Category Entertainment News

EXCLUSIVE: Tommy Bradley is one of the singletons who is looking for love on the new series of Love Island, which kicks off tonight – and he’s got some huge connections

Tommy Bradley is ready to make his mark as he enters the villa tonight alongside 11 other hopefuls for the launch of the show’s 12th series – and he’s already packing some heavyweight connections.

The 24-year-old fitness buff from London just so happens to have brushed shoulders with boxing royalty. Yep, none other than Anthony Joshua. While he hasn’t met him just yet, Tommy’s brother works closely with the boxer.

But it’s not just AJ-level abs Tommy’s proud of – it’s that signature slicked-back hair. “It sounds weird,” he confessed, “but I blow-dry it for 20–25 minutes, style it, hairspray it, and sleep in a woolly hat to keep it in place.” Yes, really.

He even ruled out shaving it off for a date challenge. “No chance. It’s my best feature. I’ve had the same haircut since I was a kid!” So why sign up? “All my mates are in relationships – I’m the last single one,” he said. “Why not go away, meet new people, have a fantastic summer, and maybe come back with a girlfriend? No-brainer.”

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He packed eight pairs of swim shorts and hit the gym hard in prep, bumping up the weights and making sure he was villa-ready. But if you’re wondering whether Tommy’s more lover or fighter, the truth is… he’s not quite either yet. “I’ve never been in a proper serious relationship,” he admits. “Just situationships that fizzled out after a few months. I’ve never even said ‘I love you’ – unless you count my mum and my nan.”

And speaking of mum, she didn’t hold back before his villa debut. “She actually brought up the sex thing and said, ‘If you do, I’ll be watching,’” Tommy reveals. Awkward. As for whether he’ll go there on-screen? “I’m not saying I will… but if the moment is right, maybe. Who knows?”

ITV’s Love Island has a string of secret sex rules, which the saucy singletons must follow. The new series of the smash-hit dating show, which kicks off tonight, is sure to be one of the steamiest yet after bosses revealed that sex scenes would be aired i n the Hideaway for the first time this summer.

The jaw-dropping move has divided viewers, with some saying they don’t know want to see what pops up beneath the sheets under the Spanish sun. However, others, think the rule change is just what the new series needs as executive producer Mike Spencer said: “If sex happens, we’ll show it. The Hideaway will be open 24 hours. We need to keep the show fresh and exciting.”

“After 10 years, the stats speak for themselves. The show will continue to thrive. We the producers need to stay ahead of the curve. The whole ‘twists and turns’ thing is about making the show fresh. We’re going to give it all we’ve got.” Well, mission accomplished.

Host Maya Jama, back with her signature sass and slay, said: “I feel like they forgot last year that you could come in the Hideaway at any time. We did tell them, but they kept forgetting!” Not anymore, Maya.

Megan Moore, who goes by Meg, is a 25-year-old payroll specialist from Southampton, told us: “It’s not ideal to be having it on telly, but you don’t know because you’re in that bubble. If it comes naturally, then it happens. You can’t ever never say never.”

Meanwhile, Sophie Lee, a 29-year-old former fire breather, influencer and motivational speaker from Manchester, is taking a different route: “I am celibate. I’ve practiced celibacy throughout my dating life. It’ll take a really hot guy to change that! For me, intimacy is giving a piece of my soul. If I’m not in a confident place, it’s my problem – not his.”

“I’ve gone over 8 months celibate now, I was two years celebate before, and I’m proud of that. I only want to have sex when I truly want to – not out of pressure.”

Love Island 2025 begins tonight at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.

While the royal family will be celebrating the King’s official birthday with the Trooping the Colour procession on Saturday, Meghan Markle will be at an event of her own in California

As the Royal Family prepares for Trooping the Colour, Meghan Markle is planning her own big night out in California. The Duchess of Sussex has been confirmed as the guest of honour at a museum’s Night of Wonder black-tie event in California, on the same day as the King’s official birthday celebrations in London.

The diary clash will see Meghan be honoured for her charity work, which focuses on advancing community wellbeing and expanding opportunities for disadvantaged people, particularly those from underprivileged and minority communities. The event, where Meghan will give a speech about her work, will take place at the Museum of Natural History in Los Angeles, California, where the royal couple has called home for the past five years since stepping back from their royal duties.

