Archive July 28, 2025

Lioness squad’s ‘proud’ boyfriends and girlfriends pay tributes after Euro win

Following their impressive victory over Spain in the Euro final, their partners have heavily supported the squad and paid hysterical tributes to their partners.

Ella Toone’s boyfriend Joe Bunney gushed over the Lioness star(Image: Instagram/Joe Bunney)

The Lionesses won the Euro Cup for the second time in a row while their dedicated partners cheered the women on. After England defeated Spain in a tense penalty shootout, many people praised their partners in emotional tributes.

After winning this year’s UEFA Women’s Euro, the England squad celebrated until early this morning, with plenty of alcohol on hand. Before soaking up their victory, the Lionesses drank pizza and beer before attending a reception for the evening to dance around to music.

Ella Toone and Joe Bunney
“Back 2 Back,” Ella’s boyfriend penned in a sweet snap together (Image: Instagram/Joe Bunney)

The DJ then started the first of many, many sing-alongs by playing Proud by Heather Small. Ella Toone performed Tina Turner’s River Deep, Mountain High while Gala released her from Desire quickly and with ease.

Ella’s boyfriend, Joe Bunney, and Chloe Kelly’s husband, Scott Moore, both of whom have been deeply supportive of their partners, joined the team at the celebrations. Just two of the other halves who shared heartwarming tributes following the Lionesses’ triumphant victory.

Joe Bunney, who has been in a long-term relationship with Ella, took to Instagram with a series of snaps from Sunday’s final and afterparty. One snap showed him beaming alongside Ella as they held the Euro Cup, and another showed him with the footballer shortly after the win.

Chloe Kelly and husband Scott Moore
Chloe Kelly’s husband, Scott Moore, said he was “speechless” following their victory (Image: Instagram/Chloe Kelly)

He wrote the caption “BACK 2 BACK!” in a captioned Instagram post. This group is only getting better. @lionesses”. Ella sweetly stated in a video of her on his Instagram page, “Words don’t describe how proud I am of you.”

Scott Moore, Chloe Kelly’s husband, and the couple they married last summer after five years of dating, also gushed with joy in an Instagram post. Chloe reposted his story, which he wrote alongside a picture of his wife, “Speechless once more,” even though his Instagram is private. I’m so appreciative that you’re with me, Kelly wrote in her own caption.

England’s captain Leah Williamson was supported by Elle Smith, with whom she is said to be dating. Although the pair haven’t officially confirmed their romance, a series of cosy snaps on Instagram suggests they are more than just close friends.

Lauren Hemp and girlfriend Ashley Hodson
Lauren Hemp was supported by her girlfriend, Ashley Hodson, who paid a sweet tribute (Image: Instagram/Ashley Hodson)
Beth Mead with her girlfriend Vivianne Miedema
Beth Mead with her girlfriend Vivianne Miedema, who said she was “proud”(Image: Instagram/Vivianne Miedema)

Elle wore a t-shirt with the slogan “Live, Laugh, Leah” to show her support during the Euro final game. Later, she shared a photo of Leah holding the Euro Cup and her loved ones in the football stadium’s stands.

Ashley Hodson, Lauren Hemp’s girlfriend, also paid a fitting tribute to the Lioness actress. She shared a number of photos of her and Lauren on Instagram, adding the words “Champions babyyy!” “So proud”

Lauren, who has been dating Ashley since 2023, wrote, “Always by my side,” in a heartfelt response. She also described her partner as her “inspo” in another Ashley post.

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Sunderland agree £17m Xhaka deal with Leverkusen

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Granit Xhaka will cost an initial £13 million and have a potential £4 million in additions, according to Sunderland.

The 32-year-old is scheduled to travel to the Stadium of Light to get checked out and sign a three-year contract.

After seven years at Arsenal, Swiss international Xhaka will make his Premier League debut.

Following a successful two-year stint in Germany, Xhaka helped Leverkusen win their first-ever Bundesliga title in 2024.

The agreement will increase Sunderland’s summer spending by £114 million this summer, despite having recovered around £37 million from sales of Tommy Watson and Jude Bellingham.

After the Black Cats’ promotion from the Championship through a play-off final victory over Sheffield United in May, only the traditional big six Premier League clubs have spent more money than the Black Cats.

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Alex Bowen shares Love Island nostalgia and insights on evolving the hit ITV show

ExCLUSIVE: Alex Bowen, who first appeared on Love Island in 2016, has been closely following the most recent ITV dating show season. He has some ideas.

According to Alex, there is one reason Love Island is still successful.

It’s been nearly a decade since Alex Bowen set foot in the iconic Love Island villa—but the 33-year-old reality star is still as invested in the hit ITV dating show as ever.

Alex, who rose to fame on Love Island’s second series back in 2016, has been watching the current series closely—and he’s got thoughts. Speaking exclusively to Mirror Online, the former Islander shared his nostalgia, behind-the-scenes memories, and what the show needs to do to keep viewers hooked.

