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Nottingham Panthers to face Cardiff Devils in Elite League Grand Final

Press Eye

Nottingham Panthers will face Cardiff Devils in Sunday’s Elite League Play-Offs Grand Final.

The two sides will meet in the decider after contrasting semi-final wins at the National Ice Centre in Nottingham on Saturday

The Panthers beat arch-rivals Sheffield Steelers 4-3 after sudden death overtime.

Panthers and Steelers to renew rivalry

The Panthers and Steelers is one of the oldest and most storied rivalries in UK hockey and this dramatic game was the latest chapter in their history.

The defending champions Steelers took a 2-0 lead approaching the end of the second period with goals from Sam Tremblay and Mitchell Balmas.

However, a late powerplay saw Cooper Zech put the Panthers on the board before the second intermission, and it set up a thrilling final 20 minutes.

Reid Stefanson tied the game for the Panthers just two minutes after the restart and it looked like his side had completed the comeback when Mitchell Fossier scored with just over two minutes remaining.

Steelers pulled their netminder for an extra attacker and Balmas equalised with 81 seconds left to send the game to overtime.

Just 34 seconds into the extra period, Sam Herr was the hero as the Panthers captain put his side into the final as his shot beat Matt Greenfield and ended the Steelers’ season.

Devils shut-out champions Belfast

The Devils were comfortable winners over the Belfast Giants in the first semi-final.

Joey Martin gave the Welsh side an early advantage but they put the game on ice with four unanswered goals in the second period with Cole Sanford scoring twice and Josh MacDonald and Zach O’Brien also on target.

The Giants were searching for their second Grand Slam in three seasons and had beaten Cardiff in five out of their six meetings on the way to winning the Elite League title and also in the Challenge Cup final in March.

However, the Devils, who are looking for their first trophy in three years, were quick out of the blocks and Martin fired them in front after only 68 seconds.

The rest of the first period was a tight affair with both goaltenders, Ben Bowns from Cardiff and the Giants’ Jackson Whistle, making key saves.

It was in the second period that the Devils seized control against an out-of-sorts Giants side who never reached the heights of their best form shown all season long.

MacDonald rounded off a period of sustained pressure to make it 2-0 and then a pair of goals, nineteen seconds apart, effectively sealed the win.

Both were scored by Sanford and both owed a little bit of luck as on the powerplay his shot deflected off the stick of Giants captain Mark Cooper and then almost immediately, Sanford’s attempted pass hit the skate of Josh Roach.

Both redirections gave Whistle no chance but the Devils had earned their luck. They were by far the hungrier team throughout the game.

With the Giants reeling, O’Brien’s superb solo effort made it 5-0 before the second intermission and ended the game as a contest.

Bowns went on to record the shutout in a man-of-the-match performance.

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  • Ice Hockey
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Man Utd eye Rashford-Watkins swap – Sunday’s gossip

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Manchester United are considering a swap deal involving Marcus Rashford and Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, Alexander Isak is set to stay at Newcastle United and Manchester City are planning a move for goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

Manchester United are looking at a swap deal which would involve forward Marcus Rashford, 27, turning a loan move to Aston Villa into a permanent switch and his fellow England international Ollie Watkins, 29, moving the other way. (Star)

Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana, 29, will only be allowed to leave Manchester United if the club receive an offer in excess of £20m. (Mirror)

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone is interested in fellow Argentine and Tottenham centre-back Cristian Romero and might try to sign the 26-year-old before this summer’s Club World Cup. (Sunday Express)

Spain winger Nico Williams, 22, has been linked with a move to Arsenal and Barcelona but has suggested he wants to stay with Athletic Bilbao and play for them in the Champions League next season if they qualify. (AS – in Spanish)

Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres is believed to be a target for a number of clubs but the 26-year-old Sweden striker says “no-one can predict what will happen – we enjoy the moment”. (Metro)

Real Madrid are set to part company with manager Carlo Ancelotti and have made contact with Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso’s camp, although the Spaniard could cost them about £15m in compensation. (Sky Sports Germany)

Ancelotti’s preference if he leaves Real Madrid is to take over as manager of the Brazil national team. (Athletic – subscription required)