Meghan will be joined by other high-profile guests at the museum on June 14, with the space being transformed into an enchanted nocturnal garden.

The exclusive event will feature live music and installations representing local ecosystems and the LA landscape, and guests will be treated to a farm-to-table dinner that uses ingredients from the museum’s nature gardens. While it has not yet been confirmed if Prince Harry will also be attending the museum’s charity night, he often accompanies his wife to public events where she gives speeches.

Ahead of the event, Lori Bettison-Varga, the President and Director of the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County, said: “We are proud to honour Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, a native Angeleno, whose work to advance community wellbeing and expand opportunity – especially for underserved communities – aligns with our equity-focused approach to developing science literacy for the next generation.”

The Office of Prince Harry and Meghan added that Meghan’s mission to advance community wellbeing and uplift young women “dovetails with the museums’ approach to connecting community and science by fostering meaningful educational experiences that empower young minds.”

On the same day of the exclusive event at the Los Angeles museum, the Royal family will be taking to the Buckingham Palace balcony for Trooping the Colour to celebrate the King’s birthday.

The Trooping the Colour event, which takes place every year in June, has been held to mark the sovereign’s official birthday since the accession of King George IV in 1820, except during the world wars and a national strike in 1955. In 2020, a scaled-back version of the celebration was held at Windsor Castle due to the Covid pandemic.

Trooping the Colour 2025, officially known as The King’s Birthday Parade, will take place on Saturday June 14 in London. Prince Harry and Meghan have not attended the event in an official capacity since 2019, although Meghan was seen watching the military procession from Horse Guards Parade during the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022.

Harry and Meghan announced they would be stepping back as senior members of the royal family in January 2020, and have been living in Montecito, California, with their two children, Archie and Lilibet, ever since.

In this Monday’s Mirror Daily Digest, we’ve pulled together the biggest stories of the day from the dramatic winter fuel payment U-turn to the love triangle school run brawl

Welcome to the Mirror’s Daily Digest, where we pull together all the best stories of the day from our News, Showbiz, Health teams and more. Today, we’re bringing you the biggest stories from inside the newsroom, with the latest on the major winter fuel payment U-turn from our Politics reporters, through to the primary school playground bust-up.

Our Health team has been closely following the latest on the new coronavirus strain NB.1.8.1, following reports of unusual symptoms, while our Showbiz team has covered Kerry Katona’s latest comments on ex-husband Brian McFadden.

Major Winter fuel payment U-turn as millions to get up to £300

At lunchtime, our Politics team broke the news that nine million pensioners will now be eligible for winter fuel payments following the Government’s dramatic U-turn. Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that OAPs with an income of £35,000 or below in England and Wales will receive the benefit this winter. It is a major uplift from the current £11,500 cut-off point.

This means that more than three-quarters of pensioners will receive the support, which is worth up to £300. Keir Starmer faced a damaging backlash after last year introducing a means-tested system for the winter fuel allowance, which had previously been a universal benefit. Around 10 million pensioners lost the support last winter.

Ms Reeves said: “Targeting Winter Fuel Payments was a tough decision, but the right decision because of the inheritance we had been left by the previous government. It is also right that we continue to means-test this payment so that it is targeted and fair, rather than restoring eligibility to everyone including the wealthiest.

“But we have now acted to expand the eligibility of the Winter Fuel Payment so no pensioner on a lower income will miss out. This will mean over three quarters of pensioners receiving the payment in England and Wales later this winter.”

Read the full story here.

Manchester stabbing victim, 14, pictured in heartbreaking tribute

In a heartbreaking update, our News team reported that the 14-year-old boy who was stabbed to death in Manchester has been named locally as Ibrahima Seck. The teenager was attacked on Nevin Road, New Moston, on Sunday before running into a stranger’s house in a bid to get help.

Mortally wounded, he repeatedly begged to be saved and said: “I don’t want to die”. A kind resident took Ibrahima in and desperately tried to save his life by giving him CPR, but he sadly died in hospital of his injuries. His father was seen hugging the couple who took the boy in and tried to help him.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed they have arrested two boys, aged 14 and 16 on suspicion of murder. The force said: “Early investigations established the identities of possible suspects and after attending a nearby address, a 37-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

“A short time later, two people – males aged 14 and 16 – were arrested on suspicion of murder. A further 14-year-old female has been arrested overnight on suspicion of assisting an offender. All four remain in custody for questioning.”