Alex admits, “It’s crazy to think that almost ten years have passed since I was in the villa.” “Watching the show makes me feel nostalgic.” Although there have been many changes over the years, the core feeling, which includes the drama, the relationships, and the excitement, is still present.

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Alex and Olivia
On Love Island, Alex and Olivia first met in 2016.

Now happily married to fellow Love Island alum Olivia Bowen, with whom he shares a son, Alex’s life has moved well beyond the villa. But as someone who found genuine love on the show, he’s passionate about what the format still gets right—and what it could do better.

Since their time on Love Island, Alex and Olivia’s relationship has blossomed into one of Love Island’s biggest success stories. The couple married in 2018 and are now expecting their second child together. They already share a son called Abel, who was born in 2022.

“It’s a really exciting series,” says the host! he describes the 2025 edition. Love Island has already peppered the market with numerous entertaining twists and turns, and they have already dropped a few bombshells. It’s a fresh take, which is fantastic to see.

The producers’ plan to start filming mealtimes, which has traditionally not been a feature for viewers, is one change Alex likes.

He recalls that when I was there, we used to prepare our own breakfast. In case the cameras missed something good, we were given the option to bring in dinner and lunch, and we were forbidden from discussing villa drama while eating. Fans could undoubtedly gain more insight into the personalities of the Islanders by displaying that now.

Alex has some amusing off-camera memories of living in a villa, including the difficult laundry task.

He laughs, “We had laundry baskets for each person, but I used to always lose my stuff.” We would end up dressing up as a duo without realizing it!

Olivia and Alex and Abel
Olivia and Alex are expecting baby number two.

Alex believes that Love Island’s success comes down to sticking to what it does best despite the series’ evolution.

He advises against fixing something if it isn’t broken. “Love Island is adored for its excitement, drama, and of course, romance. The key is allowing islanders to spend more time inside the villa. Sometimes they are dumped too soon, and we are unable to see their journey or connect with them.

He also supports the idea of bringing back former Islanders, particularly those who didn’t get their full moment.

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“There are a lot of outstanding characters from earlier seasons who didn’t have enough time.” It would be wonderful to see them return. They would now be more mature, and the villa would be in better shape as a result.

Michael Kors’ ‘stylish and fabulous’ watch slashed by over £200 in limited time deal

In a limited time offer, Warner has reduced the cost of a fashionable and practical Michael Kors watch by more than £200.

Save over £200 on luxe Michael Kors watch(Image: Michael Kors)

We’ve got the deal if you want to give your everyday look a touch of luxury without spending a fortune on designer clothing. The Michael Kors MK5166 Quartz Chronograph Gold Stainless Steel Watch’s price has been reduced by over £200.

This stunning gold timepiece is now priced at £95, which is a significant 68% discount from what it was originally priced at $ 299.99. This offer is a real steal and was made just in time for payday. It is stylish, practical, and glam.

This watch instantly elevates everyday looks while remaining wearable with its 40mm gold case and strap. This works for smarter occasions without being too glitzy for casual looks thanks to the subtle bling around the dial.

This watch has a sleek, contemporary appearance thanks to its monochrome gold dial. You can take this away on vacation without worrying that pool water or sweat will damage it, and you can wear it in the unpredictable British downpours without any damage. It is powered by a quartz movement and has a generous 100m water resistance.

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Michael Kors watch
Elevate your everyday looks with this gold timepiece (Image: Michael Kors)

It’s the kind of accessory you’ll be reaching for day after day, whether you wear it alone or in a stack of jewelry for a maximalist look.

It also comes packaged in a Michael Kors box, which makes it ideal for giving as a present or a little indulgent treat yourself.

In other watch news, we’ve also discovered a Cartier-like model without the $8,000+ price tag from Abbott Lyon. The Essence Gold Sunray 19 Watch is a watch that costs roughly £7, 851 less than the typical Panthère de Cartier watch, which retails for $149.

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A square pink champagne dial and five-link, 18k gold-plated strap grace the Abbott Lyon Essence watch. It’s a thoughtful gift for a loved one or yourself because it comes with Quartz Seiko movement, water resistance, and a two-year quality guarantee.

Love Island’s Shaughna Phillips reveals biggest regret over show romance

ExCLUSIVE: Love Island star Shaughna Phillips has revealed details about her experiences as a mother and the heartache she experienced while living in the villa.

Shaughna is revealing details of her five-year stay at the villa.

Love Island favourite Shaughna Phillips opened up about her unforgettable time on the show, her journey through heartbreak and self-discovery in Casa Amor, and how life has changed since leaving the villa.

Shaughna Phillips made a lasting impression during her time on the winter 2020 series of Love Island, quickly becoming a fan favourite thanks to her dry wit, self-awareness, and raw honesty. Speaking to The Mirror exclusively on behalf of Betboo, Shaughna opened up about the emotional rollercoaster of her time in the villa, the fallout of Casa Amor with Callum Jones, and her transformation from reality star to mother – all in her trademark no-nonsense style.

