3 weeks agoLatest NewsComments Off on World champion cyclist pleads guilty over death of Olympic star wife in car incident
FORMER world cycling champion Rohan Dennis had pleaded guilty over a car crash in Australia which killed his wife Melissa Hoskins.
Fellow Olympic cyclist Hoskins, 32, died in hospital on 30 December 2023, after being struck by a vehicle being driven by Dennis outside their home in Adelaide.
GettyRohan Dennis has plead guilty over the tragic death of his wife Melissa Hoskins[/caption]
Mum of two Australian cyclist Melissa Hoskins died at the end of 2023
The 34-year-old was initially charged with dangerous driving causing death and driving without due care.
But on Tuesday he admitted a lesser charge – one aggravated count of creating the likelihood of harm.
Dennis, from Adelaide, will be sentenced at a later date.
It carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison.
Dennis’ guilty plea means he has admitted to driving a car when Hoskins was in close proximity, knowing that act was likely to cause harm or being recklessly indifferent to whether it would.
Jane Abbey KC said: “There was no intention of Mr Dennis to harm his wife and this charge does not charge him with responsibility for her death.”
Hoskins was survived by her two young children whom she shared with her husband Dennis.
She was a world champion in the team pursuit in 2015 and a two-time Olympian, finishing fifth at Rio 2016.
Hoskins, who retired from pro cycling in 2017, married Dennis in February 2018.
Dennis, who retired from professional cycling in 2023, won stages at the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a Espana.
A multiple world champion on both road and track, he won road time trial bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, having won team pursuit silver at London 2012.
He also won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2022.
Just six days ago Rohan posted a tragic last snap with his wife and kidsGettyHoskins was a world champion in the team pursuit in 2015 and a two-time Olympian, finishing fifth at Rio 2016[/caption]
3 weeks agoLatest NewsComments Off on Top flight referee sacked for failing to turn up to match ‘after he was drugged by escort the night before’
A REFEREE has been sacked after failing to turn up to a match after allegedly being drugged.
Mexico top flight ref Rosario Cardenas has not officiated a match since missing a fixture between Monterrey and Tigres in October.
Rosario Cardenas has been sacked following an investigationGetty
Cardenas was set to be the fourth official for the clash but did not turn up – supposedly due to an incident that happened the night before.
He was suspended by the Mexican Referees Commission pending an investigation, which has now concluded and resulted in his sacking.
A statement read: “In order to ensure transparency and compliance with the protocols, this Commission informs that, following the investigation, it has decided to terminate the contract of the referee Rosario Guadalupe Cárdenas for non-compliance with the Arbitration Rules.”
The Commission initially explained Cardenas absence from the match was down to “medical reasons”.
But former referee Francisco Chacon has since claimed Cardenas was absent due to his actions the night before.
He suggested Cardenas hired a woman to come round to his hotel room, and she subsequently drugged and assaulted the official.
Chacon said: “It turns out that Mr. Rosario Cardenas decided to hire a companion one day before the game.
“He took her to his hotel where he was staying, and there he was drugged and assaulted, which is why he did not make it to his game.
Mexican newspaper Record reported the official had been found to have violated the ‘ethical and professional values’ of Mexican Football Federation, with a source stating an investigation remains ongoing into the reports Cardenas had been assaulted by a sex worker.
3 weeks agoLatest NewsComments Off on Love Island star reveals home was destroyed by 50ft SINKHOLE which sparked evacuation of dozens of families from estate
A LOVE Island star has revealed how him home was destroyed by a 50ft sinkhole which sparked the evacuation of dozens of families from the same estate.
Liam Reardon, who won the 2021 season of the show, fell victim to the sinkhole which appeared in front of the home he rents with his family.
InstagramLiam made the announcement in a post on Instagram[/caption]
InstagramHe revealed how his family had been affected by the giant sinkhole[/caption]
Richard Swingler/WalesOnlineThe enormous cavity opened up at the start of this month[/caption]
Richard Swingler/WalesOnlineIt has caused severe disruption to the lives of those with homes close to the site[/caption]
Around 30 homes were evacuated in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales on December 1, with some residents moved to hotels while others stay with relatives.
