Brother – especially the launch night. Of course it is.

“But I am just the same girl as I was going on a night out round Blackburn town centre. Getting ready with my mates, sticking on my eyelashes, whacking on my heels and hobbling out.

“That’s what I do. It’s sort of like me and Will getting ready on that Friday night – Will’s got his quiff clips and we’re excited.”

MICHAEL SHOWS BLONDE AMBITION

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Former Tory MP Michael Fabricant has set up a company to handle his bumper six-figure deal to star in Celebrity Big Brother[/caption]

MICHAEL FABRICANT has set up a company to handle his bumper six-figure deal to star in Celebrity Big Brother.

The controversial former Tory MP has put pen to paper on a huge deal to appear on the hit ITV reality show.

His firm Blonde Bombshell Media was created in February and is described as a “Television Programme Production Activities” company.

Michael is its only director and is listed as having no occupation.

Known for his striking blond locks and unfiltered views, Michael is never far from controversy and is set to live up to his company’s name.

Some of his biggest blunders include defending Boris Johnson over Partygate by suggesting teachers and nurses also enjoyed a “quiet drink” in staff rooms during lockdown. He was later forced to apologise.

A source tells me: “He doesn’t hold back, he’s going to be compulsive viewing. We can’t wait.

“We wanted a top politician but one with an enormous personality which would entertain the viewers.

“He recently lost his seat so was available. The execs are excited that he will be a star of the series.”

BIG LUVVA! ‘SEX DEN SNUG IN THE GARDEN

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Celeb Big Brother bosses have built a cosy snug in the garden[/caption]

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The brand new house has been moved to a new studio in Park Royal, North West London[/caption]

CELEBRITY Big Brother bosses have built a cosy snug in the garden – which the crew has nicknamed the “sex den”.

The brand new house, which has been moved to a new studio in Park Royal, North West London, is also a lot smaller than previous years and only has double beds.

Bosses are hoping the changes will create more drama when the show launches tomorrow night.

The new snug, which features a bright red corner sofa, will be where the celebrities will go to have some peace and quiet.

A source said: “The snug is a genius idea. It’s small and overlooks the garden so the celebs will be able to get some privacy but they’ll also be able to watch any drama going on.

“It’s a bit of a hideout and the perfect setting for romance to blossom.

“Everyone is calling it the sex den, and even if the celebs don’t get steamy there’s big hopes for the civilian version of the show. It’s a great new addition to the house.”

The snug replaces the mezzanine floor which was brought in when ITV rebooted the reality TV show in 2023.

ELLA’S ‘NO FLIRTING’ VOW WITH HUNK CHRIS

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Ella Rae Wise is set to turn heads when she struts into the Celebrity Big Brother[/caption]

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There have already been on-set whispers that she and ex-Love Islander Chris Hughes are a match made in heaven[/caption]

REALITY TV beauty Ella Rae Wise is set to turn heads when she struts into the Celebrity Big Brother house tomorrow.

But I can reveal she’s promised her fella – Towie co-star Dan Edgar – not to have HER head turned.

It comes as there have already been on-set whispers that Ella and ex-Love Islander Chris Hughes, who is also on the CBB line-up, are a blonde match made in heaven.

An insider tells me: “Ella and Dan have worked hard on their relationship to get to this point, having overcome several bumps in the road.

“The last thing Ella wants is for Dan to feel insecure about Chris while she’s in the house with him. She’s promised Dan that she won’t flirt with Chris or lead him on. The very last thing that she wants to do is to embarrass Dan.

“But producers are already predicting Ella and Chris will hit it off, so they may have other ideas about pairing them together in tasks and airing any intimate chats they may have.

“The drama could well spill over into Towie and cause issues in their romance.”

Towie co-star Saffron Barker has also predicted that Ella and Chris could become an item.

She said: “I can imagine Ella’s nervous. I think that she’ll get on with Chris Hughes.

“Ella’s a good-looking girl. You know what happens in these sort of set-ups.

“She’s very strong with Dan. Who knows? It changes quick.

“I think Chris will fancy Ella. But Ella is a loyal girl.”

I wonder if it will stay that way?

AUSSIES’ NOVEL IDEA HILARIOUS

Not known, clear with picture desk

Jane Austen’s classic novel has been given a hilarious makeover[/caption]

JANE AUSTEN’s classic novel has been given a hilarious makeover in this creative and zany reimagining, direct from a sellout run in Australia.

The audience is invited to Pemberley for a chaotic immersive experience, which sees five hugely talented actors take on 20 roles.

During the 90- minute whirlwind, the cast used props and audience interaction, and had us crying with laughter.

You’re encouraged to order nibbles and drinks direct to your seat, which felt indulgent. Playing until May 18.

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