After going back from 5-0 down to beat Stuart Bingham 6-5 in the final round of qualifying for the UK Championship, an emotional Scott Donaldson said, “I think my dad was doing something.”
When he lost 4-0 to the 2015 world champion in Wigan, Donaldson, whose father, Hector, passed away in his 70th year on October 2, was texting his wife about getting home.
Bingham had a one-frame lead over victory and a spot in the main tournament by putting in breaks of 71 and 117.
Donaldson, who made breaks of 56 and 64 before a 110, however, stunned his rival with a stirring comeback.
Donaldson told BBC Radio 5 Live, “I played the Scottish Open qualifiers two days after his]Hector] funeral.
He had already booked his flights and lodging for me to Belfast while he was attending the Northern Ireland Open.
I was just in my seat, welling up, and that was incredibly difficult. I have no idea how I was able to defeat Wu Yize 4-3 in the end.
“I’ve kind of been okay since then because I know he would always prefer that I just do my stuff,” he said.
He enjoyed watching me play. He’s still watching me play in my mind. I simply don’t know where he is at this moment.
After being taken in the hospital and having more heart scans before embarking on a tour, singer Max George has revealed his recent health issues to The Mirror.
Assistant Celebrity and Entertainment Editor, Daniel Bird
9 Images View
Singer Max George has shared a huge update on his health, as well as surprising Guides and Rangers(Image: PA)
Max George’s recent hospital admission has been described as “scary.” The singer, who became famous as the other half of The Wanted, recently went to the hospital to undergo MRI scans just days before his scheduled tour date.
The 36-year-old from Swinton, Greater Manchester, has been open about his health concerns in recent years after having surgery to install a pacemaker due to heart problems almost a year ago.
Speaking to the Mirror from Manchester, where he joined Guides and Rangers ahead of the Big Gig Performance at OVO Arena Wembley, Max said: “I had an arrhythmia – the top half of my heart was doing 50, which it should, and the bottom was 160, it was out of sync.
“It was scary, but I’m still alright now. I needed medication to maintain my balance, and I’m taking it right now. An abnormal rhythm causes the heart to beat too quickly or slowly due to a signal disruption.
But Max, a singer from Barcelona, has to make changes in his lifestyle. He continued, “Getting used to life that is a little different. I have to be careful not to do too much because I rely on my pacemaker for things like exercise.
“I have to avoid doing things that I enjoy doing, like playing football or skiing, which is difficult.” While Max, who currently plays for The Wanted 2.0 with bandmate Siva Kaneswaran, acknowledges that despite playing football his entire life, it was “one of those things.”
You have to get started with it, he said, “It is what it is.” He first described his heart issues last year, just days after returning home from America, as “it was crazy. It literally appeared out of nowhere. Everything was fine, and it just happened at home as I recently went on this tour in America. I was quickly at home with a pacemaker after being horrified by it. To be honest, you don’t really have time to think about it.
The news came as a huge setback for the singer, famed for hits including Walks Like Rihanna and Gold Forever, with Max left itching to get back on stage as soon as possible. “All I wanted to do was get back to work,” he said. But while Max thought he was on the road to recovery, he was dealt another blow.
The singer revealed: “I had a setback as I had to have the operation done again. It took six or seven months to heal and get used to it, but I’m not too bad now. It happened before Christmas last year, so hopefully this one there will be a little less drama!”
But how will he spend this Christmas, away from the hospital? He and his girlfriend, former EastEnders star Maisie Smith, will be heading abroad together. Opening up about their upcoming getaway, Max commented: “I’m going away for Christmas this year because Maisie’s been working for nine months on tour, and I’ve been touring, so we haven’t seen each other.”
He’ll be going skiing in Switzerland this year instead of going to the hospital. Max laughed, “No blacks or red runs.” He continued, “We have months away at a time, so when we do see each other, we want to make the absolute most of it.” We’ll probably go away again in April because we essentially only communicate abroad. It’s three times the length of a holiday romance.
The singer praised his girlfriend for both her stubbornness and her bravery as well, and he did not hold back. The singer gushed, “Maisie’s got a very strong mindset,” while reiterating Maisie’s way of life and incorporating the Girlguiding’s plan to show Girls Can Do Anything. She is very resolute, but I believe that’s a good thing. She is fantastic.
The accomplishments she made are comparable to Celebrity SAS. Speaking with other people, including my bandmate Siva, who said it was the most difficult thing he’d ever done his life, I’ve learned. Maisie said to his girlfriend, “He added, and it was difficult, but fun. He won.” She enjoys working out in the gym and is very adventurous. I’m still ahead of her in tennis, so I’ve got that one. She’s good at everything.
