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Archive May 1, 2025

Pop icon Jones keeps Williams’ title hopes on track

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It’s not unusual for Mark Williams to be in the semi-final of the World Snooker Championship. After all he is a three-time winner of the sport’s biggest prize.

However, as he bids at 50 to become the oldest world champion, he admits he is seeking a little bit of extra help from the green, green grass of home.

After beating John Higgins in a dramatic final black-ball finish to their quarter-final, Williams told the BBC televsion audience it was the music of Tom Jones that got him over the line.

And Williams manager Lee Walker, himself a fomer snooker player, has revealed Williams then spoke to the pop icon on the phone after the match.

“They’re good friends,” Walker told BBC Radio Wales’ Breakfast programme.

Williams uses Jones’ 1960’s hit Delilah as his walk on music and, after his 13-12 win over fellow ‘Class of ’92’ veteran Higgins, said another of the Welsh singer’s hits also kept him going before Wednesday morning’s final session.

“I just kept playing Tom Jones ‘Delilah’ and ‘A boy from nowhere’ over and over this morning as I was getting ready because I’m knackered, I’ve got to be honest,” explained Williams in his post-match interview.

“In the dressing room I was still playing and singing those two songs over and over just to try and stay with it you know because it’s tough out there especially the older you get and you’re playing all day.”

Walker, who reached the quarter-final at the Crucible in 1997, says the friendship between the two Welsh legends is long-standing.

“Many years ago we went to holiday in Las Vegas and Mark was trying to get tickets and went to see Tom and basically they’ve been friends ever since,” he said.

Also a close friend of Williams, Walker added: “Quite a funny story, when he [Williams] won the Worlds in 2018 I was driving his car back and this number kept ringing and he wouldn’t answer it.

Lee Walker (left) and Stephen Feeney (right) pose for a picture while celebrating with Mark Williams and his trophy after he won the 2108 World Snooker ChampionshipGetty Images

That 2018 victory was William’s third world title, beating Higgins 18-16 at the age of 43.

He now faces a semi-final against world number one Judd Trump (Thursday, 19:00 BST), so could the Welshman who was first crowned world champion in 2000 lift the trophy again 25 years later?

“Yeah, 100% he has a chance,” says Walker

“Judd Trump is number one player in the world, he’s probably playing the best snooker of anyone in the tournament so it’s going to be incredibly difficult, but over the last few times they’ve played, all their matches, whether Mark has won or whether Judd has won, they’ve always been very close affairs.

“The only thing I would say is Mark is 50 years of age now, to actually win this tournament, you know he played two sessions Tuesday, then we had to get up early, played another session yesterday and I know before we went into that session he was incredibly tired.

“Fatigue in this tournament does play a factor so that might come into a little bit, but as far as has he got a chance to win? Absolutely.”

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Kanye West unleashes expletive-filled rant at Kim Kardashian over kids in bizarre video

Kanye West went on another rant on Wednesday as he criticised his co-parenting arrangement for his four children he shares with his ex-wife, reality TV star Kim Kardashian

Kanye West went on yet another expletive-filled rant on social media with Kim Kardashian his focus once again. The controversial rapper, 47, took to a livestream to hit out at his ex-wife, 44, about their co-parenting arrangements.

Kanye – who is now legally known as Ye – shares four children with the reality TV star; North, 11, Saint, nine, Chicago, seven, and Psalm, five. However, the musician appears to be unhappy with his lack of parental time with the quartet. In a new video, in which Ye’s face is covered with a mask, the star blasts: “‘F*** all these f***** n*****. I’mma go get these kids, bro.

