2 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on Jugador hondureño le propone matrimonio a su novia húngara durante la Navidad
Luis Ramos, recordado exjugador de la Selección de Honduras y figura del fútbol europeo, dio un paso importante en su vida personal al comprometerse con su novia, Fábián Hajnalka, una joven húngara de 25 años. La propuesta ocurrió durante las celebraciones navideñas, en un momento que ha enternecido a sus seguidores en redes sociales. El originario de San Pedro Sula, quien tuvo una …
2 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on World Darts Championship LIVE RESULTS: Bunting THROUGH, Heta hits NINE-DARTER, Humphries features, Luke Littler waits
WORLD Darts Championship action has returned after a short Christmas break – and there are several blockbuster matches on show at Ally Pally!
While Stephen Bunting beat Latvian star Madars Ramza 4-1 in the headline match of the afternoon session.
Gerwyn Price and Joe Cullen kickstart tonight’s session while defending champion Luke Humphries plays Welshman Nick Kenny to cap a big night of action.
This means that fans will have to wait until Saturday to see teen sensation Luke Littler in third-round action against Ian White.
2 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on Brand new crime show following UK police force launching in 2025 – but with a big twist
A NEW crime show that puts viewers in the shoes of UK police recruits who undertake a new challenge is due to launch in 2025—but with a big twist.
Brit Cops Down Under is a fly-on-the-wall documentary that follows seven UK police officers who have chosen to move to Australia.
AlamyBritish Police officers test their skills Down Under[/caption]
AlamyThe new recruits swap life in the UK for a new one Down Under[/caption]
The show will soon be available on the U & W and the free streaming service U.
While they may not be new to the force, they are rookies down under and the camera follows their day-to-day work with the Western Australian Cops.
They’ll face huge challenges as Western Australia is the biggest and most remote police area on the planet.
As soon as they land down under, they face a three-month probation period on the beat which will put them through their paces.
Their training includes taser and firearms training, and they must pass all units.
The show is particularly tough as many of the new starters have families and young children and have to leave their lives in the UK behind.
Some had to leave family behind in the UK so they could make a go of it down under.
So it is understandably a tough time for many of the characters viewers see on the screen.
It follows them on the job and off the beat to see how they adapt to their new life.
Helen Nightingale, UKTV head of factual and factual entertainment, said: “Brit Cops Down Under follows people making a massive life change, and the series really captures the emotional upheavals that come with that.
“They are balancing doing what’s best for their families, while also starting an exciting, essential and challenging new job.”
Prospero Productions owner, Managing Director and Executive Producer Julia Redwood said:“…We’re over the moon to be working with UKTV!
“This is not only a wonderful opportunity for us to continue to broaden our partnerships in the UK, but also to demonstrate how Australian and UK stories can combine to create entertaining, engaging programming that I hope will appeal to a wide audience.”
Filming has now wrapped up, so viewers won’t have to wait long to watch it.
The show is due to air on U&W in February 2025 and will be available to stream on U.
2 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on Watch shocking moment crazed Boxing Day STAMPEDE erupts after influencer tells teen fans to ‘rob’ store sparking carnage
THIS is the moment a massive mob of teens storm a street wear store and inflict total carnage.
Footage shows a scrum of hyped up Aussie teens – mainly young men – descending on a pop-up store in Perth after the brand’s owner encouraged followers to ransack his shop.
A frantic mob of teens trying to push their way into the Perth storeInstagram/StreetXWhen the doors opened at 9 am hundreds of teen boys stampeded toward the entranceInstagram/StreetXThe police attended the scene but were said to be “fine” with the crowd’s behaviourInstagram/StreetX
Daniel Bradshaw ran a Boxing Day giveaway of 400 free StreetX t-shirts which fans stampeded and fought to secure.
Daniel told the Western Australian newspaper no one was injured in the mad dash and that police were “fine” with the crowd’s behaviour – although the footage does show some cuts and bruises.