The vast crater appeared in the wake of Storm Bert which brought 75mph winds and widespread flooding.
In a video posted on Instagram, the former Love Island star said: “The massive hole which is circling around the UK is unfortunately my house.
“Me and my family have had to evacuate the home, and we won’t be returning.
“I think they’re going to have to knock the house down to be honest.”
Images from the scene show the cavernous hole extending from almost the centre of a residential road, all the way across the pavement and across about half of where one homeowner’s driveway used to be.
It reaches about 50ft across and looks to be in excess of 20ft deep.
The entire area has been cordoned off while council workers ensure that the area is safe and that the hole isn’t set to grow.
Work to stabilise the sinkhole is ongoing in Nant Morlais, in the Pant area of the town, and it is not yet known when people will be able to return to their houses.
Many residents are hoping to move back in by the end of this week, with some worried they won’t make it home until Christmas.
Anne Edwards, who was forced from her home, said authorities are looking to return her to her home “before Christmas”.
However, she added that people whose bungalows were damaged by the sinkhole “won’t be going back for a while”.
She told The Mirror: “There’s nothing we can do really, the workers are doing wonders, but we have just got to wait and see what happens, it’s one of those things.”
The council has brought in three cranes to help stabilise the road, while water pumps are diverting the flow of the river.
The council previously warned people to “stay away” from the area following the sinkhole’s appearance to “allow engineers to keep working safely”.
Anne said she was not aware whether the sinkhole had become any bigger as a result of Storm Darragh, which blasted the UK, especially Wales, with high winds and heavy rain over the weekend.
InstagramLiam spoke on his podcast with girlfriend Mille Court[/caption]
Richard Swingler/WalesOnlineCrews at the site of the sinkhole[/caption]
3 weeks agoLatest NewsComments Off on Arnold Yarrow dead: Doctor Who legend & oldest surviving cast member dies aged 104 as fans pay tribute
ARNOLD Yarrow, the beloved actor known for his guest role in the classic Doctor Who series, has died at the age of 104.
Yarrow was the oldest surviving credited cast member in the history of the iconic science fiction show.
Doctor Who star Arnold Yarrow has died aged 104Yarrow played Bellal in the serial Death to the Daleks
The British actor, screenwriter, and playwright had a career spanning several decades.
Born in 1920, he became a familiar face on television screens and a respected figure behind the scenes as a writer.
Yarrow made his mark on Doctor Who in 1974, playing the fan-favourite character Bellal in the serial Death to the Daleks.
Appearing alongside Jon Pertwee’s Third Doctor and Elisabeth Sladen’s Sarah Jane Smith, Yarrow’s Bellal was a member of the Exxilon species who assisted the Time Lord in battling the Daleks.
Portraying Bellal required Yarrow to wear a complex and cumbersome costume, an experience he candidly discussed in a 2020 interview with Doctor Who historian Toby Hadoke.
“It was made of separate bits that were all glued together – I was stuck in there for three hours at a time,” Yarrow recalled.
“There were two tiny pinholes for eyes to look out of and nostrils to breathe through. My vision was extremely limited.”
Devastated fans have been paying heartfelt tributes to the late star online.
On X (formerly Twitter), one user shared a clip from Death to the Daleks, writing: “RIP Arnold Yarrow (1920–2024) Yarrow appeared (completely consumed in a latex costume which utilised front axial projection to make it glow) as Bellal in ‘Death to the Daleks’ alongside Jon Pertwee and Elisabeth Sladen.”
Another fan, meanwhile, posted: “Bye bye, Bellal RIP Arnold Yarrow”
Despite the challenges of the role, Yarrow fondly remembered Jon Pertwee, praising the Doctor Who star’s kindness and support on set.
“Jon was very considerate,” Yarrow told Radio Times.
“He looked after me and guided me around the set.”
