Archive June 29, 2025

Forgotten Blue Peter presenter tragically died at 28 after courageous health battle

Michael Sundin once co-hosted the renowned BBC program Blue Peter, but he left after less than a year. He bravely battled a courageous health battle to pass away at the age of 28.

Michael pictured with co-stars Janet Ellis and Simon Groom in 1984(Image: Peter Brooker/REX/Shutterstock)

At the young age of 12, Michael Sundin was already a trampolining champion, a skill that would later help him land the role of Blue Peter presenter in 1984.

Before joining the iconic children’s programme, Michael had starred in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit musical Cats before he went on to play Tik-Tok in Disney’s Return To Oz.

He was subsequently cast alongside her and Simon Groom after meeting the Blue Peter producers during an interview with Janet Ellis, the show’s then-presenter.

Michael quickly gained notoriety for his daredevil antics on Blue Peter, reporting from movie sets and even visiting Elton John’s home after taking Peter Duncan’s shoes.

Michael with the infamous Blue Peter appeal totaliser
He quickly became known as a daredevil presenter on the show(Image: BBC)

However, Michael’s on-screen charisma was sorely lacking that he left the show less than a year later, reportedly when his contract expired. He tragically passed away in 1989, at the age of 28, from an Aids-related illness.

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During his brief time on Blue Peter, Michael was cruelly outdone by the media as a “blond, outgoing, gregarious ball of fun” and referred to by loved ones as a “blond, outgoing, gregarious ball of fun.”

Although then-Editor Biddy Baxter put his departure down to unpopularity with viewers, his exit was engulfed in controversy as many claimed it was because of his sexuality, OK! reports.

Baxter refuted these claims in a television interview in 2007 by saying that it was his decision to leave the program because his fans were not interested in him and had nothing to do with his sexual preferences.

Blue Peter presenter and champion trampolinist Michael Sundin
Michael Sundin’s time on Blue Peter was short-lived(Image: Getty Images)

Michael pursued acting after his Blue Peter stint, where he co-starred in the 1987 film Lionheart. He performed in the musical numbers Seven Brides For Seven Brothers and Starlight Express on stage, and he even made an appearance in the 1988 music video for She Wants To Dance With Me by Rick Astley.

However, Michael’s illness also caused tragedy that year. He was 28 years old when he passed away at Newcastle General Hospital, where liver cancer was initially suspected to be his cause of death.

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Yvette Fielding, Blue Peter’s presenter, and John Leslie and Caron Keating, both paid tribute to him after his passing.

Jeff Bezos seals 72-hour £40million Venice wedding celebrations with a kiss from new bride

Jeff Bezos, the owner of Amazon, threw the world into a jig as the greats of Hollywood and the music business attended his incredibly anticipated wedding celebration.

Lauren Sanchez plants a kiss on Jeff Bezos’ lips in front of their adoring crowd(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Their wedding has been the talk of the town for months as fans eagerly awaited the lavish ceremony of Amazon mogul Jeff Bezos and his wife Lauren Sanchez. And the couple did not fail to disappoint.

The couple’s wedding, which is thought to have cost close to £40 million, was celebrated by taking three days off of their busy schedule.

Fans were greeted by Lauren, who is now known as Mrs. Bezos, in a flattering pink dress with jewels on the day of their wedding celebration. As they entered a boat to take them to a secret location to continue their party, surrounded by the elite of Hollywood, both Lauren and Jeff were seen waving to the crowd outside their Aman Venice Hotel.

 Amazon mogul Jeff Bezos and his wife Lauren Sanchez
Amazon mogul Jeff Bezos and his wife Lauren Sanchez(Image: AP)

As she walked in front of her new husband, Lauren appeared happy with her hair gently draped around her shoulders.

Meanwhile, Jeff was seen dressed in all black. The businessman, 61, who is the third richest man in the world with an estimated worth of £177billion. was pictured in a black shirt teamed with a matching suit.

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Oprah Winfrey attends the wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez
Oprah Winfrey attends the wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez(Image: AP)

As they made their way along the Venice Canal, he finished his look with a pair of sunglasses. Fans were enthralled when the happy couple kissed, sealing their three-day engagement.

The elite of Hollywood and the music business gathered for three days to witness Lauren and Jeff’s wedding, which also left fans in awe.