The video posted to Instagram shows hundreds of youngsters running and pushing into the shop with free items of clothing being hurled into the melee.
Other antics caught on camera include the boys glugging milk and raw eggs from shoes, flinging food and liquid at each other and doing some seriously dodgy headshaving.
The line started forming at 11pm on Christmas night on Shafto Lane – 10 hours in advance of opening time.
Customers were forced to wait around in the heat, with temperatures hitting 36 degrees later in the day.
The doors to the shop were flung open at 9am and the teens flooded in, with one even donning a bicycle helmet and others strapped up wearing shoulder bags.
Daniel explained: “We wanted to give our customers something fun.
“We made the entire store free.
“There were 400 items to ‘steal’.”
He added: “It was gone in 30 seconds, it was crazy.
“Just a stampede of people.2
Daniel said that he and the police were happy with the mob’s behaviour, although one mother complained that her son had been “punched in the head” during the rush.
“My son was punched in the head and had his items stolen by a young adult thug,” she commented on a StreetX Instagram video of the morning’s events.
“I get what you’re trying to do but not having any control over violence is just not ok.”
Others also commented on StreetX’s Instagram post noting how chaotic the event was.
One wrote: “Craaaazy cmon now,” whilst another had the opinion that “Nothing’s worth that kind of hype.”
A boy was knocked down by the tide of peopleInstagram/StreetXSome of the bizarre antics included chugging milk and raw eggs from a shoeInstagram/StreetXAll of the t-shirts were snatched from the store within 30 seconds of the door openingInstagram/StreetX
The StreetX mayhem added to the other crowds of people flocking to the shops to try and snatch a Boxing Day bargain.
Daniel is known for his extravagant marketing campaigns and, whilst yesterday’s chaos certainly caused a stir, it was less controversial than last year’s stunt.
On Boxing Day 2023 a mock robbery out of a truck drew criticism from police and city rangers.
“We always do a Boxing Day sale.
“Last year, we did a give-away out the back of a truck.
“This year we wanted something that ideally wouldn’t get us in trouble,” he said.
For those who left empty handed, some free shirts and store vouchers were handed out alongside sale items that could be bought.
Some suffered war wounds as a result of the chaosInstagram/StreetX
2 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on Elf star unrecognisable 21 years after playing Will Ferrell’s younger brother – and quitting fame for normal job
IT is one of the best loved Christmas movies with a star-studded cast.
Over two decades on from it’s realise, the movie’s main star – Will Ferrell – is still starring in films left, right and centre, but the young boy who played Buddy the Elf’s brother, Michael, is no longer in the limelight.
Daniel Tay portrayed Michael, Buddy the Elf’s younger brother in the festive favouriteDaniel, now aged 31, left the world of Hollywood behind in 2009 to dedicate his time to securing a job in teaching
When the movie came out 21 years ago in November 2003, actor Daniel Tay was just 12-years-old when he was cast for the role.
Following his brilliant portrayal of Michael in Elf, Daniel – now a chiselled 31-year-old – has dabbled in a few other movie roles, including the Brooklyn Rule with Freddie Prinze Jr and some voiceover work for Grand Theft Auto.
However, that’s when his IMDB credits stop, as Daniel later headed to Yale and obtained a BA in Economics.
After his studies, he became an SAT instructor at Veritas Prep, a consulting company that does test preparation for graduate schools.
According to the Veritas Prep website: “While at Yale, Daniel served as a Teaching Assistant and Peer Tutor in the Department of Computer Science.
“He was also a recipient of the Richard U. Light Fellowship for his studies in Mandarin Chinese language.
“He believes that teaching and learning are expressions of the basic human need for mutual understanding.
“With this in mind, he works with students to cultivate relationships based in clarity, humour, structure and respect.
“When away from SAT/ACT instruction, Daniel is a professional actor and avid writer.”