Sweden striker Alexander Isak, who has been linked with Arsenal and Liverpool, is expected to stay at Newcastle United as the Magpies are set to price the 25-year-old out of a move this summer. (Football Insider)

Chelsea, Newcastle and Juventus are interested in South Korea centre-back Kim Min-jae, with Bayern Munich willing to sell the 28-year-old. (Sky Sports Germany)

Manchester City are planning to make a move for Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa and believe an offer of £50m for the Portugal international could be enough, despite the 25-year-old having a £63m buyout clause in his contract. (Mirror)

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  • Football

Jamie Borthwick’s ex claims he ‘cheated during Strictly’ as reason for split ‘revealed’

Strictly Come Dancing star Jamie Borthwick has been accused of cheating on his girlfriend while on the show as he faces backlash for being involved in a sex toy scandal

Jamie Borthwick is facing claims he was two-timing (Image: PA)

Jamie Borthwick’s ex girlfriend has claimed he cheated on her during his time on Strictly Come Dancing and while on the UK tour. The EastEnders actor, 30, is facing claims he two-timed two women amid his sex toy scandal with Wynne Evans.

He has recently found himself in the headlines for all the wrong reasons as last week it was reported he’s been dumped by his girlfriend, Chloe. Jamie was said to have annoyed his now ex after bragging about a sex toy GoCompare star, Wynne, sent him while he was on tour with the BBC dance show.

Despite supporting the EastEnders star, who almost made it to the final of the star-studded show, Chloe is said to have called it a day. Now, more details have emerged as to the real reasons behind the sudden split as she claims he had been cheating on her for months.

Jamie, who plays Jay Brown in the BBC soap, was busted when a mutual friend of Chloe had dinner with the other woman this month. The woman claimed she had been in a long-term relationship with Jamie, despite him also seeing Chloe.

Jamie Borthwick
Jamie is facing allegations he dated two women while on Strictly(Image: PA)
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She said they had taken a break from their relationship, but got back together “exclusively” in August – just before Strictly started.

According to the Sun, Chloe told a pal: “I was seeing him between March last year and earlier this month — but I’ve learnt he was also with another woman from around August.

“I met his friends, including his Strictly pals, on the tour. I was on calls with his family, and he was going to give me a key to his new property, and talked of me cooking him dinner when he got home. “

Chloe claimed they had even picked out names for the two dogs they were buying together and that he had promised to take her away at the end of March when the tour ended.

However, Jamie reportedly cancelled the trip and he said he was going on a lads holiday instead. Chloe later found out he had actually been to Amsterdam on a romantic break with the other woman.

She claimed he “doesn’t know where the plotlines on EastEnders finish and real life starts”. Chloe also added she is “disgusted” by Jamie and hopes “no other woman falls for his charms. ”

Wynne Evans and Jamie Borthwick have become embroiled in a fresh Strictly Come Dancing scandal
Jamie is in a sex toy scandal with Strictly co-star Wynne Evans(Image: PA)

The extent of Jamie’s alleged double life came to light when the women were put in touch with each other by a mutual friend two weeks ago. They have exchanged messages of support and been comforting each other.

Chloe is upset as to how Jamie introduced her to his Strictly pals when she “now knows they were aware he was seeing someone else”.

Speaking of Jamie’s sex toy scandal, she said she is “not surprised” as he is “very good at deceiving people. “

Amid initial reports of their split, a source told The Sun: “Strictly was a whirlwind for Jamie and they managed to keep it going when he was on the show. But Chloe dumped Jamie when he finished the Strictly tour. She said she felt like Jamie didn’t have time for her. “

Earlier this month, footage emerged showing Jamie waving around a sex toy that had been sent to him by Wynne, 53. It was claimed the footage was shared within a messaging group that included other Strictly stars – who reportedly did not expect nor want to be included in an conversation that had a sexual connotation.

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The clip is thought to have been filmed just two days after Wynne was recorded making a vile sexual comment to Jamie about pro dancer Janette Manrara. Shortly after, Wynne was axed from the live tour.

The Mirror has contacted Jamie’s representatives for comment.