Kanye West ranted on a livestream
Kanye West ranted on a livestream(Image: Kanye West)

” I’m talking to the lawyers – it gets to the point where I don’t lose my f***in ‘ mind where I got to get used to not seeing my kids. “

He had said:”]DJ] Akademiks put that battery in my back, bro – cause I was in the airport by myself … That s*** is so important to me man… I’mma go get these kids, man! “

He then fumed he isn’t here to” be your idol “before adding:” I’m the leader. I’m not here to be worshipped. And as the leader I’m saying how am I supposed to lead y’all if I don’t got my kids with me to continue what we’re doing. I ain’t got no motherf****** legacy. “

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It’s the latest outburst Ye has shared amid his childcare issue with ex Kim, who filed for divorce from the rapper in 2021. In March, he shared and later deleted threatening texts at his ex-wife Kim Kardashian as he declared he was ready to” go to war “with her.

Kim and Kanye share four kids together
Kim and Kanye share four kids together(Image: Instagram)

It came after he released a song with Sean ‘ Diddy ‘ Combs that features his and Kim’s daughter North, 11. Diddy is behind bars awaiting trial on sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution – charges that P Diddy denies.

The track’s release is said to have infuriated Kim, who is claimed to have sought legal action in a bid to “protect” North from having any affiliation with Diddy. Ye then went on to share alleged screenshots of the former couple’s text messages in which Kim pleads with the rapper to ‘stop’, claiming she has copyright of North’s name.

In his March rant, Ye was furious to learn his collaborations with Playboi Carti had been left off his latest album. He also hit out over Carti asking Kim to get North to send some songs.

Taking to Twitter/X at the time, he insisted North would not be working with Carti. He went on to claim he can make the final decision since he is her father. He wrote: “I DECIDED NORTH WONT BE DOING ANY SONGS WITH CARTI, HOW IT LOOK FOR ME TO GET LEFT OFF THE ALBUM AND THEN HE ASK KIM TO HAVE VOCALS FROM MY DAUGHTER I DONT A F**K ABOUT NONE OF THIS INDUSTRY S**T AND HOW IT’S A SKIMS LINE IN THE FIRST PLACE AND I DONT GIVE A F**K WHAT NO COMMENTS.”

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READ MORE: Award-winning teeth whitening powder that makes ‘huge difference’ to tea stains is now £17

James Will Mull NBA Future After Lakers Playoff Exit

After his Los Angeles Lakers were ejected from the Minnesota Timberwolves’ first round of the playoffs on Wednesday, NBA superstar LeBron James says he’ll have to decide whether to play for a 23rd season.

When James was questioned about how many more years he would play, he replied, “I don’t know.” The answer to that is “I don’t know.” I sit down with my family, my wife, and my support group to sort of go over it, see what happens, and decide how long I want to play.

James, who turned 40 on December 30, had a new record-setting year with a season that included milestones like the two he won with Miami in 2012 and 2013, the one he won with hometown team Cleveland in 2016 and his 2020 crown with the Lakers. He averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game.

READ ALSO: Barca and Inter face off in the semi-final draw.

LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball on April 22, 2025, at Crypto during Round 1 Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. Los Angeles, California’s Com Arena (Photo by Adam Pantozzi / NBAE / Getty Images / Getty Images via AFP)

James became the first player to accumulate 50 000 career points, making him the league’s all-time top scorer in March.

In a February Lakers victory over Golden State, he joined NBA legend Michael Jordan as the only player to add 40 points at the age of 40.

Luka Doncic, the Slovenian star who helped the Dallas Mavericks to the championship finals last year, gave him and the Lakers renewed energy later that month.

Father-son relationship put first

On October 6, 2024, in Palm Springs, California, Bronny James #9 and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers prepare for the game against the Phoenix Suns at Acrisure Arena. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/Getty Images via AFP)

However, James claimed that being the first father-son duo to compete in an NBA regular season game alongside son Bronny was the most significant accomplishment this season.

When the Lakers selected Bronny James last year, James had long anticipated this and it turned out to be possible.

He described playing with his son as “number one, for sure.” Not even close, they say. This year has been one of the most enriching, fulfilling journeys I’ve ever been on because I can play the game I love and be with my son.

Bronny James said he was “super proud” watching him develop from the Summer League, the pre-season, and G League competition, as well as during his brief stints with the Lakers. He spent the majority of the season in the developmental G League.

