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Marks & Spencer’s new £50 ‘sneakerinas’ are the flats you’ll be living in this spring

By in Entertainment News, News

‘Sneakerinas’ are one of spring’s biggest trends, and Marks & Spencer has just dropped a £50 pair you’ll be living in

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It’s officially going to be a ‘sneakerina’ spring, and Marks & Spencer’s latest launch is a stylish way you can tap into the trend.

As you can probably guess from the hybrid name, the ‘sneakerina’ combines trainers (or sneakers as Americans call them) and ballerina flats. This sounds pretty harmless, considering the two shoes are already popular and not exactly controversial. However, the result is something many people have mixed opinions about.

A-List celebs have, of course, already adopted this trend from Phoebe Dynevor to Bella Hadid, who was spotted wearing a £119 pair from Vivaia last year.

And now Marks & Spencer has launched its new style, the Suede Single Strap Mary Jane Trainers, priced at £50.

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READ MORE: Claudia Winkleman loves her latest Traitors jumper so much she ‘licked it to keep it’

These stylish shoes feature a suede finish, which is right on trend for 2026. They also feature a comfy flat sole that makes them ideal for everyday wear, along with a signature Mary Jane-style strap.

Currently, there are only two colourways to choose from, with one being a dark brown and the second being a lighter taupe shade. To style these shoes, we’d recommend keeping it simple with a pair of straight-leg, blue-wash jeans, a crisp white t-shirt and a cool bomber jacket over the top.

What we love most about the ‘sneakerina’ trend is how it toughens up the classic ballerina shoe while also adding a feminine touch to the trainer.

If you’re looking for more styles to choose from, we’ve rounded up our current favourites below…

Shop more of our favourite ‘sneakerinas’

adidas Originals Samba Mary Jane

This divisive release from adidas combines one of the brand’s most iconic and trending styles, the Samba, mixed with a popular 2025 shoe trend, the Mary Jane.

Puma Speedcat Suede Ballet Shoes Women

Dua Lipa posted an Instagram carousel sporting the Puma Speedcat Ballet Shoes, showing that she’s given this controversial trend her seal of approval. Dua’s exact metallic silver ones are currently out of stock, but we’ve found some suede pink ones from Puma that still perfectly fit into the trend.

Vivaia Cristina Satin Sneakerinas

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Bella Hadid was spotted wearing this reasonably affordable £119 pair from Vivaia. And not only is Bella a huge fan of Vivaia’s pair, but so is Charli XCX, who was seen sporting two different pairs in the Coachella desert.

Israeli military attacks village in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley

By in News, World News

Israel’s military has carried out an attack on a village in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, local media outlets are reporting, amid growing concerns of a wider Israeli escalation as the government pushes for the disarmament of Lebanese group Hezbollah.

In a social media post on Thursday, Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee told residents of the village of Sohmor to leave their homes ahead of a planned strike on a building he claimed contained “Hezbollah military infrastructure”.

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The Israeli military later said it was attacking several “Hezbollah targets” across Lebanon, without specifying where exactly the strikes were being carried out.

The Hezbollah-affiliated Al-Manar TV said the Israeli army had targeted two residential buildings in Sohmor.

Israel has launched near-daily attacks on Lebanon despite a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah that came into force in late 2024.

Those attacks have ramped up in recent months as Israel and its main ally, the United States, have been pushing the Lebanese government to disarm Hezbollah.

Later on Thursday, the Israeli army issued another evacuation threat for residents of the Bekaa Valley village of Mashghara, west of Sohmor, saying it planned to attack “Hezbollah infrastructure” there.

Last week, the Lebanese military said the first phase of its plan is to bring all the weapons held by non-state actors between the Litani River and the Israeli border, in southern Lebanon, under its control.

The army said on January 8 that it had established a state monopoly on arms in the south in an “effective and tangible way”, without specifically mentioning Hezbollah.

The Lebanese cabinet, meanwhile, has asked the army to brief it early next month on how it would pursue disarmament in other parts of the country.

A senior Hezbollah official warned the Lebanese government this week, however, that trying to disarm the group across Lebanon would trigger chaos and a possible civil war.

Hezbollah has insisted that the disarmament push only applies to the southernmost region of Lebanon that borders Israel, refusing to relinquish its weapons elsewhere.

In an interview with Russian state media outlet RT, senior Hezbollah political official Mahmoud Qmati said on Wednesday that pursuing a state monopoly on arms further north would be “the biggest crime committed by the state”.