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Jason Isaac admits he ’embarrassed’ his daughters with major role

As Jason Isaacs appears on the Jonathan Ross show tonight, we take a look at his daughter’s reaction to one of his most notable starring roles in his acting career

Jason Isaacs has opened up about his daughter’s reactions to his iconic role(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for War)

*Warning: Spoilers ahead for The White Lotus season 3*

As Jason Isaacs appears in the latest series of The White Lotus, the British icon’s daughters haven’t always been fans of some of their dad’s acting roles.

While he captivates audiences on The White Lotus, Jason is most notably known for his role as sinister Lucius Malfoy in Harry Potter. However he confessed it “embarassed” his two daughters growing up.

The formidable father of Draco Malfoy, Jason played the patriarch of Slytherin house, and while it wasn’t a leading role, his long blonde locks made him quite the memorable character. However in a chat with Radio Times, he revealed his daughters Lily and Ruby weren’t keen.

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The actor played Lucius Malfoy in the series
The actor played Lucius Malfoy in the series(Image: Warner Bros)
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He shared: “They hated it. Always found it embarrassing. You want to be introduced as yourself, and not, ‘This is my friend. Oh, by the way, her dad’s Lucius Malfoy. ‘” Jason, who has been married to Emma Hewitt for 25 years, is a proud father to Lily, 22, and Ruby, 19.

In The White Lotus’s third season, he steps into the shoes of Timothy Ratliff, who travels to Thailand with his on-screen wife Victoria and their three kids, Saxon, Piper, and Lochlan.

The Ratliffs are in Thailand ostensibly for Piper to consult with a monk for her thesis, but their holiday takes a turn when Timothy learns he’s under investigation by The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post for his dealings with Kenneth Nguyen and Sho-Kel.

He later finds out that the FBI has obtained evidence about Kenneth that could also incriminate him. After being overwhelmed with phone calls, Tim resorts to stealing Lorazepam from his wife Victoria in an attempt to distract himself from his mounting problems.

Jason is currently starring in The White Lotus
Jason is currently starring in The White Lotus season 7(Image: Warner Bros)

As he faces the possibility of jail time, viewers watch as Tim steals a gun and tries to take his own life, only to be stopped by Victoria. With just one episode left in the third season, it’s still uncertain how Tim’s story will conclude and whether his past will finally catch up with him.

In addition to the two roles mentioned, Jason has had a diverse career in both theatre and film, appearing in numerous TV shows, films, and stage productions.

He portrayed Georgy Zhukov in The Death of Stalin in 2017 and has featured in films such as Brotherhood, Awake, The OA and Star Trek: Discovery.

The full interview with Jason Isaacs is available to read in Radio Times.

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Do you have a story to share? Email us at niamh. kirk@reachplc. com

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‘I’ve let myself & the team down’ – Norris on qualifying ‘shunt’

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Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Venue: Jeddah Date: 20 April Race start: 18:00 BST

Lando Norris says he has a “big job” on his hands to try to recover in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix from his crash in qualifying.

The Briton, who leads McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri by three points in the drivers’ championship heading into the race, starts 10th after his accident. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen is on pole position, ahead of Piastri and Mercedes’ George Russell.

Norris said: “I don’t think it’s going to be an easy one because I don’t think it’s very easy to overtake around here.

“We have a strong car but clearly not as good as we would like because Max is on pole and George is only 0. 1secs behind, so it’s not like things are plain sailing at the minute.

McLaren showed extremely strong race pace during the practice sessions in Jeddah but Norris said he was “going to need a bit of luck” in the grand prix.

He said that to “get close” to Verstappen, Piastri and Norris was “not very realistic”.

“It’s almost impossible to overtake around here, so I’m not expecting anything magical,” Norris said.

“But we have a good car, so if we can work our way up to the top five, six, I will say I’ll be happy. “

Norris lost control on the exit of Turn Four, his car sliding on to the kerb at Turn Five and flicking into the wall on the exit.

He swore and called himself an “idiot” over the radio to his team in the immediate aftermath of the accident.

“Makes sense,” he later said of his frustration in the car. “I agree with it. I should be fighting for pole and, especially on a Q1 lap, not taking any silly risks like I seem to have done.

“We will review it but it’s not a guarantee we would have been on pole, because Red Bull were quick the whole qualifying.