Thankfully, the spirit of Daniel’s character Michael lives on, as Elf is still one of the most popular Christmas movies each year.
When it was released in the US, Elf proved to be an instant festive success, grossing $220m (£164m) worldwide.
After his studies, he became an SAT instructor at Veritas Prep, a consulting company that does test preparation for graduate schoolsThe spirit of Daniel’s character Michael lives on, as Elf is still one of the most popular Christmas movies each yearYou can catch Daniel in Elf which is available to stream on Prime Video
2 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on How to shake off the post-Christmas fug with 6 easy at-home moves
CHRISTMAS is all about slobbing out, eating loads of cheese and skipping the gym.
But if after weeks of overindulging you’ve woken up feeling pretty unhealthy and like you haven’t moved your body in months – it’s time to get up and get going!
Start 2025 off with a bang with these easy at-home moves
“Starting the year with movement isn’t just good for your health; it’s a powerful way to feel strong, confident and ready to take on whatever the year brings,” says Mari-Carmen Sanchez-Morris, women’s health and fitness expert and founder of The FIT MAMA Way.
“Establishing an active routine early in the year sets the tone for healthier habits, giving you a strong foundation to work toward whatever goals you’ve set.”
But don’t start by feeling guilty for eating all that Christmas pud.
Mari-Carmen says: “Be kind to yourself. It’s perfectly normal to indulge a little more than usual.
“A few days of extra treats or skipped workouts won’t undo all your progress, so don’t let guilt overshadow the good memories you’ve made.
“Instead of dwelling on what you could have done differently, focus on what you can do now.”
However, it’s easy to fall into the exercise trap of going too hard, too soon and overdoing it.
You don’t want to end up injured, or feeling so rubbish about how out of breath you are that you give up before you’ve even properly started.
Mari-Carmen says the key is to set yourself realistic targets you can actually hit, rather than overwhelming yourself and committing to an extreme workout regime you’ll never stick to.
“Getting the new year off to a good start is all about creating a plan that feels realistic and exciting,” she says.
“Progress isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up for yourself consistently.”
She adds: “When you start with even small steps, like a brisk walk or a short workout, you create a sense of achievement that motivates you to keep going.”
Not sure where to begin? Ease into things with Mari-Carmen’s super simple, super speedy six-step session that you can do without leaving the house.
Get up off the sofa and give your body the boost it needs to blast away the Christmas fug.
Best of all, it’ll take you less than five minutes to complete!
THE POST-CHRISTMAS WORKOUT
Brace and engage your core and do each move for 30 to 45 seconds each, before moving on to the next:
1. Butt kicks
Mari-Carmen Sanchez-MorrisButt kicks are a great way to warm up before launching into the other exercises[/caption]
Get your whole body warmed up with this one.
Start with your feet hip width apart and kick your heels up towards your glutes.
Alternate each leg and bend your knees, sitting back into a squat, in between swapping legs.
Mari-Carmen Sanchez-MorrisNext try walk outs to increase your heart rate[/caption]
These are surprisingly fun and will get your heart rate up.
Stand upright, with feet hip width apart.
Drop your hands to the floor and walk them forwards into a plank position.
Then walk your hands back towards your feet and stand back up.
Repeat without stopping.
3. Press ups
Mari-Carmen Sanchez-MorrisGet into a high plank position and lower yourself to the floor and back up again for press ups[/caption]
Sorry, we know they’re not everyone’s favourite, but press ups are a classic for a reason!
Come into a high plank position – hands directly beneath shoulders, feet parallel and hip width apart.
Keep your hips in line with your shoulders, then bend your elbows to drop your chest towards the ground before pushing back up. Repeat.
Find it too difficult to hold a full press up?
Don’t worry, drop your knees to the floor to make it easier and as you gain strength, build up from there.