“The path taken by the Lebanese government and state institutions will lead Lebanon to instability, chaos and perhaps even civil war,” Qmati said, though he added that Hezbollah would not be dragged into a confrontation with Lebanon’s army.

Hezbollah has argued that it must retain its weapons in order to deter Israel from occupying additional territories in southern Lebanon, where the Lebanese army is ill-equipped to respond.

Israel has maintained troops in five areas of southern Lebanon, in violation of the 2024 truce.

“There will be no talk or dialogue about any situation north of the Litani River before Israel withdraws from all Lebanese territory, liberates the south and the prisoners, and stops its violations against Lebanon,” said Qmati, the Hezbollah official.

Reporting from the Lebanese capital, Beirut, on Thursday, Al Jazeera’s Zeina Khodr explained that by targeting areas north of the Litani River for attack, the Israeli military is signalling that it has “shifted to phase two of the disarmament plan”.

But the Lebanese army has said “it needs time to put a plan together and that it will present it to the government next month”, Khodr said.

“Lebanese army sources [are] saying that this is very challenging, especially if Hezbollah refuses to cooperate with the army. And Hezbollah [is] making clear it will not cooperate with the army,” she explained.

(Al Jazeera)

Eto’o handed ban and fine for misconduct at Afcon

By in News, Sports News
Getty Images
Paul Njie

BBC Africa journalist, Yaounde

Former Cameroon star Samuel Eto’o has been handed a four-match ban and fined $20,000 (£14,960) after being found guilty of misconduct by a Confederation of African Football (Caf) disciplinary panel.

A Caf statement said that Eto’o, now president of his nation’s football federation (Fecafoot), had violated its principles of sportsmanship during the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final between Cameroon and Morocco.

The former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker was reportedly seen making an angry gesture over some of the decisions taken by the officials as the Indomitable Lions lost 2-0 to the tournament hosts.

Caf boss Patrice Motsepe, who was also in attendance in the stadium in Rabat, appeared to have witnessed Eto’o’s frustration.

On Monday the continent’s governing body announced it was launching an investigation into “violent confrontations and unacceptable behaviour of some players and officials” during last-eight matches.

In response, Fecafoot rejected Caf’s decision, describing the process as one that “raises serious reservations about the fundamental requirements of a fair trial”.

Fecafoot then expressed support for its president in a statement on Wednesday, while suggesting Eto’o would appeal against the sanction.

Since assuming his role in in 2021, Eto’o’s image as a legend of the game has been dented by controversy and scandals.

He has faced accusations of improper conduct and poor management, with some football stakeholders also complaining of grave irregularities within Fecafoot.

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We tracked down Claudia Winkleman’s statement ‘disco ring’ for £50

By in Entertainment News, News

Claudia Winkleman wore her statement disco ring whilst filming Strictly Come Dancing last year, and it’s the perfect way to add some glamour to our Traitors-inspired winter wardrobe

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Claudia Winkleman’s outfits on The Traitors have been providing us with endless styling inspiration this winter, but her previous Strictly Come Dancing looks were just as showstopping. For her final ever stint on the hit show, Claudia and stylist Sinead McKeefry injected Claudia’s edgy style with just the right amount of glamour for the Saturday night slot, giving us even more ways to replicate the host’s enviable style.

And one piece that’s been living in our minds (and on our wishlists) was her chunky statement Disco Ring. Claudia wore it for the first week of Strictly with a satin white shirt, tailored trousers and black tie, and it was the perfect way to bring some glitz into her androgynous look.

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The Disco Ring hails from L’Atelier 73 and manages to bring some sparkle and glam whilst still working with Claudia’s signature gothic chic style. You can pick it up for £50, which is a steal compared to some of the presenter’s designer pieces she wears, and it’s an easy accessory to add to your wardrobe.

Made from 925 sterling silver plated in 18K gold, it features oversized artificial crystals which are formed into a textured semi-circle that creates a more elevated version of a disco ball that you can wear on your finger. Claudia opted for the black crystal version, but you can also pick it up in both pink and green which bring a subtle pop of colour to your outfits.

We could easily see the Disco Ring (particularly the green or black versions) working with her signature oversized knits, wool coats and chunky boots that she wears on The Traitors. The brand has also recently launched a Valentine’s and Galentine’s Day range, which is perfect for gifting someone special come February.

A chunky statement ring is the perfect way to jazz up an otherwise understated outfit, and we spotted some others that we’d love to add to our collection. PRYA’s Nora Ring comes with either black or green gemstones and is on sale for just £23, and is the perfect size for stacking with other bands.