In Game Five of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena on April 30, 2025, in Los Angeles, California, head coach JJ Redick gestures. (Photo by Harry How/GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/Getty Images via AFP)

James also praised first-year coach JJ Redick’s development, noting that while being a rookie head coach for the Lakers, it was “a hell of a lot harder.”

James responded, “I thought he handled it very well.

When Doncic arrived in February, James claimed that despite having a “generational talent,” he wasn’t sure if there was enough time to mesh.

James said, “Ultimately having a guy like that is very dynamic for any franchise,” but he wasn’t interested in seeing how the Lakers can develop around Doncic and, perhaps, himself.

You can’t tell what the roster will look like next year because it’s a business, he said, and I’m not sure where I stand right now.

Hollywood’s secret to age-defying looks as stars inject ‘dead human tissue’ into face

Several Hollywood celebrities, including Lindsay Lohan, Christina Aguilera, and Anne Hathaway, are reportedly turning to a new cosmetic injectable called Renuva to maintain youthful appearances

Hollywood’s secret to age-defying looks as stars inject ‘dead human tissue’ into face(Image: Getty Images for CinemaCon)

A growing number of Hollywood stars are reportedly turning to a new injectable treatment made from donated human fat tissue as a cutting-edge alternative to traditional facial fillers. The injectable treatment is made from the tissues of a deceased human body, and fans have been wondering how celebrities appear to have turned back time when it comes to their image.

Renuva, a relatively new product on the aesthetic market, is reportedly being discreetly used by celebrities including Lindsay Lohan, Christina Aguilera, and Anne Hathaway, according to sources in the cosmetic dermatology industry. It’s appeal lies in the fact it offers natural-looking volume restoration with longer-lasting results – and no surgery.

Unlike synthetic fillers that break down over months, Renuva is designed to stimulate the body’s own fat to regenerate in the injected area. It’s made from a processed allograft adipose matrix – sterilised and refined fat tissue from deceased donors. Once injected, it acts as a scaffold, encouraging the body to repopulate the area with new fat cells over time.

Lindsay's fans have been speculating how she has turned back time
Lindsay’s fans have been speculating how she has turned back time(Image: Getty Images for CinemaCon)

Hollywood star Lindsay, 38, stepped back into the spotlight earlier this year with a rare late-night TV appearance, joining Mean Girls co-star Lacey Chabert on Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live. While the actress chatted openly with host Andy Cohen about her future projects – including a possible turn as Ann-Margret in a biopic – the conversation online quickly shifted to something else entirely – her face.

Lohan, long known for her iconic red hair and freckled complexion, looked noticeably different during the segment, prompting a flurry of speculation across social media. Viewers described her as “unrecognisable”, with many pointing out her seemingly poreless, porcelain-like skin and noticeably altered features.

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“Is that really Lindsay Lohan?” one viewer posted on X, formerly Twitter. “She looks amazing but also… so different.” As clips from the appearance made the rounds, fans were sharply divided. Some praised her glow-up as a sign of maturity and self-assurance, while others questioned whether cosmetic enhancements were at play.

Pop star Christina also looks very different these days
Pop star Christina also looks very different these days(Image: Getty Images for Christina Aguil)

Still, others defended the transformation entirely: “Let her live”, one user wrote. “People evolve – and so do their skincare routines”. Although Lohan didn’t address the rumours directly, her confident and relaxed demeanor during the segment suggested she’s unfazed by public opinion.

However, it’s not just celebrities who are using the injectables. “It’s a game changer”, said Dr. Howard Sobel, a prominent New York dermatologist whose clinic offers the treatment. “There’s no surgery, no downtime, and the results improve gradually as the body generates new tissue”.

Dianne Stasi, a 67-year-old art director based in New York, told The New York Post that she opted for Renuva over her usual fillers due to its longevity. “My regular filler only lasted four to six months, but they say this could last years,” she said of the $3,000 procedure. “He did the upper cheeks and it wound up lifting the nasal labial folds and smoothing the area. The amazing part is that it keeps getting better.”