The 5 best exercises to lose weight
By Lucy Gornall, personal trainer and health journalist
EXERCISE can be intimidating and hard to devote yourself to, particularly at this time of year, when the rain is as relentless as your craving for carbs.
Mari-Carmen Sanchez-MorrisSquat jumps are great – but you can always stick to regular squats if it’s too tough[/caption]
This is a powerful move.
Start in a squat position – feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, back straight, thighs roughly parallel with the ground.
From there, push up through your legs into a jump before landing back in your squat position. Repeat.
Remove the jump and just stick to squats if you’re finding it too tough.
5. Plyo lunges
Mari-Carmen Sanchez-MorrisPlyo lunges are great but can be challenging[/caption]
Upping the intensity now! These are basically jumping lunges.
Start in a lunge position, with your front foot flat and knee bent, and your back foot on your toes, knee bent towards the floor.
Push off into a jump to switch legs. Repeat.
Struggling? Switch to static alternating reverse lunges instead, where you step back into a lunge then return to standing, feet hip-width apart, before kicking your next leg back into a lunge.
6. Mountain climbers
Mari-Carmen Sanchez-MorrisFinally, have a go at mountain climbers[/caption]
Finish on a high with mountain climbers.
Start in a high plank position and then bring alternate knees into your chest, swapping as fast as you can while maintaining your core connection and plank shape.
THE BENEFITS
The NHS recommends that adults do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week (like brisk walking or having a dance) or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity a week (like taking the stairs, going for a run or having a swim).
And even just a little bit of exercise can make you feel amazing.
“Exercise isn’t just about burning calories; it’s a powerful way to feel good about yourself and get motivated,” says Mari-Carmen.
“Physically, it helps boost your energy levels, improves your fitness, and strengthens your immune system – ideal for tackling the colder months.
“Mentally, exercise is a game-changer. It releases endorphins, which improve your mood and reduce stress, making you feel more positive and focused as you set your goals for the year.”
Focus on consistency over intensity. And it’s not about restriction but balance
Mari-Carmen Sanchez-MorrisThe FIT MAMA Way
You don’t have to commit to a new year training regime alone either – rope a mate or family member in.
Mari-Carmen says: “Don’t forget, exercise can be social!
“Whether you join a class, sign up for a local running group, or just go for a walk with friends, it’s a great way to connect and stay accountable.”
WHAT TO FOCUS ON
The hardest bit is throwing your sports kit on and making time to actually do the workout.
Once you’ve managed that, you’re away.
“Start with what works for you – a few short workouts a week, daily walks, or trying a new fitness class,” says Mari-Carmen.
“The key is finding something you enjoy, so it doesn’t feel like a chore. Exercise should energise and empower you, not drain you,” she adds.
“Next, focus on consistency over intensity.”
Now all the mince pies are gone, you can start thinking about what you put in your body again too
“Nutrition is just as important [as exercise]” says Mari-Carmen.
“After the holiday indulgence, fuelling your body with wholesome, nourishing foods will help you feel your best.
“It’s not about restriction but balance – think adding more, not taking away.”
Stock up on lots of leafy veg, wholegrains and pulses, as well as protein like chicken and salmon to help your muscles recover after a workout.
And remember: “Progress takes time, so celebrate the small wins and don’t get discouraged by setbacks.
“Surround yourself with positive influences – friends, family, or even a PT – who can support and encourage you.”
Mari-Carmen adds: “Celebrate every small step forward, and remember, you’re so much more than a number on the scale or a bit of festive season indulgence.”
It accepts unwanted clothes or textiles from any brand and in any condition.
Just hand over your bag at the checkout, and you’ll get a thank-you voucher for your next purchase.
Once collected, the items are sorted.
Clothes that can be re-worn are sold as second-hand clothing.
Items that aren’t re-wearable are either turned into new products, like remake collections or cleaning cloths, or shredded into textile fibres for uses such as insulation materials.
So not only can you snag some extra savings, but you’ll also be helping the planet – it’s a win-win.