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Shaughna Phillips
Shaughna found fame on Love Island’s winter series in 2020(Image: ITV)

Reflecting on the time before she entered the South African villa, Shaughna admits she didn’t fully trust her instincts. “Don’t settle for no one,” she says now. “I was 25 when I went in. I don’t know whether I had it in my head that if you’re with someone for the longest, you’re going to stay in there for the longest. But you just feel that if you’re not in a couple, you’re not safe. I wish I trusted my gut more.”

It was that lack of trust in herself that would be tested to the limit in the show’s infamous twist – Casa Amor. Shaughna, who had been coupled up with Callum Jones, was left devastated when he returned from the boys’ retreat with new bombshell Molly Smith on his arm.

She recalls the scenes that later became the Love Island legend, saying, “I think it was portrayed exactly as it transpired.” Because I was so fervent, I just wish it had happened a different way. No one could have been sent in, which is unfortunate. I would have switched if Channing Tatum had been sent for me, but I thought it was preferable to be loyal and be mugged off than to recover and appear doughnut if he had returned single.

Callum continued to use her weapons despite her belief that she wouldn’t be reunited with him alone. She admits, “I always believed he was going to come back with someone.” I should have partnered with someone and hedged my bets, not to mention that I wasn’t going to let that thought influence my judgment.

Girls, she now has a warning for upcoming islanders: “Hedge your bets, girls, do not settle.”

Although Shaughna claims that the reality is very different in the background, Love Island may appear bliss in the sun. “I worked that villa more than I did there,” she said. The hours are exhausting. She reveals that the situation is not all glamorous. You have only one eyelash on your legs and a producer is shouting “20 minutes left.” The getting-ready situation is simply uninteresting.

And don’t forget to play poolside. It could be three or four o’clock in the morning, even when you’re getting ready. You can barely keep your eyes open because you’re so exhausted,” she says. You’re like begging these people to stop talking to you about certain topics, and there are still people who need to talk about them.

She even recalls using a fake drink to avoid conversation. There was a time when I genuinely acted drunk because I was exhausted and needed assistance going to bed because I was completely delirious.

Since her Love Island journey, life has taken a new direction. Shaughna is now a mum to daughter Lucia, and recently revealed that she’s expecting her second child. She shared that her first pregnancy came as a surprise. “I wasn’t trying. I wasn’t on any contraception… it just happened way quicker than I was expecting, so it was such a shock,” she said. “I think I literally went through my contact list and just called every single person.”

She made a more in-depth reveal this time around. “I immediately told Billy,” I said. I immediately told my mother and my two best friends, and then I told them, “Hey, I need to keep my mouth shut,” I thought.

Shaughna admits to being a little less than a surprise-taver. I just have the biggest mouth,” I say. That’s the problem I have. Both positive and negative aspects exist.

Many people have speculated that Shaughna took the Ozempics, something she vehemently denies.

Everyone else’s business is completely separate from their own, she says, “Whatever way anyone wants to lose weight] is their own business.” You shouldn’t just assume that someone has jabbed it, though. However, it’s difficult when you categorically state that you are lying to others.

She adds that health, not appearance, was the cause of her transformation. Walking upstairs, I was out of breath because that’s just not how I wanted to live.

Shaughna and her daughter
Shaughna is now nearly a mum of two(Image: shaughnaphillips/Instagram)

Shaughna says the label of “body positivity” on the show occasionally feels limiting, despite her fame for doing so. I was kind of put into this category of being body positive when I left Love Island, but I believe that whenever I try to do something else, people comment on my body.

She claims to be content even before becoming a mother. I had no weight problem before I became pregnant. I was happy and confident after appearing on national television wearing a bikini.

When asked about the possibility of Love Island: All Stars, Shaughna responds without a second thought. She replies, “Yeah, if my situation were different, a hundred percent.” Even though I’ve spoken to a few people who have done it, they have said, “No, it’s as difficult, if not harder… ” I would really enjoy it.

She anticipates that the once-daily experience will be completely different. “I spent six or seven weeks there, and I believe it took me three or four weeks to adjust.” I would be aware of what to expect if I did it again.

The public, according to Shaughna, frequently has no idea what really happens in the villa, from washing clothes to being denied medication unless it is administered by a doctor, “We all had a laundry basket in our dressing rooms, which was filthy.”

“You’re sunbathing, people think, and you’re there and you’re just chilling out,” the statement goes. However, she remarks, “I promise it’s not all fun and games.” “It’s great, and don’t get me wrong, I would do it in a heartbeat if my situation were different, but it shocks the system,” I said.

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Since Shaughna Phillips’ initial days in the Love Island villa, she has come a long way, from heartache to motherhood. One thing is unmistakable about her ability to live life on her own terms as she does so.

Shaughna is speaking in association with Betboo.