Kim Kardashian made her way along the Venice Canal to enjoy the third day of wedding celebrations
Kim Kardashian made her way along the Venice Canal to enjoy the third day of wedding celebrations(Image: AP)

Guests included Oprah Winfrey, who looked stunning in a burnt orange outfit that came complete with feathered sleeves. With a fan in hand to stave off the Venice heat, the TV star who is also believed to be a billionaire, waved to fans as she jumped into the awaiting water taxi to take her to the party venue.

Other guests included Kendall and Kylie Jenner, Kim and Khloe Kardashian and Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio, who were also pictured making their way to the old shipyard, the Arsenale.

Kim looked more polished in a flattering pink outfit while Khloe looked more dapper in a shimmering black fitted dress that showcased all of her curves.

According to reports, the invited guests amounted to 200 people and Sir Elton John and Lady Gaga were among the performers of the night.

Jeff and Lauren make their first public appearance as a married couple in Venice
Jeff and Lauren make their first public appearance as a married couple in Venice(Image: AP)

And while the happy couple and their guests thoroughly enjoyed the festivities, it seems not everyone was happy that the Italian city had been completely occupied by the retail giant.

Armed with banners that read “If you can rent Venice for your wedding, you can pay more tax,” an estimated 700 demonstrators gathered at Santa Lucia train station.

The No Space For Bezos group is alleged to have organized the demonstration. A few group members were spotted carrying Amazon boxes with the words “ordered, shipped, delivered, rejected” written on them.

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Despite the interruptions, the couple’s happy course did not appear to change as a result.

According to reports, Jeff and Lauren are getting their second marriage, and they have seven kids together.

READ MORE: Pet owners rush to claim free flea treatment as UK heatwave sees pests rise

Vogue Williams’ ‘lovely’ barrel leg jeans instantly elevate your summer outfits

The versatile jeans come in a wide range of sizes, including the go-to barrel leg jeans that Vogue Williams has shared that instantly elevate your summer outfits.

Vogue Williams often shares her fashion finds with fans(Image: Vogue Williams/Instagram)

We would hazard a guess that there isn’t a wardrobe in the world that doesn’t contain at least one pair of jeans. A great pair of denim is one of the most versatile and easy to style pieces anyone can own, especially when you find the perfect fit and shape for your body.

However, finding great denim can be challenging, which is why we always enjoy hearing someone’s recommendation for a pair. We were immediately drawn to Vogue Williams’s pair of barrel leg jeans, which are the most popular style of the summer.

READ MORE: What should I buy when Tesco F&amp, F’s 25% off summer sale begins?

This one style of wellies is worn by all of Glastonbury’s best-dressed celebrities.

Vogue showed off her flattering Barrel Leg Jeans as she prepared to leave for a day of filming in Saint and Sofia, where they cost £159. When she examined her outfit details, she noted that she also owned other Saint and Sofia items and that it was “such a lovely brand.”

Barrel leg jeans rose to prominence earlier this year as the most popular denim style due to the rise of the cowboy core trend, but they’ve since become one of the most flattering fits for all body types. You can wear them with anything from fitted bodysuits and heels to a straightforward T-shirt and trainers thanks to the barrel leg’s edgy, defined silhouette that elevates it from a regular wide leg.

Vogue Williams
Vogue shared how she styles her barrel leg jeans(Image: Vogue Williams/Instagram)

Even the most basic pieces of clothing were immediately elevated by Vogue, which demonstrated how simple it is to do so. She added that she would also be wearing a pair of plain sandals to complete the look, adding a bright red vest top and some gold jewelry.

Made in Europe, the Saint and Sofia pair was created in London using 100% organic cotton. With a 27 inch inseam, giving them a slightly cropped length, they have a traditional barrel shape that fits around the waist and hips, flares around the thigh and knees, and nips back in at the ankle.

Saint and Sofia barrel leg jeans
Vogue’s Saint and Sofia barrel leg jeans are available in sizes 6 to 22(Image: Saint and Sofia)

Although Vogue chose to purchase the blue pair, you can also purchase them in a cream shade that is particularly summery. The We The Free Good Luck Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans ($98) from Free People come in an impressive 20 different colors, as well as a regular and petite leg length, if you want to spice up your outfit.

Abercrombie & Fitch, a brand that specializes in sizing options, has a Curve Love Mid Rise Barrel Jean that is available in petite, regular, and tall lengths. You can purchase the colors blue, cream, and leopard print on sale for £56.99 down from £75.