She’s currently appearing in “The Talented Mr Ripley,” and I watched it last night and was awestruck. She is incredible at acting. She has a lot of talent. World Mental Health Day falls on October 10, 2026, which is the start of Girlguiding’s Big Gig in the following year. a subject that is dear to Max’s heart.
But how does a member of one of the biggest boy bands in the UK maintain a healthy mind? He said, “I make an effort to keep myself busy.” Max also enjoys spending quality time with his beloved British bulldog, Albert, who he frequently shares photos with on social media. He said, “I spend days taking my British bulldog Albert out and finding a new trail to do” if I have days where I’m not doing anything.
I mix up what I do, especially during the last year, when I spent a lot of time relaxing and doing nothing. I only had the option of walking, so I’ve done a lot of it with my dog.
“Albert loves using my pacemaker very much. Instead of staying inside, I enjoy going outside and taking in some fresh air. He also enjoys it. When you look at his little face, you can tell he’s so excited to leave. Max admits that the focus of his own Girlguiding badge would be happiness-focused.
The “Everyone’s Got To Smile All Day badge” was added by him. You are not permitted to frown, and you are not permitted to wear the badge if you are caught not smiling. And the front would be greeted with a large smiley face. This week, the musicians stopped by Guides and Rangers from Burnage to meet them for their weekly evening meeting while the teenagers were attempting to earn their Music and Fandom Interest badges.
After meeting Max at the meeting, Guide Nakia, 14, was completely blown away. She continued, “I really enjoyed meeting Max because I am a big fan of him. He treated everyone so nicely. I’m now desperate to purchase a Big Gig ticket because of the surprise. Girlguiding’s gift of these kinds of adventures is extremely kind to us.
Max mentioned surprising the attendees at the meeting by saying, “It was so nice to meet the attendees and receive my Music badge from them. They gave me adorable bracelets and earrings.
Continue reading the article.
Siva and I are looking forward to playing at Big Gig once more. We’ll make the show as upbeat as possible to create a party atmosphere because I have vivid memories of the last time the crowd was extremely loud.
On December 9, 2025, Girlguiding members will be able to purchase tickets for the Big Gig. Their website has more details than one.
After being taken in the hospital and having more heart scans before embarking on a tour, singer Max George has revealed his recent health issues to The Mirror.
Assistant Celebrity and Entertainment Editor, Daniel Bird
9 Images View
Singer Max George has shared a huge update on his health, as well as surprising Guides and Rangers(Image: PA)
Max George’s recent hospital admission has been described as “scary.” The singer, who became famous as the other half of The Wanted, recently went to the hospital to undergo MRI scans just days before his scheduled tour date.
The 36-year-old from Swinton, Greater Manchester, has been open about his health concerns in recent years after having surgery to install a pacemaker due to heart problems almost a year ago.
Speaking to the Mirror from Manchester, where he joined Guides and Rangers ahead of the Big Gig Performance at OVO Arena Wembley, Max said: “I had an arrhythmia – the top half of my heart was doing 50, which it should, and the bottom was 160, it was out of sync.
“It was scary, but I’m still alright now. I needed medication to maintain my balance, and I’m taking it right now. An abnormal rhythm causes the heart to beat too quickly or slowly due to a signal disruption.
But Max, a singer from Barcelona, has to make changes in his lifestyle. He continued, “Getting used to life that is a little different. I have to be careful not to do too much because I rely on my pacemaker for things like exercise.
“I have to avoid doing things that I enjoy doing, like playing football or skiing, which is difficult.” While Max, who currently plays for The Wanted 2.0 with bandmate Siva Kaneswaran, acknowledges that despite playing football his entire life, it was “one of those things.”
You have to get started with it, he said, “It is what it is.” He first described his heart issues last year, just days after returning home from America, as “it was crazy. It literally appeared out of nowhere. Everything was fine, and it just happened at home as I recently went on this tour in America. I was quickly at home with a pacemaker after being horrified by it. To be honest, you don’t really have time to think about it.
The news came as a huge setback for the singer, famed for hits including Walks Like Rihanna and Gold Forever, with Max left itching to get back on stage as soon as possible. “All I wanted to do was get back to work,” he said. But while Max thought he was on the road to recovery, he was dealt another blow.
The singer revealed: “I had a setback as I had to have the operation done again. It took six or seven months to heal and get used to it, but I’m not too bad now. It happened before Christmas last year, so hopefully this one there will be a little less drama!”