Read the full story here.

Kerry Katona’s nine-word statement in fresh plea to ex Brian McFadden

Meanwhile, Kerry Katona has revealed that she ‘wishes’ she and ex-husband Brian McFadden had stayed friends following their split in 2004. The famous couple tied the knot in a stunning Ireland ceremony in 2002, before breaking up after two years of marriage. They share two children together, Molly McFadden, 23, and Lilly McFadden, 21, but have had a jaded relationship since splitting, reports our Showbiz team.

Writing in her weekly New! Magazine column, Kerry penned: “I was sad to read about Chris Martin and Dakota Johnson’s split, I thought they made a nice couple. It’s amazing how Chris and his ex-wife Gwyneth Paltrow have managed to co-parent their kids and stay friends. I take my hat off to anyone who can do that.

“I wish Brian and I could have stayed friends. Molly went to watch him at a festival last week and I would have loved to have gone with her. Brian’s fiancée is lovely and they’ve got a gorgeous little one. It would be great to have a better relationship.”

Read the full story here.

Covid alert as doctors issue warning about new variant

In other news, our Heath team has been following the latest on the new coronavirus strain following a spike in cases. The variant, labelled NB.1.8.1, reportedly comes with unusual symptoms, with many people experiencing gastrointestinal problems.

While experts have warned that the new strain, which has already been flagged in the UK, US and Australia, can cause issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and heartburn. Patients who experience bloating, constipation and abdominal pain could also find themselves with Covid-19.

The World Health Organization (WHO) added the variant to its official watch list and suggested that it is more transmissible than other strains. However, there isn’t any evidence to indicate that it causes more acute illnesses.

According to WHO, the strain first appeared in January and by late April it was responsible for around 10.7% of global infections, up from just 2.5% a month earlier. The strain has seen a rapid rise in Ireland in recent weeks.

Read the full story here and you can have your say on whether face masks should be reintroduced, by taking our poll here.

Love triangle sees mums trade blows on the playground

Finally, two mums were left with black eyes after a school run brawl saw them punching and slapping at each other in a primary school playground as shocked parents looked on, reports our News team.

A court heard how the pair had a fight in front of kids and other parents at a primary school playground as they were picking up their children from afternoon classes. Mother of four Natasha Sherlock, 29, accused Samantha Rylance, 28, of sleeping with her ex-boyfriend as parents were collecting the children from Sommerville Primary School in Seacombe, Wallasey, the court heard.

The pair had previously been friends, the court was told, but fell out after Sherlock claimed Rylance had a one night stand with her former partner. Sherlock was said to have shouted: “Do not f***ing talk to my kids” at Rylance after her daughter waved at the mother of three before the pair began scuffling on the tarmac.

Read the full story here.

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If you’re on the lookout for a climbing flower plant that won’t just elevate the appearance of your garden, but its scent too, this climbing jasmine is just the ticket – and right now it’s on sale

Green-thumbed shoppers looking to step up their garden with an attractive woody, evergreen climber that boasts rich, dark green leaves that turn bronze in winter, can currently pick up a large fragrant white-flowered star jasmine plant for half its normal price, thanks to this Gardening Express

Relax in your garden this summer while surrounded by the sweet scent of star jasmine with this stunning climbing plant. Normally retailing for £59.99, this gem is now available for the reduced price of £29.99 while this deal lasts.

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Boasting masses of highly perfumed creamy-white flowers, this plant promises glossy evergreen foliage all year round. Whether you’re covering unsightly areas or simply using this luxurious foliage to transform a simple fence, this climbing jasmine plant will climb over fences, trellis, walls, arbours, and so much more, making it a versatile and simple addition to any outdoor space.

Star Jasmine boasts highly fragrant, pure white flowers that bloom from mid-late summer. Best grown against a warm, sunny wall, this flowering climber is an excellent plant for adding a delicious scent and high-rise glamour to courtyards, patios, balconies and gardens. It’s also ideal for climbing over any garden structures in a sunny spot, so you don’t need to have a large space for this plant to make itself at home.