Her video gained a lot of attention, with many people rushing to the comments section to share their thoughts.
Becky bought herself a new fleece sweater with the £5 vouchertiktok/@beckylloyd100
One wrote: “You can take up to seven bags at a time too.”
A second said: “Can you do this with baby clothes as well or just adult ones?”
To which Becky replied: “Any clothes! Any material actually / you can take bedding/ towels etc too.”
Christmas Fashion Tips from an Expert
CLEMMIE Fieldsend, Fashion Editor at Fabulous, has shared her top tips for looking fabulous this Christmas.
AVOID: Christmas jumpers No longer a novelty gag, they’re now gone back to being naff and have no place at a festive party. By all means, go all in for Christmas Jumper Day for Save The Children, but never wear it before or after that day.
WEAR: Burgundy You can’t escape burgundy at this time of year and it’s a luxury, deep and rich colour that is a welcome break from Santa-red at Christmas. Opt for silky textures or velvet for extra style points.
AVOID: PJs The trend of feather trimmed co-ords has had its day and is so dated. Don’t pull out your hair plucked pair this year, and don’t get a new set, instead still go for the satin two-piece but just steer clear of the plumes.
WEAR: Sequin Dress Try to switch up sequins slightly by wearing them with a different texture or colour, eg a sequin skirt with a sleek knit. But when you’re really stuck on what to wear reach for the sequins, it is Christmas after all.
AVOID: Sequin blazer Nothing worse than showing up to a festive do looking like the hired entertainment. Leave the sequin blazer to magicians and Strictly judges, instead always reach for a classic tux style or velvet.
WEAR: Bling trousers Last party season embellished jeans with diamante bling had a moment, and this year they’re going to be as much of a hit. If you don’t want gemstones pinging off wherever you go then try metallic, PU trousers.
And someone else said: “Been doing this for years!
“Honestly, it saves me so much money, even if I do a big shop I will split the order so I can make the most of the savings.”
2 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on Lou Teasdale shares loved-up snaps with Andy Carroll as they spend first Christmas together
LOU Teasdale and Andy Carroll have had a loved up first Christmas, just two months after their relationship went public.
Footballer Andy Carroll and hair stylist Lou Teasdale looked the picture of loved up bliss as they enjoyed Christmas together.
Instagram @louteasdaleLou Teasdale shared loved-up snaps with boyfriend Andy Carroll as they spent first Christmas together[/caption]
Instagram @louteasdaleThe couple took their relationship public in October, just after Andy announced his split from wife Billi Mucklow[/caption]
Lou shared snaps of the happy couple to Instagram, where she told followers: “merry christmas baby”.
In the series of snaps, Lou posed alongside Andy, as well as sharing a video with a puppy.
Andy also shared pictures to his Instagram of his Christmas, but instead shared pictures of him with his children with Lou not featured in his snaps.
Andy recently gushed about his “different world” with Lou, and the changes since leaving his marriage.
Andy, who plays for French side FC Girondins de Bordeaux, gushed of his new romance: “I’ve seen a different world since I’ve been with Lou.
“This Christmas, like she does every Christmas, she will go with her daughter to look after the isolated elderly.”
He added to The Times: “She’s a volunteer for Choose Love and a campaigner for LGBTQ+.
“She says to me, ‘Why would you hate anyone?’ That’s someone I need in my life.”
Instagram @louteasdaleLou and Andy appeared to enjoy a laidback Christmas together[/caption]
Instagram @louteasdaleThe couple have regularly shared updates on their two month relationship[/caption]
Instagram @louteasdaleAndy also shared pictures to his own Instagram, but none featured Lou[/caption]
2 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on Inside bizarre Russian fiefdom Chechnya run by Putin’s ‘war dog’ where jet was blasted by trigger-happy cosplay soldiers
THE bizarre fiefdom of Chechnya has long been controlled by warlord and top Vladimir Putin crony Ramzan Kadyrov and his trigger-happy cosplay soldiers.