But he admitted that the discomfort of the costume would have deterred him from a longer stint on the show.
Bellal’s popularity endured as the character was seen as “oddly endearing” despite his peculiar appearance.
Bellal also made a brief return via archive footage in The Sarah Jane Adventures in 2010.
Beyond Doctor Who, Yarrow enjoyed a prolific career in British television.
He appeared in early episodes of EastEnders as Benny Bloom, as well as roles in Coronation Street, Dr Finlay’s Casebook, and Life with Cooper.
Yarrow also contributed as a scriptwriter for shows such as EastEnders and Softly, Softly.
Arnold Yarrow leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances and creative contributions to British television, cherished by fans of all generations.
More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
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3 weeks agoLatest NewsComments Off on Ange Postecoglou set for fiercest reception yet after boos against Bournemouth and Chelsea – and NOT from Tottenham fans
ANGE POSTECOGLOU is braced for a red-hot reception in the Europa League on Thursday – and NOT from Tottenham fans.
After enduring personal abuse at Bournemouth last Thursday and more jeers after the Chelsea capitulation on Sunday, the big Aussie now returns to Glasgow.
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou is facing a hostile environment by Rangers fansRexPostecoglou was booed by Tottenham fans after the games with Bournemouth and ChelseaGetty
Postecoglou remains beloved by Celtic fans after winning FIVE trophies in two years – and catching the eye of Daniel Levy.
But after snatching the Premiership title from Rangers in two glory-laden years in Scotland, he’ll know exactly what to expect when Spurs arrive at Ibrox for the Battle of Britain.
Celtic legend Frank McAvennie told SunSport: “The Rangers fans will give him pelters.
“He’ll know that and he’ll know there will be a little bit of humour in there, too.
“He’ll be getting the old ‘You’re getting sacked in the morning’ chants.Ange will take it and he’ll understand why he’s getting it.
“Spurs have been magnificent in 20-minute spells – then lost the games.
“The players have let him down. They have been guilty of not concentrating for 90 minutes and leaking goals.
“But Ange will relish going back to Ibrox for a big game – and one he’ll need to win. I can’t see the Tottenham fans having it if they don’t beat Rangers.”
After the 4-3 home loss to Chelsea – when they led 2-0 – Postecoglou was cut to 4/1 to be the next Premier League manager to be axed.
It’s all a far cry from his two-year spell at Celtic, when we won the Double in his first season and the Treble in 2022/23.
Those triumphs – and previous title wins in Australia and Japan – convinced Levy he was the right fit for North London.
But his journey to the East End of Glasgow was a far more complicated route filled with plenty of twists and turns.
With Neil Lennon gone and Steven Gerrard having ended Hoops’ hopes of a tenth straight title, the Celtic hierarchy wanted a big-name boss in the summer of 2021.
They doggedly pursued Eddie Howe, who had left Bournemouth and was yet to join the Saudi revolution at Newcastle United.
A deal for Howe appeared close, only to collapse at the last minute and leave Celtic looking elsewhere for a saviour.
Postecoglou was in the J-League with Yokohama F Marinos, one of the City Group’s network of clubs.
Ange’s Celtic success
He had worked closely with City Group recruitment guru Mark Lawwell, son of Peter – then Celts’ chief executive and now chairman.
And Postecoglou’s dynamic style of play ticked several boxes for the Celtic board and their fans.
McAvennie recalled: “I was delighted with everything Ange did at Celtic.
“Yes, we’ve now got Brendan Rodgers but I still think of Ange from time to time.
“And I’m sure Ange thinks of his time at Celtic, too. It did him the world of good.
“The pressure of having to win every game at Celtic probably prepared him for the pressure he’s now under at Tottenham.
Rough start
“People talk about him being in trouble if he loses this game but the same could be said for Rangers manager Philippe Clement.
“If he loses to Tottenham then loses to Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup final at Hampden on Sunday, the heat will be on him.”