Anne Hathaway looks younger than ever
Anne Hathaway looks younger than ever (Image: Getty Images)

Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, another Manhattan-based aesthetic expert, told the publication that the product is especially appealing to patients seeking a more natural approach. “It’s an off-the-shelf injectable that doesn’t require liposuction or surgery. And it can be done gradually, in stages”.

Renuva is approved for use in several areas of the body, including the face, neck, hands, and even for minor body contouring like non-surgical buttock enhancements.

Despite its origins – derived from cadaver tissue which is the tissues of a deceased human body – many patients, including celebrities, appear unfazed. “I see it as equivalent to a medical transplant”, said Stasi.

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As demand rises for subtle, longer-term cosmetic solutions, experts expect the popularity of Renuva to grow – particularly among public figures seeking results without obvious signs of intervention.

The Mirror has approached Lindsay Lohan’s representatives for comment on this story.

Ukraine expected to ratify US minerals deal lacking security guarantees

A contentious minerals deal signed by Ukraine’s parliament is expected to secure the latter’s long-term commitment to the war-torn nation as a result of stalled efforts to reach a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia.

The minerals-deal-with-us”>deal, which was put forth by US President Donald Trump and took several months to reach, makes for a sort of turning point in the conflict, giving the US priority access to Ukraine’s crucial minerals in order to deter future Russian aggression. However, it falls short of providing specific security assurances and still raises questions about mineral access in regions under Russian control.

Andrii Sybiha, the country’s minister of foreign affairs, claimed on Thursday that the agreement “marks a significant milestone in the Ukraine-US strategic partnership aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s economy and security.

According to Al Jazeera’s Zein Basravi, a journalist from Kyiv, “We’re anticipating it to be discussed and ratified by Ukraine’s parliament later today.” The general consensus is that if the US invests economically in Ukraine, it will invest in Ukrainian security.

According to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Ukraine was able to secure a number of last-minute concessions in the agreement, which will result in the establishment of a so-called Reconstruction Investment Fund, with the country now being free to pay back billions in previous US aid and maintaining “full control over its subsoil, infrastructure, and natural resources.”

Notably, the US Treasury statement on the agreement mentioned Russia’s “full-scale invasion” of Ukraine, which suggested a shift in Washington’s alleged support for Russia. According to the Reuters news agency that saw a copy, the draft does not offer the specific security guarantees Ukraine was looking for.

Questions remain regarding how the US will access resources in the Russian-controlled area. According to estimates from Ukrainian think tanks We Build Ukraine and the National Institute of Strategic Studies, which cite data up until the first half of 2024, about 40% of Ukraine’s metal resources are currently under Russian control.

“Diplomatical win”

Dmitry Medvedev, the former head of Russia’s Security Council, made fun of the deal on Thursday. Trump “broke the Kyiv regime to the point where they will have to use mineral resources to pay for US aid,” he claimed.

He said that Ukrainians will now be required to pay for military supplies using the country’s national wealth.

Trump had stated on Wednesday that the deal would give the US a return on its investment in the nation as well as prevent it from looking “foolish.” Trump responded, “Well, it could,” when asked whether the deal would “inhibit” Vladimir Putin.

In response to Trump’s efforts to mediate a peace deal, which included his threat to walk out if one is not reached soon, Anatol Lieven, director of the Eurasia Program at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, expressed concerns that Putin was “just tapping me along.”

If the current round of peace negotiations fails and Trump is threatened, Lieven said, “What it will probably ensure or [what] Kyiv hopes it will ensure is that he will blame Russia, not Ukraine,” he said.

Overall, he continued, would mean that the US “would feel invested in Ukraine and would not, by extension, overlook Ukraine.” Even though it’s not a security guarantee, he claimed, “It certainly ought to deter upcoming Russian aggression.”

