Richmond's Noah Balta could make his AFL comeback three days before being sentenced in court for assault, after returning to action in a VFL practice match.
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Tigers to wait on Balta selection call after VFL return
Anthony Albanese officially kicks off Labor’s re-election campaign in Perth
The Prime Minister has finally shown a bit of fire, addressing party faithful as Labor’s re-election campaign officially gets underway.
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Australian Athletics Championships: Gout Gout wins 200m final amid Lachlan Kennedy false start
The much-anticipated 200m battle between Gout Gout and Lachlan Kennedy was filled with drama, with the latter false-starting before Gout registered a scorching time in Perth. WATCH IT HERE
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Dockers leaders back hamstrung Fyfe to fight back
Fremantle veteran Nat Fyfe faces another stint on the sidelines with a hamstring injury but coach Justin Longmuir expects his star to bounce back this season.
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Map reveals postcode lottery for Wetherspoons prices – where does YOUR local rank?
PUNTERS at Wetherspoons are paying up to 130% more based on where they drink.
We compared prices of three top drinks – a pint of Carling, a pitcher of Blue Lagoon cocktail and a pint of Strongbow – at 179 Wetherspoons pubs across England.
Carling fans pay an £3.65 extra for a pint based on what pub they order at.
A pitcher of Blue Lagoon can be £8 more expensive, while a pint of Strongbow has a price difference of £2.75, depending on where you drink.
We found the cheapest pint of Carling you can get is at The Bell, in Amesbury, Wiltshire – where it costs £2.34.
At the other end of the scale, The Moon Under Water, in Westminster, London, is charging punters £5.99 for a pint of the same beer – a £3.65 jump.
Customers looking to get a cheap Strongbow should head to The Red Lion in Bedlington in Northumberland, where it costs just £2.25.
Meanwhile, the most expensive Spoons spot selling the cider is The Moon Under Water, Westminster, where it costs £5 – £2.75 more.
The price you pay for a Blue Lagoon cocktail also varies drastically depending on where you live.
We found the Robert Fitzharding in Bedminster, Bristol, selling it for £6.44.
But The Willow Walk in Victoria, Westminster, London was selling the same cocktail for £14.85 – £8.41 more.
We also found you could end up paying more for your favourite drink at pubs within just several miles of each other.
Punters paying for a pint of Carling at The Moon Under Water in Colindale, North West London, face a £2.63 charge at the pumps.
However, order the same drink at The Beaten Docket in Cricklewood, only four miles away, and the cost rises to £3.49 – an 86p difference.
Meanwhile, customers buying a Strongbow from The Butter Cross in Bingham, Nottinghamshire pay £2.54.
But punters after one at the Trent Bridge Inn in West Bridgford, around eight miles away, pay just £2.40 – a 14p difference.
A Wetherspoons spokesperson said: “Wetherspoon takes pride in offering its drinks and food at value for money prices at its pubs across the UK and Republic of Ireland.
“All prices for both drink and food are listed in the individual pubs.
“Wetherspoon is transparent about the fact that prices will vary in some areas; for example prices in central London will be higher than those in north Wales.
“This is, among other reasons, due to higher property prices and the running of the pubs.
“However, even in the locations where prices might be higher than in other Wetherspoon pubs, the prices are still good value and in many cases, lower than competing pubs.”
Customers looking to find out how much drinks cost at their local Wetherspoons branch can use the pub chain’s app.
It is free to download off of the Apple App Store or Google Play.
You just have to click the “Pub Finder” widget at the bottom of the screen and then click “Select your Pub”, then “Browse the Menu”.
MORE ON WETHERSPOONS
The Sun exclusively revealed at the start of the year Spoons had upped the price of a host of drinks and menu items across its pubs.
The chain bumped up prices on drinks by 15p while meal deals were increased by 30p.
Spoons also recently made a change to its food menu by introducing a £2.99 breakfast deal at 650 pubs.
Customers can now choose from a breakfast muffin or small breakfast with soft or hot drink from 8am to midday, with veggie options available.
Meanwhile, tea and toast, which comes with two slices and either jam or marmalade, costs £2.49.
The pub chain, headed by Tim Martin, has also added two new pints to pumps in recent weeks – 1664 Kronenbourg and Jaipur.
How can I save money at Wetherspoons?
PUB-GOERS love Wetherspoons for its competitive pricing and low-cost meals - but did you know there are more ways to save money?
Senior consumer reporter Olivia Marshall explains how.