Postecoglou faced three Rangers bosses in two years in Glasgow, with Gerrard quitting for Aston Villa, Giovanni van Bronckhorst axed despite winning a Scottish Cup and reaching a Europa League final then Michael Beale appointed.
Ironically, he didn’t enjoy the same swashbuckling start as at Spurs 16 months ago.
He was knocked out of the Champions League qualifiers by a mediocre Midtjylland team before losing his league opener at Hearts.
He lost his first trip to Ibrox, albeit he won there later in the season as Celts edged closer to the title – his only victory in four trips across Glasgow.
‘We Never Stop’
By then, he’d returned to the J-League to inject pace and purpose into the side with Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda all signing.
Cameron Carter-Vickers had arrived from Spurs, initially on loan, to stiffen the defence in front of Joe Hart.
Portuguese winger Jota and Denmark midfielder Matt O’Riley were bought for £8million and later sold to Al-Ittihad and Brighton for £50m.
Postecoglou’s ‘We Never Stop’ mantra was adopted by the Hoops’ faithful and became a slogan which underlined every success.
McAvennie added: “Ange changed the team completely. He signed players who stepped up to the mark.
“He got together with Peter Lawwell at the start and everything just clicked.
“We’d never have known about Kyogo, Hatate or Maeda without Ange.
“The same could probably be said about Jota, who was in Benfica’s B team. He changed everything about Celtic for the better.”
Alas, things have now gone from bad to worse for the big Aussie at Spurs.
Defeat in Glasgow would be tougher to take than the rocky reception he’s guaranteed from Rangers fans.
But as McAvennie says: “Being a West Ham man myself, I couldn’t care less about Tottenham…”
Rangers fans remember Postecoglou’s success with rivals CelticGetty
3 weeks agoLatest NewsComments Off on Murder probe launched after inmate dies at one of Britain’s newest £253 million super-jails
A MURDER investigation has been launched after a prisoner was killed at one of Britain’s newest super-jails.
Police were called to HMP Five Wells this morning after a 49-year-old man was found dead.
Roland LeonPolice cars were seen outside HMP Five Wells today[/caption]
PAThe prison houses 1,700 men and only opened two years ago[/caption]
A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
The incident comes as Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood is due to set out her 10-year plan for building prisons – including more like Five Wells.
In summer Ms Mahmood used the jail to make a speech setting out her plan to release thousands of prisoners early in a bid to free up space behind bars.
The prison in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, only opened in 2022 and cost £253 million to build.
It is operated by security firm G4S and houses about 1,700 male Category C prisoners.
Five Wells has faced severe staffing shortages with one report highlighting that only 272 of the almost 750 staff hired since it opened had stayed less than two years after it opened.
It has been reliant on officers on loan from other prisons to remain operating.
A Northamptonshire Police spokesperson said: “Officers were called to reports of the sudden death of a 49-year-old man at His Majesty Prison Five Wells in Wellingborough at about 9.30am today (Tuesday, December 10).
“Detectives from East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) Major Crime team have launched an investigation and are working closely with the prison to establish the circumstances which have led to the man’s death.
“A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.”
A HMP Five Wells spokesperson said: “A 49-year old man died on Tuesday 10 December 2024 at HMP Five Wells. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
“We can confirm that Northamptonshire Police are investigating the circumstances of his death.”
In March a prisoner was stabbed more than 30 times by a fellow inmate in the jail.
Teenager Romeo Barnett was handed an 11-year extended sentence after attacking a man behind bars with a makeshift knife.
An inspection in January found that drugs were widely available to inmates and prisoners were not being properly supported by staff.
A follow up review, which was carried out in November, found that it had made “good progress” in staff-prisoner relationships, wellbeing and social care and health.
Self-harm rates were high, with 26 serious incidents in the last six months.
Speaking during justice questions in the House of Commons today the Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she would set out a plan for building 14,000 new cells in the next 10 years.
She said: “I’m sure his constituents will also recognise that even with the new supply that we are building, we are still going to run out of prison places because the demand into the system is much higher than the building that is being planned.