“It would have been nice to be in that fight. I was doing well until then and feeling comfortable. I shunted, so I am not going to be proud, I’m not going to be happy, I’ve let myself and the team down and the guys have a big job to do to fix it. “

Verstappen, eight points behind Norris in the championship, said he was surprised to have been in the fight for pole after a difficult time through the practice sessions, adding that until taking pole he had been “not very confident” for the race.

“My long runs weren’t particularly great compared to Oscar or Lando,” he said. “Naturally, with how the car was reacting today, it will be a bit better. But I don’t think it’ll be enough to be super competitive.

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Verstappen’s pole was his second of the season. After his first, in Japan two weeks ago, he held off Norris and Piastri for the entire grand prix to win.

Piastri, though, said the three zones in which the drivers can use the Drag Reduction System overtaking aid might make it easier for him to have a try at passing Verstappen than in Japan.

The Australian said: “I’m feeling confident in what we’ve got. There are a lot of DRS zones around here, which is a nice difference to Suzuka. So, yes, let’s see if we can make some progress.

Russell said he and Verstappen had agreed that McLaren were still the team to beat.

“Max and I were just talking now,” Russell said. “We both recognise McLaren are the standout favourites and definitely have the pace on everybody else.

“If Oscar gets into the lead, you’ll probably see a repeat of Bahrain. If we stay in the order we qualified, I think it could be a tight race until the pit stops. “

Russell added that the decision to bring a softer range of tyres for Saudi Arabia this year could also impact the race.

“The medium tyre this year was last year’s soft, which only one driver used in the whole race.

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Katy Perry brutally slammed by Miley Cyrus’ brother in wild ‘copycat’ rant

Katy Perry has been slammed by Trace Cyrus, the brother of Miley Cyrus, in a wild rant on social media in which he hit out at her recent adventure into space

Katy Perry has been criticised by Trace Cyrus

Katy Perry has been targeted by the brother of Miley Cyrus in a wild Instagram rant. Trace Cyrus took to the social media platform to unleash a bizarre tirade on the pop star on Friday. It comes as Katy, 40, has recently been mocked for her role in Jeff Bezo’s all-female Blue Origin space trip.

Katy took part on the 11-minute trip in the shuttle and sang to others during the flight before kissing the ground as they touched back down. But while people let their feelings over the stunt be known, Trace has hit out at the Firework singer for allegedly copying his sister’s career.

He blasted any attempts to stay relevant by the musician as something that “didn’y f***ing work”. He slammed her efforts for “backfiring” before urging her to “stop”.

Trace Cyrus and Miley Cyrus
Trace Cyrus and Miley Cyrus(Image: Getty Images)

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In the Instagram video, Trace fumed: “I first knew Katy Perry, though, and her team were lame as f*** when her career was first dying. And they were like ‘Hmm, what can we do? Well, what worked for Miley? She cut her hair off and it broke the internet and everybody freaked out and she bleached it blonde. We should do that with you, Katy!'”

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He then mocked Katy as saying that sounded like a good plan. Trace went on to say one of Katy’s previous recorded had came from sister Miley’s previous work, which led him to accuse the star of trying to do “exactly what the f*** Miley did and blow up”.

As the rant continued, Trace took aim at Katy’s space adventure before telling her to “stop”.

Despite Trace’s wild rant, he’s not the only person to think Katy’s space trip “backfired. The pop megastar, 40, was one of six women to fly in the Blue Origin NS-31 from Texas on Monday in a mission funded by Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezo’s space exploration company.

According to PR and personal branding expert Mayah Riaz, what should have been a powerful moment of female empowerment turned into what she calls “a PR black hole”.

Speaking to the Mirror, Mayah said: “Katy didn’t just shoot for the stars – she launched herself into a PR black hole.” She added: ““The big question is why she did.

“In my opinion, this was a calculated brand move. Katy’s always been known for her eccentric image – she thrives on reinvention. A space flight fits with her whole ‘out of this world’ vibe. “

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Mayah continued: ““Instead of applause, she got eye rolls. Even some fellow celebs weren’t impressed. Timing and tone are everything. With people struggling financially and worried about the planet, flying off in a billionaire’s rocket feels totally tone-deaf. ”