Free refills – Buy a £1.50 tea, coffee or hot chocolate and you can get free refills. The deal is available all day, every day.
Check a map – Prices can vary from one location the next, even those close to each other.
So if you’re planning a pint at a Spoons, it’s worth popping in nearby pubs to see if you’re settling in at the cheapest.
Choose your day – Each night the pub chain runs certain food theme nights.
For instance, every Thursday night is curry club, where diners can get a main meal and a drink for a set price cheaper than usual.
Pick-up vouchers – Students can often pick up voucher books in
their local near universities, which offer discounts on food and drink, so keep your eyes peeled.
Get appy – The Wetherspoons app allows you to order and pay for your drink and food from your table – but you don’t need to be in the pub to use it.
Taking full advantage of this, cheeky customers have used social media to ask their friends and family to order them drinks. The app is free to download on the App Store or Google Play.
Check the date – Every year, Spoons holds its Tax Equality Day to highlight the benefits of a permanently reduced tax bill for the pub industry.
It usually takes place in September, and last year it fell on Thursday, September 14.
As well as its 12-day Real Ale Festival every Autumn, Wetherspoons also holds a Spring Festival.
Boat Race 2025 commentators and presenters: Who is providing Cambridge vs Oxford coverage for BBC?
OXFORD and Cambridge Universities will battle it out in boats on the River Thames for the 170th time on Sunday.
Here we take a look at the BBC presenters and commentators bringing all of the action of the Boat Race 2025 to a screen near you.
Clare Balding
Clare Balding was born in Kingsclere, Hampshire, on January 29, 1971.
She is an award-winning broadcaster, journalist and author who comes from a family with strong ties to horse racing and started her career covering the sport.
Clare’s many top presenting roles include reporting from seven Olympic Games, as well as hosting Channel 4 Racing, Wimbledon, the Grand National and BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
She will anchor coverage of the Boat Race on BBC One, bringing her expertise as a former rower for Newnham College at Cambridge University.
Clare has been leading the BBC‘s coverage of the Boat Race since 2010.
Andrew Cotter
Andrew Cotter was born in Troon, Ayrshire, Scotland, on July 20, 1973.
He is known for his work with the BBC, covering a variety of sports including golf, rugby union, tennis and athletics.
The seasoned broadcaster will serve as the lead commentator for the Boat Race — a position he has held since the event returned to the BBC from ITV in 2010.
He has been praised for his ability to make rowing accessible to a wider audience and his commentary style, combining general observations like landmarks along the course with insights into race dynamics and the actions of coxes.
Experts including Matthew Pinsent, Katherine Grainger and James Cracknell will provide insight and analysis alongside Andrew.
Lee McKenzie
Lee McKenzie was born in Ayr, Scotland, on December 1, 1977.
She is a journalist and presenter best known for her work in motorsport.
Lee will assist in covering both the Men’s and Women’s races, adding depth to the Boat Race broadcast.
She is known for her versatility in sports journalism, having covered a wide range of events including Wimbledon, the Six Nations and Olympics.
As well as presenting sports, Lee was previously a co-driver in World Rally Championships.
She made history by becoming the first woman to be awarded the Jim Clark Memorial Award for her achievement in the sport.
Qasa Alom
Qasa Alom was born and raised in Birmingham.
He is a journalist, documentary filmmaker, and TV and radio broadcaster.
The versatile presenter has covered various sports and events for the BBC, including the Commonwealth Games, London Marathon and Wimbledon.
Qasa has also worked on landmark events outside of the world of sport, including numerous General Elections.
Qasa will provide roving reports during the Boat Race 2025.
His role in the coverage includes capturing the atmosphere and providing live updates from different points along the course.
People are raving about the 60p hack for painting garden fences in minutes & say it’s way better & quicker than a brush
NOW that sunnier days are on the horizon, many people are turning their attention to their gardens.
If you feel like your fence could do with a spruce up and are considering giving it a lick of paint, one woman has shared a handy hack.
Julie claims the trick to painting fences is to ditch using a brush and pick up a sponge instead.
On her @julie_bud account, she wrote: “I tried the sponge painting on fences today.
“To be honest I didn’t expect it to work, but what a game-changer.”
The home owner shared how it sped up the process and made it so much easier.
Julie added: “All those wasted hours previously.”
She showed how you just need to dip a large sponge in the paint and then wipe it onto the wooden slats.
In the comments she advised: “Get a decent sponge like a car one, I used about five kitchen ones.”