“We simply cannot build our way out of this problem, so in order to make sure there’s always a prison place for the people that need to be locked up and that we never run out of prison places again, we do have to have an independent review of sentencing.”
She added: “Later this week I will set out a realistic plan for building the 14,000 prison places that we need in my 10-year capacity strategy and I will ensure that our prisons are never left on the point of collapse again.”
Chairman of the Justice Committee Andy Slaughter had described some of the UK’s existing prisons as “little more than a human warehouse”.
The Labour MP for Hammersmith and Chiswick said: “The condition, especially of our Victorian prisons, is not conducive to rehabilitation or preparation for life on release. The Government is pressing ahead with the construction of 20,000 new prison places, which their predecessor failed to honour.
“What thought in the design and operation of these major new prisons has been given to the training, education, addiction and mental health needs (of) inmates for whom prison is currently little more than a human warehouse?”
3 weeks agoLatest NewsComments Off on Watch moment raging driver smashes brand new car through dealership window while furiously demanding a refund
THIS is the moment a furious man drove his new motor through the storefront of a car dealership after claiming he was denied a refund.
Shocking footage taken by someone inside the store shows how the raging driver smashed his car through the glass front doors at incredible speed.
Jam PressThe moment the car drives into the dealership in Utah, US[/caption]
Jam PressThe furious driver comes out and begins to shout at staff as the shop around him is seen completely destroyed[/caption]
Jam PressShoppers went on to walk towards the Subaru Outback to check the damage done[/caption]
After crashing into the front desk, the fuming customer emerges from the car and says: “I told you mother f*****s.”
As a voice from behind the camera yells out to “call the cops”, the thickset driver removes his jacket.
He tosses it onto the car roof before rolling up his sleeves menacingly.
As staff check no one is under the vehicle, the driver steps over the detached front door and steps outside in a huff.
The stunned salesmen then walk towards the Subaru Outback as they survey the trail of destruction.
The bizarre episode took place on Monday at Tim Dahle Mazda Southtowne in Sandy, near Salt Lake City in the US state of Utah.
According to reports, the man had bought the car there that morning before discovering mechanical issues.
He reportedly called the store seeking a refund but was denied one because he had bought the vehicle “as is”.
The customer allegedly threatened to drive through the front door if he were not reimbursed.
He followed through on his threat that afternoon, leading to his arrest outside the dealership a short while later.
The suspect, whose name is withheld, was remanded into custody, as reported by NeedToKnow.
He has been charged with felony criminal mischief and reckless endangerment, according to the police.
Fortunately, no one was hurt by his actions.
The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Tim Dahle Mazda Southtowne have been approached for comment.
The out-of-control car was seen speeding towards a lake in Illinois, US, at a deadly 30mph.
The local County Sheriff’s Office received a chilling 911 call at around 2am on December 2 from the terrified woman behind the wheel.
She told them she was unable to stop her vehicle as she sped towards a lake at life-threatening speeds.
Footage shows how the car’s brake lights were turned on – but the car showed no signs of slowing down, maintaining around a 30mph speed.
In the heart-stopping clip it is possible to hear the woman desperately screaming: “I need help. My brakes won’t stop. My car won’t stop.
“My brakes aren’t working. I’m 20 weeks pregnant. I cannot die today.”
Jam PressThe furious customer is seen standing next to the detached front door[/caption]
Footage showed the complete destruction at the car dealershipJam Press
3 weeks agoLatest NewsComments Off on Shoppers race to Primark for perfect fleecy hoodies that are only £14 and will keep you cosy on frosty days
SHOPPERS have been left gushing over a bargain Primark buy that’s “so cosy” and will keep you warm this winter.
With Christmas just days away and frosty weather sweeping in, it’s the perfect time to bag items that will keep you insulated.
TikTok/Primark IrvineShoppers are loving this fleece lined hoodie in Primark[/caption]
TikTok/Primark IrvineThe £14 buy will keep you cosy in winter[/caption]
TikTok/Primark IrvineIt comes in two colours and a range of sizes[/caption]
And fashion fans have hailed Primark’s new fleecy hoodie as a “need” for the colder months.