Andrey Baklanov of the Association of Russian Diplomats, who was questioned about whether the US could be seen as a trustworthy mediator, told Al Jazeera that Russia was “cautious.”

Trump claimed that there had been “no tangible results” in terms of improving relations with Russia during his first 100 days in power, which he celebrated on Wednesday. He argued that the minerals deal was not “timely” because “Ukraine’s future is very uncertain.”

War continues to rage.

The war’s daily grind continued unabated as Ukrainian politicians scrutinize the deal, with Ukraine and Russia launch drone attacks on each other.

Two people were killed and 15 others were hurt in the Russian drone attack on Ukraine’s Black Sea port city of Odesa early on Thursday, according to emergency services.

At least 45 civilians were hurt earlier, according to Ukrainian officials, when a Russian drone attacked Kharkiv overnight.

At least seven people were killed and 20 were hurt when Ukrainian drones struck a busy market in Oleshky, in southern Ukraine, on Thursday morning, according to Russian-installed governor Vladimir Saldo, who was there to assist them.

One of the most holy holidays on the Russian calendar, May 8 to 10, will be marked by a three-day ceasefire that Putin has announced for May 8 and 10 when Russia will hold celebrations to commemorate its victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.

David Beckham’s bitter fallout with Prince Harry and how he exacted his revenge

Prince Harry and David Beckham once had a close relationship, but it is thought that this relationship ended shortly after Harry wed Meghan Markle.

David and Harry used to be firm friends(Image: PA)

Prince Harry and David Beckham once had a close relationship, but things quickly got sour. It appeared that the pair had been friends for a while, but things suddenly got wrong.

It was claimed in Tom Bower’s book that David Beckham and Prince Harry had fallen out when Meghan Markle made an “exclusion order” at the Invictus Games. David and his wife Victoria attended Harry and Meghan’s wedding alongside a string of famous faces including Serena Williams, Oprah Winfrey, and George Clooney.

Meghan’s expulsion from the 2018 Games, just five months after their marriage, was suggested by royal commentator Tom Bower, who claimed the snub had caused him to demand “revenge” against Prince Harry.

David and Victoria attended Harry and Meghan's wedding
David and Victoria attended Harry and Meghan’s wedding(Image: Getty Images)

Tom Bower claimed in his book House of Beckham that it was forbidden to photograph the two people together. According to David Beckham, why Harry wouldn’t meet him puzzled him. Later, it became apparent that Meghan was the author of the exclusion order. She opposed Beckham’s media presence, and especially his wife Victoria.

However, David has a good friendship with Prince Harry’s brother Prince William. He was invited to Boston for the Earthshot Prize amid the 2022 World Cup. He travelled half way across the world to be there for the special event, which supports raising awareness and combatting climate change and was David’s way of “getting his revenge for the Sydney snub”.

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When the Prince of Wales messages me and says, “I need you to do this” or “be there,” he had previously said, “Over the years, I’ve done a lot with the Prince of Wales, and I’ve always been there whenever he’s asked me to get involved with things,” he had said, “I’ve done a lot with him, and I’ve always been there whenever he’s asked me to get involved.”

David describes himself as a royalist and has been supportive of the Royal Family his whole life.

David and William are firm friends
David and William are firm friends(Image: Getty Images)

He stated in a recent interview that speaking with our Royal Family always makes him feel emotional. I was raised in a family that cherished and cherished the Royal Family.

David acknowledged that his mother sobbed when asked to represent the King’s foundation.

She is aware that my grandparents would have been pleased that I had contributed so much to the Royal Family and their charitable organizations. He continued, “Our King is a fantastic man.”

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Prince William was also present when the two new helicopters’ launch party, the London Air Ambulance Charity’s “Up Against Time” appeal, was concluded. David, who serves as the London Air Ambulance Charity’s ambassador, was present. He claimed, “I was very honored to be involved by Prince William when I was asked to in all honesty.

He praised the “unfathomable work that the pilots and the medics do and the millions of lives saved by them,” and added that he was “very proud to be invited to be a part of it.