In seconds the fence will be evenly coated, and you don’t have to worry about brush strokes being visible.
Many people were hugely impressed with the DIY hack and said they would try it out for themselves ahead of summer.
One said: “My shed needs a big refresh.. will 100 per cent try this!”
Another commented: “Use the £1 sponges from b&q they’re awesome for this just done mine.”
While some suggested using a sprayer or a brush, Julie claimed her method is “so much quicker” and is more accurate than a sprayer.
Simon Wardle, owner of patio supplier Armstrong Cheshire, also swears by the hack.
The expert revealed that painting your fence with a sponge can help to save you money as well as time and effort.
According to the pro, using a traditional brush can result in aching arms, uneven coverage, and a time-consuming technique.
“The flexibility and porousness of a sponge make it the perfect tool for painting your fence,” he explained.
“It can mould around and reach into any nooks and indentations in the wood, allowing for smooth coverage even on the most textured fence panels.”
He also pointed out the benefits to opting for sponges over paint bushes.
“Using a sponge significantly reduces the physical strain associated with traditional brush application,” Simon said.
For the best results, Simon suggested applying a primer to protect your fence from the elements.
As well as helping prevent weather damage, primer also ensures the paint adheres properly to your fence.
You should also clean any dirt or debris from the surface with a power washer or stiff-bristle brush.
This will help to prevent peeling or blistering in the future.
10 DIY hacks for under £1 each
These simple and affordable DIY hacks can help you get creative while saving money
Homemade Air Freshener:
Mix baking soda with a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Place it in a small jar with a perforated lid to keep your home smelling fresh.
Upcycled Tin Can Planters:
Clean and paint empty tin cans to use as stylish planters for herbs or small plants.
Custom Phone Stand:
Use a sturdy piece of cardboard or an old plastic credit card to create a custom phone stand. Decorate it with washi tape or paint.
DIY Lip Scrub:
Combine sugar and a bit of honey or coconut oil to make a natural lip scrub. Store in a small container.
Personalised Bookmarks:
Use old greeting cards or decorative paper to create unique bookmarks. Punch a hole at the top and add a ribbon for a finishing touch.
Decorative Mason Jars:
Paint or decoupage old mason jars to use as decorative vases, storage containers, or candle holders.
Easy Cable Organiser:
Use empty toilet paper rolls to organize cables and cords. Decorate the rolls with colorful paper or tape.
Magnetic Spice Jars:
Attach small magnets to the lids of small jars and stick them to a metal board or fridge for easy-access spice storage.
Handmade Coasters:
Cut out squares from old corkboard or felt and decorate them with paint or fabric to create custom coasters.
Natural All-Purpose Cleaner:
Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of essential oil for a pleasant scent. Use it to clean surfaces around your home.
Benidorm’s biggest dramas behind the scenes – from fans ‘licking & groping’ stars to the punch-ups that turned real
A CROSS-DRESSING bar man, mobility scooters, chain smoking and sun-worshipped skin – these are all thigh-slapping features from ITV’s Benidorm.
The iconic sitcom, which was first aired in 2007 and then axed in 2018, was famed for its foul-mouthed characters, slapstick humour and situations that made viewers recoil in horror.
Benidorm hilariously portrayed British holidaymakers mixing with quirky staff at the Solana all-inclusive resort in Spain.
But it turns out that the show had just as much toe-curling drama going on behind the scenes.
One cast mate was LICKED by fans on a daily basis, while another momentarily died on the operating table during filming for series nine.
It comes after The Sun exclusively revealed that the ITV sitcom is set to return for an 11th series eight years after it was brutally axed.
Channel bosses are in secret talks over a comeback for the award-winning show about Brits abroad, with hopes of reuniting the all-star cast.
Favourites included Tim Healy’s cross-dressing bartender Les, and loud-mouth matriarch Madge Harvey, played by Sheila Reid, who chain-smoked while driving around the resort on her mobility scooter.
Guest stars included Sheridan Smith, Steve Pemberton, Hannah Waddingham and Johnny Vegas — plus cameos from Cilla Black and Joan Collins.
Benidorm was scrapped just two months before winning Best Comedy at the TV Choice Awards in 2018.
At the height of its success, the show had nearly eight MILLION viewers tuning in.
But what those countless watchers didn’t know was that the drama behind the scenes was just as compelling as what was happening on the telly.