Alternatively, the Orielle Ring from Bohomoon has an oversized green inlay and comes in both silver and gold metals, with a matching pendant available to buy. However if you want something that’s really going to make a statement, this Dulcis Cocktail Ring from Swarovski is a must-buy – it’s one sale for £71 and is made from transparent green resin, with a huge oversized pink crystal set in the middle.

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Whilst Claudia’s Traitors wardrobe is the kind of grounded, easy style that we can all be wearing every day, her previous Strictly outfits are still a great go to when you want a little more glam in your life. And we’ll be starting with her Disco Ring.

Skeleton chiefs cleared in Olympic qualifying row

By in News, Sports News
Getty Images
Simon Armstrong

BBC Sport

Canada’s skeleton chiefs have been cleared of manipulating qualification for next month’s Winter Olympics but “reminded” they should “act within the spirit” of the sport’s code of ethics.

An investigation was launched by the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) after Canada withdrew four athletes from the North American Cup at Lake Placid on Sunday.

USA slider Katie Uhlaender claimed it cost her a spot at the Milano-Cortina Games as it cut the field to fewer than 21, reducing the number of ranking points available.

In a statement, the organisation explained its Interim Integrity Unit “dismissed the complaints as the current IBSF rules and regulations did not give grounds for a breach of the international rules, the code of conduct, and respectively the code of ethics”.

However, it “noted that the Canadian coach and the national federation shall be reminded that, whilst acting within the letter of the IBSF code of conduct, it is expected that all parties concerned should also act within the spirit of the code, whose aim is to promote fair play and ethical conduct at all times”.

In quotes reported by DW, double world champion Uhlaender alleged she was told of the plan by Canada coach Joe Cecchini and described it as having “nailed my coffin” as she attempted to qualify for a sixth Olympics.

Rival federations alleged the move was aimed at protecting Canada’s Games quota.

Related topics

  • Winter Sports
  • Skeleton

Nicola Peltz’s weight loss explained as she falls under seven stone for new movie role

By in Entertainment News, News

Sources say actress Nicola Peltz has “pulled out all the stops” for her new movie, hitting the gym and following a strict diet, as she prepares to play the lead role in Prima

Nicola Peltz has “pulled out all the stops” for her new movie, hitting the gym and following a strict diet as she prepares to play the leading role of a ballerina.

Nicola will star in Prima alongside Oscar award-winner Faye Dunaway, and according to insiders, the actress has undertaken four months of intense ballet training for the role which has seen her weight plummet to below 100lbs (45kg).

It comes after fans speculated whether her shrinking figure was down to using weight loss jabs or because of her ongoing rift with husband Brooklyn Beckham’s family. Speculation of a rift first came about last year after Brooklyn and Nicole appeared to snub a number of special family occasions.

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A source told The Sun: “Nicola was committed to getting things exactly right for this role and it just proves her determination and dedication.” They added: “There was also no way she was ever going to use the fat jab and so she’s done the work all herself.”

The movie sees Faye play her grandmother, who has dedicated her life to training Margot (Nicola) to become an exquisite ballerina. Nicola’s weight loss comes after she and Brooklyn cut ties with Brooklyn’s parents, David and Victoria, as well as his siblings.

Nicola’s husband Brooklyn sent a ‘legal letter’ to his parents David and Victoria. It’s alleged the entrepreneur issued them a desist letter, urging them not to contact him personally or through social media and to go through lawyers instead.

It is claimed that Brooklyn made it clear he did not want his parents to contact him directly or make public statements about him on social media. Instead, it’s thought he has told them to correspond between their respective legal teams at Schillings and Harbottle & Lewis.

Sources have suggested that Brooklyn’s “talk to my lawyers” stance may explain why the 26-year-old seemingly blocked his famous parents and his siblings on social media. The moment came shortly before Christmas , leaving the clan unable to view or comment on his posts over the festive period.

It’s thought Victoria and David received the desist letter at the end of last summer following months of speculation around their relationship with their son and his wife. Brooklyn and Nicola have largely remained silent throughout the speculation.

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Instead, they continue to share support of each other on their public channels. They have also offered their followers glimpses of his cooking projects, and their married life and professional ventures together.

The pair have missed major family events, including his father David Beckham’s 50th birthday and Christmas with the family. Instead, he remained in Los Angeles with Nicola Peltz’s family over the festive period. And he also failed to show up in support of the former footballer after he was finally awarded a knighthood.