East2WestLeader of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov has long ruled over Russian republic with an iron fist[/caption]
East2WestA puffy faced Kadyrov smiling with his boss Vladimir Putin[/caption]
Head of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov stood alongside his family and loyal supportersEast2West
The Christmas Day disaster left 38 dead after the packed passenger plane lost control and smashed into a fireball as it hit the ground.
Reports have been swirling in the days since saying it was shot down by a Russian anti-aircraft missile believed to have been fired from Grozny – the capital of Chechnya.
This has led many to point the finger at Kadyrov for his potential involvement in the fatal festive tragedy.
Vlad’s personal war dog is yet to speak on the crash but footage has reportedly caught the puffy colonel-general speaking to his nephew about “clearing the skies” around the city.
In a widely condemned move Kadyrov even decided to gift his brainwashed subordinate a medal honouring his duties in Chechnya just after the plane had crashed.
Head of the region’s security council, Khamzat Kadyrov, was given the award in a distasteful and public ceremony this week.
Khamzat’s role on Christmas was reportedly to detect and repel Ukrainian drones through the defence systems.
Grozny has become a key target for the Ukrainian Armed Forces in recent months with aerial attacks.
Earlier this month, a giant fireball explosion hit a special forces barracks in the region – causing a fire to break out.
This has led some to speculate that the plane could have been hit as a result of a poorly planned order or a foolish error.
This belief stems from the idea of Chechen officials being no more than trigger-happy cosplay soldiers looking to impress their true leader in Vlad.
Kadyrov’s troops are said to have led the invasion of Ukraine back in 2022 as they helped the Russian military illegally seize land across the border.
But the gun-touting foot soldiers were later seen parading around in their uniforms and bushy beards acting like they were in a playground opposed to a battlefield.
A staggering number of TikTok posts were uploaded in the days after the invasion showing Chechen’s sword fighting with each other, firing at traffic lights and even posing for pictures with ruins.
Critics soon described the men as an army of “TikTok warriors” due to the lack of real fighting being done.
Their tough and aggressive attitude was soon overshadowed by their presence online with many labelling the Chechen army as a mockery of Putin’s well oiled military machine.
The Security Service of Ukraine once said in a Telegram post back at the start of the conflict: “Instead of fighting with Ukrainian defenders, these ‘Putin’s foot soldiers’ are heroically fighting with pine trees.”
Kadyrov’s Armed Forces have often been compared to trigger-happy cosplay soldiersEast2WestEast2WestThe Azerbaijan Airlines plane split in two after it crash landed[/caption]
The units sent by Kadyrov quickly felt the true extent of war as their troops faced rapid losses in Ukraine.
Ever since the faltering start, Kadyrov has tripled the size of his special squad, according to a new investigation by media outlet Proekt.
They claim that nine new Russian paramilitary units have been established since the start of the war through Kadyrov.
The Chechen army has even been seen testing out new war weapons in Ukraine including a flashy but as of yet ineffective Tesla “Cyberbeast”.
The motor is the brainchild of kingpin Kadyrov after he stuck a mounted machine gun on the back of it earlier this year.
Inside the disturbing Ramzan Kadyrov regime
The 5ft 8in Chechen leader has dedicated himself and his republic almost completely to impressing Vlad since he took power in 2007.
The pair of tyrants are often seen grinning with each other with each one seemingly trying to out-do the other with barbaric acts of destruction.
Putin’s war atrocities in Ukraine are heavily documented from senseless bombings to ruthless massacres.
But war dog Kadyrov has been accused of a number of horrifying crimes himself from torture and murder to anti-gay purges.
Kadyrov has been testing out Tesla’s equipped with machine guns to be used by Putin inside UkraineThe stern faced tyrannical pals earlier this yearAFPKadyrov pictured with a golden pistol – and a portrait of Vladimir Putin
Human Rights Watch once said: “If you are detained in Chechnya, you face a real and immediate risk of torture.