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Additionally, Vogue’s standard sizing range includes Sofia Barrel Leg Jeans and Saint. For just £159, you can purchase her exact jeans in sizes 6 through 22.

Ukraine F-16 pilot killed repelling massive Russian air attack

The air force of the war-torn nation claims that Ukraine has resisted a Russian missile and drone strike while losing its F-16 fighter jet and pilot.

The plane was damaged and lost altitude overnight after being shot down seven airs, according to a statement from the Ukrainian military.

A First-class pilot, Lieutenant Colonel Maksym Ustimenko, died on an F-16 aircraft this evening while retaliating a massive enemy air attack, according to the statement.

Russia reportedly launched 537 projectiles against Ukraine, including Shahed drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, according to an additional statement from the air force. 475 of them were claimed to have been intercepted in Ukraine.

The sound of explosions and strikes was reported in several areas of Ukraine, including southern Mykolaiv, southeast Zaporizhia, and western Lviv, according to the Kyiv Independent newspaper.

Residents of Smila, Cherkasy region, stand in front of their apartment buildings that have been damaged by Russian drone and missile attacks. [Press release from Ukrainian police in Cherkasy via Reuters]

At least six people were hurt and damaged in the attacks, according to Ihor Taburets, the governor of the Cherkasy region in central Ukraine. He claimed that the attack damaged three multistory buildings and a college.

According to officials, the southern Ukrainian regions of Mykolaiv and the central region of Dnipropetrovsk were hit by industrial facilities. Rescuers evacuating people and charred walls and cracked windows were captured on local authorities’ websites.

In Kursk and Rostov, along with the annexed Crimean Peninsula in Ukraine, the Ministry of Defense reported that its forces had destroyed three Ukrainian drones in Russia.

Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, said on Friday that he planned to reduce military spending and that he was prepared for a new round of peace talks with Ukraine, which is the latest example of violence.

Moscow and Kyiv have twice sent delegations to Istanbul for peace talks in recent months, but neither have brought an end to the conflict, which first broke out after Russia invaded its neighbor more than three years ago.

Primark shoppers ‘need’ new ’70s summer’ outfit that looks ‘gorgeous’

When the “beautiful” outfit was featured in a popular social media post, the audience found it to be stunning.

Fashion fans ‘need’ Primark’s new matching set(Image: Primark)

Primark shoppers are raving about a “gorgeous” new outfit from the retailer’s Rita Ora collection. The high street fashion giant showcased its new range in a recent social media post, and viewers loved what they saw.

In the TikTok post, Primark highlighted the £12 Rita Ora Beaded Halter Neck Top and the £16 Rita Ora Beaded Midi Skirt, alongside other items, including dresses, skirts, and accessories. The video, which was captioned “70s Summer”, gained over 300,000 views and 19,000 likes. It also received comments from excited shoppers, with some singling out the matching beaded outfit.

One fan, for instance, said, “The first set is a NEED.” What was the name of the first brown set, another enthralling customer inquired? What is the price of the brown skirt, someone else asked? A fan responded, “We have to go,” while a commenter praised the range, saying, “Gorgeous collection.”

Fans of the £12 top and £16 skirt can buy the items separately or as a set. The top is described as a “beaded halter top with sequins and a sleek, body hugging fit,” while the skirt is described as a “brown midi skirt with sequins, beading and embroidered floral details.”

The top and skirt are available in sizes XXS to XL. Both items are available for click-and-collect on Primark’s website. Shoppers can also use a tool on the retailer’s website to check stock availability in their local store.

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Primark’s product description for the top says: “This halter neck top from the Rita Ora collection brings all the beautiful details. Designed in a warm brown shade, it’s covered in intricate beading with floral patterns, sparkly sequin accents and soft wavy stitch detailing throughout.

The V-shaped front gives a little shape, and the neckline ties at the back for a custom fit. It’s one of those pieces that can do it all: dress it up, pair it down, layer it, or let it shine solo.

Bring the sparkle with this Rita Ora Beaded Midi Skirt, says the product description for Primark’s skirt. This layer is covered in swirling embroidery, beaded flowers, and tiny sequins that catch the light as you move. It was designed in a rich brown.