Fabulous takes a look at the off-screen dramas that Benidorm fans likely didn’t know about…
Physical brawl
Character arguments were a big part of Benidorm scripts – and some of those included physical fights.
However, one actress is said to have taken an on-screen brawl too far when she actually began “thumping” her co-star in the face.
Sherrie Hewson, who played hotel manager Joyce Temple Savage, was at the heart of a bitter on-screen rivalry with Tony Maudsley, who played hairdresser Kenneth du Beke.
One fictional row turned physical in real life, when Sherrie, 74, began whacking Tony, 57, for real.
She revealed in an interview afterwards that she heard Tony exclaim: “You’re actually doing it for real Sherrie. You’re actually thumping me in the face!”
The actress admitted she apologised, but also confessed that she “really wanted to smack” Tony on-screen and thought it would look better for the cameras if she did it for real.
Horny fans
Womaniser Mateo Castellanos is Solana Resort’s barman and the show’s only Spanish character, played by actor Jake Canuso, 55.
The character might be a total sleazeball who is infamous for always getting his own way with the ladies, but that didn’t stop Benidorm viewers fawning after Jake.
In fact, fans would approach him in real life looking for a slice of the Spaniard, whose nicknames included Rude Pig, Dirty Diego and Slime Ball.
Jake revealed in an interview with The Sun in 2018 that he “gets all the groping” from fans, adding: “I get licked and kissed on a daily basis.”
Fans of the flirty bar man can also get a piece of him thanks to Jake selling personalised videos on the popular celebrity messaging platform Cameo.
He has countless five star reviews and advertises his videos by introducing himself with: “Mateo from Benidorm at your services.”
Mid-series ‘death’
English actor Tim Healey, 73, had been starring as cross-dressing barman Les Conroy in Benidorm for six years when he nearly died during filming for the ninth series.
He developed a mystery illness just three episodes in, and the show’s creator Derren Little later revealed that he almost died.
“He was incredibly unwell,” the programme supremo told Cool FM Spain. “He was in a pretty bad way.
“[Surgeons] operated on him and it didn’t go well at all.
“He died. He flat lined. They had to resuscitate him. He was in intensive care for a month.”
Tim was airlifted back to the UK to recover in his Wilmslow home for the rest of the series, before making a comeback for series 10.
Ofcom complaints
Benidorm bosses were left scrambling behind the scenes when a whopping 118 viewers complained about an episode “containing a highly offensive comment” about people with cleft lip and palate.
Sherrie Hewson’s character Joyce Temple-Savage described a person who appeared to have the condition as having “the voice of a 13-year-old girl and a face like a dropped pie”.
The remark, made on the final episode of the ninth series, sparked fury amongst watchers and charities alike.
One charity which supports people affected by the condition – which is characterised by an opening or gap in the roof of the mouth that can affect speech, feeding and hearing – branded the comment “ignorant” and said it had “outraged” people.
TV star Carol Vorderman, whose brother Anton was born with the condition, endorsed an open letter to ITV sent by the Cleft Lip And Palate Association.
The group said it was “almost unbelievable” that the line made it into the final cut of the show and provided their supporters with details of how to complain to Ofcom.
Passenger plane carrying six people crashes in New York state leaving at least one dead after slamming into muddy field
AT LEAST one person has been killed after a plane carrying six people crashed in New York state.
The twin-engined plane came down yesterday about 50 miles south of the state capital Albany.
The Mitsubishi MU-2B went down in a muddy field at 12.15pm in Copake, New York, near the Massachusetts state line.
The plane was bound for the Columbia County Airport, near Hudson, New York.
It was not immediately clear if there were other injuries or fatalities.
Both the FAA and the local sheriff’s office said that National Transportation Safety Board officials would provide more information on Sunday.
At a press conference, Columbia’s Undersheriff, Jacqueline Salvatore, told reporters that snow and wet ground were hampering response efforts.
“It’s in the middle of a field and it’s pretty muddy, so accessibility is difficult,” she said.
It was not immediately clear Saturday afternoon what had caused the plane to crash.
The crash is the latest air accident to hit the US – which has seen a flurry of fatalities since the start of 2025.
And it is just days after a helicopter crashed into the Hudson River in New York City killing the pilot and a family of five.
The sightseeing helicopter, a Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV, broke apart midair before plunging into the icy cold river.
Navy SEAL veteran Sean Johnson was giving the Spanish family a tour of New York City when the chopper suddenly nosedived
Siemens boss Agustin Escobar, his wife Mercè Camprubí Montal, and their three children, aged four, five, and 11, died along with Johnson.