“And there is little chance that your torturer will be held accountable.”
Amnesty International have also filed multiple reports on Chechnya and Kadyrov accusing them of organising and allowing for kidnapping and severe assault.
In 2009, Kadyrov made a damming statement as he rejoiced over the idea of honour killings.
He approved the deaths of seven women after claiming they had committed adultery.
He was sanctioned in the UK as far back as 2014 due to his ties with Putin.
The US also hit him with their own sanctions in 2017 after officials accused him of heading “an administration involved in disappearances and extrajudicial killings”.
The short bearded leader has clutched on to power in a lawless Chechnya since taking over in 2007.
He has ruled with an iron fist ever since with his close political alliance with Putin keeping him in charge despite their clear differences.
Chechen service members march along a street following one of Kadyrov’s speeches on the Ukraine warReutersKadyrov lifting weights in the gym as he tries to keep up his tough guy actEAST2WESTRamzan Kadyrov and Vladimir Putin pictured cosying up and beaming[/caption]
Kadyrov has managed to amass an estimated fortune of up to £150million but much of this is spent on lavish items designed to be showed off online.
He has long been touted as the social media leader for his extensive use of TikTok and Instagram – before he was banned altogether.
At his peak, his social media persona had over three million followers.
Many of his posts revolved around his gym lifestyle where he would lift weights for the camera or train in mixed martial arts and boxing.
He would also proudly post snaps with the rich and wealthy who he would meet on his endless global trips.
The warlord pledged to send the monstrous motor across to Russians on the battlefield and even renamed it the “Cyberbeast”.
Experts even told The Sun Online his obscene wealth is simply down to blood money.
It was also mainly Chechens who were blamed for committing brutal human rights violations in Bucha in the early days of the invasion.
The horrifying history of Kadyrov and his regime has meant they are the ideal sidekick to Putin’s Russia.
He has even been described as the son Putin has never had in the past.
Who is Ramzan Kadyrov?
VLADIMIR Putin's Chechen warlord Ramzan Kadyrov has been a staunch supporter of the war in Ukraine.
The former separatist rebel fought against the Russians in the First Chechen War, only to change sides and join Moscow in the second conflict in 1999.
Human rights groups say he personally oversees the torture of political opponents in secret dungeons and runs death squads known as “Kadyrovites”.
Ramzan Kadyrov was born in Chechnya in 1976, and like many men of his generation has lived a life largely defined by two brutal wars that ripped through the republic in the 1990s and 2000s.
In the first Chechen war of 1994 to 1996, he fought alongside his father, Akhmad Kadyrov, for the Chechen separatist cause.
But in 1999, after Mr Putin launched the second Chechen war to restore Russian control over the break away republic, the Kadyrovs changed sides.
Akhmad was subsequently installed as the pro-Russian president of the republic.
When he was assassinated in 2004, the baton of pro-Russian leadership passed to his stocky son.
The tracksuit wearing bodybuilder was not an obvious politician after being backed by Putin, he quickly become one of the most powerful men in Russia.
But as he has grown more powerful, he has become an increasingly divisive figure in Russian politics.
To supporters, he is a Russian patriot who has brought peace to a war ravaged region, presided over unprecedented post-war recovery and reconstruction.
To his enemies he is a turn-coat rebel who has turned Chechnya into his personal fiefdom where Russian law doesn’t apply, and who has used terror and murder to crush not only the separatist Islamist insurgency, but political rivals, human rights activists, and domestic dissenters.
EPAThe Russian duo inspect Nato weaponry stolen by Russian troops during the war[/caption]
nexta_tv / XKadyrov recently flaunted his new Tesla equipped with a machine gun[/caption]
nexta_tv / XKadyrov showing off the modified Cybertruck[/caption]
2 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on Gavin and Stacey fans work out ‘real reason’ for emotional ending of final ever episode
GAVIN and Stacey fans have worked out the ‘real reason’ behind the show’s emotional ending.