Even better? The Fleece Lined Zip Hoodie is only £14.
It’s available in oatmeal and black, and comes in sizes XXS to XL.
Primark bosses say: “Update your collection of loungewear by adding this fleece lined zip hoodie to your wardrobe.
“This cosy hoodie is made from soft material on the exterior and boasts a sumptuously cosy fleece lining for enhanced comfort and warmth.
“The design features a drawstring hood, long sleeves and two slip pockets on the front, while the fitted straight hem ensures the style offers a secure feeling fit.
“Layer this zip hoodie over a T-shirt and pair with anything from joggers to jeans.”
The retail giant’s Irvine store in Ayrshire went viral after sharing a clip of the cosy hoodies on their racks, with more 86,000 views.
And shoppers are loving the winter buy, as one gushed: “Need.”
A second wrote: “This looks so cosy, I want one.”
Meanwhile, a third simply exclaimed: “Omg.”
Elsewhere in store, shoppers are racing to nab “adorable” festive jumpers that are perfect for Christmas parties.
It’s that busy time of year that many of us are on the hunt for the perfect festive outfit.
Not only for the big day itself but also for all the nights out and parties we have planned over the next two weeks.
And many have been left saying they “love” the “adorable” designs that Primark has to offer.
It includes a brilliant red and pink jumper that has Santa riding a scooter whilst carrying a Christmas tree on the front of it that costs just £12.
Why is Primark the place to go for bargains?
JUST how does Primark do it? Continue delivering on-trend items at such incredible prices? According to bosses, it's down to four points.
They “sell a lot of items” – Thanks to that, they are able to make savings by buying in bulk for their 191 UK stores
They “do very little advertising”
While their clothes offer the “latest trends”, they “don’t use expensive hangers, tags or labels”.
And lastly, they try to be “as efficient as possible when transporting products from factories to stores”. This includes things like asking “suppliers to pack our t-shirts so they are ready to go straight on shelf”.
For more information about how Primark keeps their costs so low, and are able to deliver such amazing bargains, visit the Primark website.
3 weeks agoLatest NewsComments Off on Aldi launches brand new range of cheap rose wines for Christmas including Whispering Angel dupe that’s half the price
TIS the season for Christmas tunes, sparkly outfits… and rosé.
Aldi has revealed a 70 per cent surge in rosé sales compared to last year – and one of their offerings is a Whispering Angel dupe that’s half the price.
Instagram/AldiAldi has seen a surge in sales for rosé wine this Christmas – and their Chassaux et Fils Saint Victoire Provence Rosé is a hit[/caption]
Experts have hailed Aldi’s new Chassaux et Fils Saint Victoire Provence Rosé to be a dupe for Whispering AngelAldiInstagram/@thewhisperingangelWhispering Angel has boomed in popularity over recent years, but can cost £24 a bottle[/caption]
When it comes to rosé wine, Britain has gone Whispering Angel mad – and even Adele has said she is a super fan.
But with bottles costing up to £24 you may be excited to discover an affordable dupe is now at Aldi.
The supermarket is now selling Chassaux et Fils Saint Victoire Provence Rosé as part of its new range.
And at £10.99, it may be more realistic for your Saturday night tipple.
Made with the same four grapes, the Aldi dupe claims to offer a high-quality drop at a more purse-friendly price point.
Aldi says: “This Provençal gem balances ripe berry flavours with floral undertones for a smooth, luscious, well-rounded rosé.
“Encased in an elegant bottle, it’s the ideal gift for a loved one this Christmas.”
And wine experts have also taken note of the Whispering Angel dupe.
Lucy Hitchcock, who runs the Partner in Wine page, previously took to social media to praise the wine.
She gushed: “Aldi have taken things to the next level with this dupe.
“I mean the absolute audacity.
“Yes both look very alike and both are labelled Côtes de Provence, they are even made with the same four grapes.