The family family had landed in New York just hours before the wreck, having flown in from Barcelona to kick off their vacation.
But tragedy struck around 3.17 pm, when the helicopter reportedly broke apart midair and plunged into the Hudson, killing four people on impact.
Two others were later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Michael Roth, the owner of the helicopter, told The Telegraph: “He [the pilot] called in that he was landing and that he needed fuel.
“It should have taken him about three minutes to arrive, but 20 minutes later, he didn’t arrive.”
More to follow… For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos.
Like us on Facebook at TheSunUS and follow us on X at @TheUSSun
Michael Fabricant breaks silence on Mickey Rourke’s Celebrity Big Brother axe a day after he was first to be evicted
MICHAEL Fabricant has broken his silence on Mickey Rourke’s shock Celebrity Big Brother axe.
The Sun was first to report how American actor and professional boxer Mickey, 72, was chucked out of the ITV compound after “threatening and abusive” behaviour towards a co-star.
Mickey, who was ITV’s highest paid housemate of the series, was told to pack his bags after only six days following a series of controversial incidents.
It came after fans speculated he was specifically breaking show rules to bag his whopper fee and be forced to leave.
Now former Conservative politician Michael, 74, who was the first of the CBB 2025 line-up to be evicted earlier this week, has shed more light on his sudden departure.
He took to his page on X to re-post a message about 9 1/2 Weeks actor Mickey and bluntly wrote: “He wanted to leave on day one!”
This prompted a fan to comment underneath: “Can you go back in then? We need you backkkkkk.”
A second put: “Shame they cant put you back in to replace him, really.”
A third said: “Mickey will be delighted, Michael. You must be wishing this happened a day earlier!”
They are part of a host of fans who have demanded Michael be reinstated in the spy house following Mickey’s departure.
MICKEY’S EXIT
Mickey’s departure follows the Bafta winner’s formal warning over a homophobic slur during Wednesday’s episode.
A spokesman for the reality show said: “Mickey Rourke has agreed to leave the Celebrity Big Brother House this evening following a discussion with Big Brother regarding further use of inappropriate language and instances of unacceptable behaviour.”
It’s believed the Oscar-nominated star displayed “threatening and aggressive” behaviour towards his housemate Chris Hughes during a disagreement in a task.
No physical altercation is said to have taken place.
The A-list actor – who starred in the acclaimed 2008 film The Wrestler – survived the first eviction of the series on Friday night, which saw Tory MP Michael Fabricant leave the house.
Fans are now demanding ITV producers show exactly why Mickey was booted off the show when the series returns tonight.
Celebrity Big Brother 2025 line-up
Celebrity Big Brother is back for a brand new series, with a whole host of stars set to live it up in the famous compound.
Here’s the FULL line-up of star housemates:
Trisha Goddard – Talk show host
Mickey Rourke – Hollywood actor
Donna Preston – comedian and TV star
JoJo Siwa – influencer and singer
Chris Hughes – Love Island hunk
Jack P. Shepherd – Coronation Street star
Patsy Palmer – EastEnders legend
Daley Thompson – Olympic athlete
Chesney Hawkes – 90s singer
Ella Rae Wise – Towie star
Michael Fabricant – former Tory politician
Angellica Bell – former CBBC presenter
Danny Beard – Drag queen and Britain’s Got Talent
A show insider told The Sun: “Mickey was never going to last the distance, but no one expected him to leave quite so soon and certainly not under these circumstances.
“He clearly decided it wasn’t for him. Everyone’s been left shocked.”
FIRST EVICTION
Michael found himself up for eviction along with Hollywood actor Mickey and Coronation Street star Jack P. Shepherd.
He was shown the door after receiving the fewest public votes.
Michael was met with cheers from the crowd as he told hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best: “I’m very sad to say goodbye to all my friends. They were lovely people.”
Michael had been nominated for eviction by Mickey, Angellica Bell, JoJo Siwa, Chris Hughes, Patsy Palmer and Trisha Goddard.
Jack, meanwhile, found himself up following nominations from Angellica, JoJo, Danny Beard, Ella Rae Wise, Donna Preston, Chesney Hawkes, Patsy and Trisha.
JoJo had automatically placed Mickey at risk after being given the gift of a Killer Nomination earlier this week.
Michael, who is known for his eccentric fashion choices, clutched a teddy bear as he left the Celebrity Big Brother house on Friday night.