Over 12 million viewers tuned in to watch the BBC sitcom’s final ever outing after 17 years.
Gavin and Stacey have worked out the ‘real reason’ for the show’s final episode scriptBBCBBCSmithy and Nessa tied the knot leaving viewers emotional by the tear-jerking scenes[/caption]
It almost didn’t happen as the larger-than-life character was set to get hitched to Sonia before family and friends intervened.
Beforehand, Smithy’s friends organised a big stag do for his final week of freedom
However, it didn’t go according to plan with their once hilarious foam disco parties now failing to hit the mark.
Commenting on the scenes, Gavin and Stacey fans understood why James and Ruth wrote the scenes the way they did.
One viewer remarked: “The disappointment of the night out the lads had meticulously planned was so relatable…trying to repeat the past never works and helped them to realise how much they’ve changed.
“Old Smithy would have been inconsolable about this fail – the more mature version is the man he needs to be to finally get together with Nessa and not care what anyone else thinks.”
A second replied: “I thought it was also a gentle message to the audience about how the show cant carry on or come back and be just how it was – sometimes you just have to appreciate things for what they were and move on.”
“I also thought it was a good nod to how much older they are now compared to the original series when they did enjoy foam parties,” a third posted.
Overnight figures show Gavin and Stacey attracted the largest Christmas Day audience since 2008.
Some viewers will remember Barry’s own Del Boy, Dick Powell, who has popped up throughout the series, flogging random wares.
He’s sold everything from Black Market sat navs to meat he’s stolen from the slaughterhouse.
Dick is also the only resident on the Island who speaks only Welsh.
Despite appearing in two episodes and being mentioned many times throughout the show, the dodgy salesman was not in the finale.
Gavin and Stacey's Best Moments
With the news that the show is set to make an exciting return to screens, let's take a look at some of the comedy programme's biggest and best moments...
Smithy and Rudi’s American Boy rap – No one will ever forget when James Corden and Sheridan Smith rapped perfectly word for word the Kanye West and Estelle hit American Boy as they walked across the car park on the phone to Gavin.
Pam’s Vegetarian faux pas – Despite loving a cheesburger, Pam found herself caught up in a web of unexpected lies when she claimed to be Vegetarian. She is forced to keep up the secret throughout the entire show and uses hubby Mick to help her scoff meat. She is later rumbled when Stacey catches her in the act as she scoffs ham in the kitchen. Stacey says to her: “Is that ham, Pam!?… “I’ve seen you, Pam. A scotch egg here, a bit of bacon there, putting those regular sausages into the Linda McCartney box”.
THAT fishing trip – It remains one of the biggest mysteries in Gavin and Stacey history as to just exactly what did happen on the ill-fated fishing trip. Bryn appears to be hiding a secret as to an occurance between him and his nephew Jason which has left relations fractures. Ness’ on-off boyfriend, Dave, is the only other person to know the whole truth. Bryn did appear to allude to him and Jason lying together naked to keep warm as he said to Dave: “We’re going to have this out, once and for all, man to man, you may know what happened, David, but you don’t know why it happened! It was freezing cold, it was! And when you are that cold…”
Islands in the Stream – No one can ever forget the classic Karaoke performance of Islands in the Stream. Nessa and Bryn performed the track in front of all their nearest and dearest. It saw the whole pub burst into some line-dancing as they enjoyed a boozy night out.
The Xmas special proposal – In 2019, fans were left overjoyed when the show made a comeback but it ended on the ultimate cliffhanger. Nessa asked Smithy if she would marry him as she finally laid bare her feelings for him. Fans were gutted as the show then cut straight to the credits as they never found out just how Smithy answered. Will all be revealed in the brand new episode?