Especially lovely in warm sunny borders at the foot of a sheltered south-facing wall, this plant will thrive in well-drained soils and is particularly tolerant of hot summer weather where other climbers may flag, making this week the ideal time to secure one of your own ahead of the coming sunny spells. Plus, if you have this gem planted sooner rather than later, you can sit back and enjoy the late summer blooming.

Warner Brothers Discovery announced Monday that it will split into two companies as it seeks to build up its streaming business while also maximizing value in legacy news and entertainment products.

The entertainment giant will break itself into two publicly traded companies in “Streaming & Studios” and “Global Networks.” The shift, designed to enable each venture to “maximize its potential,” is expected to be completed by mid-2026, the company said.

The move, which reallocates assets such as HBO Max and CNN, is the latest reflection of how streaming is remaking a media business in which Warner Brothers Discovery and other legacy players traditionally garnered considerable revenues from “bundled” cable products that many consumers are now eschewing in favor of a la carte streaming purchases.

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Streaming & Studios will include the libraries of HBO and Warner Brothers, studio production facilities in California and Britain and tours and experiences. The venture will focus on growing HBO Max, now in 77 markets, said the company’s press release.

Global Networks will house Discovery, as well as CNN and TNT Sports, which are known for coverage of live events. Assets in this group currently reach 1.1 billion viewers across 200 countries and territories.

Warner Brothers Discovery CEO David Zaslav will serve as chief of streaming, while Warner Brothers Discovery Chief Financial Officer Gunnar Wiedenfels will lead global networks.

“By operating as two distinct and optimized companies in the future, we are empowering these iconic brands with the sharper focus and strategic flexibility they need to compete most effectively in today’s evolving media landscape,” Zaslav said.

Shares of Warner Brothers Discovery surged 10.3 percent in morning trading.

Looking for some new skincare products to add to your routine? LookFantastic has just slashed the price of Liz Earle’s highly-rated glow-boosting set by 35%

If you’ve been looking to incorporate some new products into your skincare routine or are looking for that little extra glow for the summertime, you’re in luck as Liz Earle’s Radiant Glow Routine set has been slashed by 35% in a limited-time LookFantastic offer.

Normally priced at £80, this three-piece skincare set is now £52. That’s a £28 saving on a set with skincare essentials that help clarify and cleanse your skin.

The ‘cleanse, tone and moisturise’ routine is seen as the bulding blocks of a skincare routine, and is a pretty foolproof way to start off your skincare journey. And that’s exactly the three steps that this Liz Earle set incorporates, making it ideal for beginners or those who are looking to top up on the basics.

So what products are included in the set? First up is the Cleanse & Glow™ Transforming Gel Cleanser. This clarifying cleanser transforms from a gel to an oil then a milk, and helps to effectively melt away make-up, SPF and pollutants from the day. The formula is infused with acerola cherry, which helps to brighten the skin.

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Secondly, the set includes the Smooth & Glow™ Exfoliating Tonic, an exfoliating toner designed to buff away dead skin, leaving behind smoother, softer skin with less texture. The toner features a blend of prickly pear and sea buckthorn, which helps to even out the skin tone.

Lastly is the Revitalise & Glow™ Illuminating Gel Moisturiser. This multi-purpose face cream provides a boost of hydrating, and also reduces the appearance of redness and pores. The result? Refreshed, radiant skin that retains moisture all day long.

Shoppers have praised this set for the glow-boosting results it provides. One happy customer wrote: ” I thought this set was great value and decided to give it a try. I love it! The cleanser is lovely, it cleanses my skin without drying it out. The toner is lovely and refreshing, the moisturiser soaks in lovely without being greasy. It smells amazing. I’ll definitely be buying again.”

While a second added: I’ve used LE cleanse and polish for several years and still use to take make up off. Tried this cleanser and really enjoyed the completely different texture and my skin loos fresh and glowy. Bought this kit for a present as such a good value if I don’t keep it myself!”. As of yet, there are currently no negative reviews.

If you’re looking for some other skincare newness to add to your current collection, K-Beauty brand Erborian has recently launched its new Skin-Therapy Milky Serum.