“But this wine from Aldi is not only nearly half the price, it’s also from a very specific quality area of Côtes de Provence known as Saint Victoire.”
She added that it had the same “mouthwatering freshness” and “smooth texture”.
Lucy concluded: “Am I saying that the new Aldi wine is actually better then whispering angel… I’ll let you be the judge of that.”
Wine expert shares her view on Aldi's Whispering Angel dupe
Sainte Victoire is my favourite part of Provence to find personality filled yet great value Rosé.
Thanks to the altitude of the Sainte Victoire hillsides, the grapes get exposed to plenty of sunshine during the day but their ripeness is moderated by cooler evening temperatures.
This enables the wine to brim with intense, complex fruit which is balanced by elegant acidity and herbal finesse.
I am delighted that Aldi are highlighting an actual area of Provence as quality and flavour profiles can vary greatly – however I always know with Rosé from Sainte Victoire that I will not be disappointed.
Amelia Singer’s podcast, ‘Ameliarate Through Wine’, which pairs celebrities’ personalities, core values, and careers with wine. Available on Apple & Spotify.
After exploding onto the market, it became a celebrity favourite – including among the Beckhams.
Adele even told US Vogue that her first lockdown food shop was for ketchup and Whispering Angel, and said it “turned me into a barking dog. It did not make me whisper.”
The hype is thanks to its gorgeous bottle, Instagrammable look and champagne-style branding.
Whispering Angel made rosé cool again, lots of sommeliers believe.
There was a period where rosé was viewed as inferior to its red and white counterparts.
The story behind Whispering Angel's fame - and some affordable dupes
IT'S one of the world’s best-known — and loved — wines, but Whispering Angel comes at a price.
Made by French winery Château d’Esclans in Provence, it first hit the market in 2006 and transformed the fortunes of rosé vino.
Once dismissed by wine experts as a poor relative to red and white, rosé has become a year-round must-have thanks to Whispering Angel’s smart marketing, complex flavours and A-list fans including Adele and Victoria Beckham.
It’s now the most recognisable rosé wine around, selling one million cases each year in 106 countries. It’s even credited with introducing pink vino to Americans, with Nielsen ranking Whispering Angel as the best-selling rosé wine in the US.
Perfectly pale pink in the glass, it’s made from red grapes including grenache, cinsault and vermentino and is loved for its rich red berry ripeness, floral notes and smooth, bone-dry finish.
It can be drunk with everything from seafood to salad but is a dream all on its own, ideally served cold on a sunny day.
Yet at around £20 a bottle, it’s not an everyday wine unless you have a Beckham-sized budget. But — whisper it — there are some fantastic, similar-tasting vinos on the shelves so you won’t need to go without completely.
To help you find the perfect Whispering Angel dupe, we’ve sampled a range to see which one is the ultimate Provençal-style pink without the price tag.
But its popularity has rocketed over the last five years, partly thanks to Whispering Angel.
The hype isn’t set to die down either.
Global consumption of rosé will climb from 2.23 billion litres in 2020 to 2.63 billion in 2025, according to market analyst GlobalData.
Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying at Aldi UK says: “We’ve seen an unprecedented demand for rosé this Christmas.
“It seems Brits are ready to break with tradition and embrace a more vibrant, refreshing festive tipple.”
This trend aligns with broader industry observations, with experts noting that rosé’s light, refreshing character and its versatility as a pairing for party snacks and canapés are key drivers of its growing popularity during the festive period.
Aldi’s £6.29 Pierre Jaurant Sud De France Rosé was recently crowned the nation’s favourite Aldi wine in a customer poll, garnering nearly 20 per cent of 420,000 votes.
This award-winning rosé offers floral aromas, juicy red berries and a crisp finish, making it “the perfect pairing for Christmas canapés and celebrations,” according to Aldi.
Other wines in Aldi’s rose range are their Specially Selected Sancerre Rosé (£13.99), and Unearthed French Caladoc Rosé (£9.99).
Aldi’s Unearthed French Caladoc Rosé will set you back £9.99