Model wears the Rita Ora Beaded Halter Neck Top and Rita Ora Beaded Midi Skirt
The Rita Ora Beaded Halter Neck Top and Rita Ora Beaded Midi Skirt(Image: Primark)

It is “easy to slip on and go thanks to the elasticated waistband and midi length,” according to the author. For a summer ensemble that you’ll wear time and time again, pair it with the matching top, some statement earrings, and sandals.

Both the top and skirt can be machine washed, as per the care instructions. They can’t be tumble-dried or dry cleaned, though. The website of Primark has more information about care.

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Gauff and Sabalenka team up in viral TikTok dance before Wimbledon

The two tennis stars danced together at Wimbledon and shared videos on social media just in case anyone ever wondered whether Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka had any lingering animosity after their French Open final.

The two tennis players had more to say about the aftermath of Sabalenka’s comments right after the final, when she claimed that her loss had more to do with her own mistakes than Gauff’s performance, on Saturday after dancing together on the&nbsp, Centre Court.

The Belarusian later admitted that her remarks were “unprofessional,” but not before receiving a lot of negative feedback from fans and media, especially in the United States.

Below a clip of the duo performing their moves on the Centre Court grass to the strains of C+C Music Factory’s 1990 hit Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now), Sabalenka wrote on her Instagram feed that “TikTok dances always had a way of bringing people together.”

Gauff, a frequent user of TikTok, recorded a video of the pair clapping along to a track and saying, “OK, guys, we’re back.” How did you feel about us? We missed you, “

The olive branch was accepted and extended! You guys should be as good as we are, she wrote.

“Hakuna Matata, enjoy yourself.”

Gauff now hopes everyone else can forget what the top-ranked Sabalenka said as Wimbledon draws near to a close.

Gauff, who begins her Wimbledon match against Dayana Yastremska on Tuesday, said, “I’m not the person who will fuel hate in the world.” “I believe people were going too far,” he said, “It was just really targeting and saying a lot of things that I thought were offensive.” That wasn’t going to be fuelled further by me.

On Monday, Sabalenka, who faces Carson Branstine in court number one, said she hopes the TikTok video shows that everything is well with the two.

The three-time major winner said, “We are good, we are friends.” “I hope the US media can be gentle with me at this moment.”

Sabalenka once more stated that she had no intention of offending Gauff.

She said, “I was just completely devastated by myself, and emotions overcame me.” “I just completely lost it,” he said.

Gauff did acknowledge that she was initially drawn to criticize Sabalenka, who claimed that the American “won the match not because she played incredible, but just because I made all of those mistakes from… easy balls.”

Gauff added that she was surprised that Sabalenka reached out to apologize a little later. The American was quick to shed any animosity once that occurred, though.

Gauff said, “I preach light and love.” No worries “in Swahili], just want us to be Kumbaya, live happily, Hakuna Matata,” and be content here.

The top two women’s players were appreciative of each other’s rekindling of friendship, according to other players.

Frances Tiafoe, who is seeded 12th in the Wimbledon men’s bracket, is pleased to see that they have changed their mind. The biggest reason is that they are the world’s top players, he said. You kind of need those relationships, then.

The American then laughed as he said, “But it wouldn’t be that bad if they were also back-and-forth.” If they kind of didn’t like each other, that kind of would be cool.

After a practice session before Wimbledon 2025, Sabalenka and Gauff dance together.

Head-to-head encounter between Gauff and Sabalenka

She lost to Gauff in Paris after losing to the American in the US Open final in 2023, and she now leads 6-5 in the standings.

When questioned about whether she would relish the chance to make amends when she defeated Gauff in the Wimbledon final, she seemed unsure.

“I don’t know, in this case, if I make it to the finals, maybe I don’t want to see Coco.” However, I’m happy because I want to get the revenge if she’s going to be there.”

Novak Djokovic, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, and Sabalenka, who she claimed had a long chat with after hitting with the Serb on the grass, joined her for the final minute of her media address.

Novak calls herself “the best.” I had a chance to hit with him first. You can talk to him then. She remarked, “He will give you honest advice.” It’s amazing to hear such a legend’s opinion. We just talked about some things that are making me a little trouble [with]. He gave me some great advice, and I’m so grateful.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 28: Aryna Sabalenka smiles as she speaks in an interview prior to The Championships Wimbledon 2025 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on June 28, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
In her pre-tournament media presentation at Wimbledon, Sabalenka was all smiles-free.