But how will he spend this Christmas, away from the hospital? He and his girlfriend, former EastEnders star Maisie Smith, will be heading abroad together. Opening up about their upcoming getaway, Max commented: “I’m going away for Christmas this year because Maisie’s been working for nine months on tour, and I’ve been touring, so we haven’t seen each other.”
He’ll be going skiing in Switzerland this year instead of going to the hospital. Max laughed, “No blacks or red runs.” He continued, “We have months away at a time, so when we do see each other, we want to make the absolute most of it.” We’ll probably go away again in April because we essentially only communicate abroad. It’s three times the length of a holiday romance.
The singer praised his girlfriend for both her stubbornness and her bravery as well, and he did not hold back. The singer gushed, “Maisie’s got a very strong mindset,” while reiterating Maisie’s way of life and incorporating the Girlguiding’s plan to show Girls Can Do Anything. She is very resolute, but I believe that’s a good thing. She is fantastic.
The accomplishments she made are comparable to Celebrity SAS. Speaking with other people, including my bandmate Siva, who said it was the most difficult thing he’d ever done his life, I’ve learned. Maisie said to his girlfriend, “He added, and it was difficult, but fun. He won.” She enjoys working out in the gym and is very adventurous. I’m still ahead of her in tennis, so I’ve got that one. She’s good at everything.
She’s currently appearing in “The Talented Mr Ripley,” and I watched it last night and was awestruck. She is incredible at acting. She has a lot of talent. World Mental Health Day falls on October 10, 2026, which is the start of Girlguiding’s Big Gig in the following year. a subject that is dear to Max’s heart.
But how does a member of one of the biggest boy bands in the UK maintain a healthy mind? He said, “I make an effort to keep myself busy.” Max also enjoys spending quality time with his beloved British bulldog, Albert, who he frequently shares photos with on social media. He said, “I spend days taking my British bulldog Albert out and finding a new trail to do” if I have days where I’m not doing anything.
I mix up what I do, especially during the last year, when I spent a lot of time relaxing and doing nothing. I only had the option of walking, so I’ve done a lot of it with my dog.
“Albert loves using my pacemaker very much. Instead of staying inside, I enjoy going outside and taking in some fresh air. He also enjoys it. When you look at his little face, you can tell he’s so excited to leave. Max admits that the focus of his own Girlguiding badge would be happiness-focused.
The “Everyone’s Got To Smile All Day badge” was added by him. You are not permitted to frown, and you are not permitted to wear the badge if you are caught not smiling. And the front would be greeted with a large smiley face. This week, the musicians stopped by Guides and Rangers from Burnage to meet them for their weekly evening meeting while the teenagers were attempting to earn their Music and Fandom Interest badges.
After meeting Max at the meeting, Guide Nakia, 14, was completely blown away. She continued, “I really enjoyed meeting Max because I am a big fan of him. He treated everyone so nicely. I’m now desperate to purchase a Big Gig ticket because of the surprise. Girlguiding’s gift of these kinds of adventures is extremely kind to us.
Max mentioned surprising the attendees at the meeting by saying, “It was so nice to meet the attendees and receive my Music badge from them. They gave me adorable bracelets and earrings.
Continue reading the article.
Siva and I are looking forward to playing at Big Gig once more. We’ll make the show as upbeat as possible to create a party atmosphere because I have vivid memories of the last time the crowd was extremely loud.
On December 9, 2025, Girlguiding members will be able to purchase tickets for the Big Gig. Their website has more details than one.
Some youths who identify as cultists have voluntarily given up their affiliations with the cult organizations and have come out of hiding at Ondo City’s headquarters, Ondo West Local Government Area.
Youths, under the umbrella organization of Ondo Ekimogun Youths, are a part of the organization’s involvement with the Police Area Command in the city, organizing the exercise that will take place on Tuesday.
Olusola Ayanlade, the public relations officer for the Ondo State police command, said the collaborative engagement demonstrated the value of community collaboration in addressing long-standing security issues.
According to Ayanlade, “some of the people who surrendered included well-known faces and individuals who had long been on the Command’s trail,” many of whom had previously been recorded on the Command’s watchlist for their involvement in cult-related activities.
Their decision to come forward demonstrates the effectiveness of the program in breaking up cult-rooted cult networks and reinforces the growing acceptance of the Command’s peace-driven approach.
[Abductions] Amotekun To Beg Begin Surveilance Of Boarding Schools In Ondo
The police spokesperson revealed that the Command had also successfully mediated a dispute between two rival cult organizations and camps. In the previous year, the groups’ bivalry had claimed eight lives.
Adebowale Lawal, the state’s police commissioner, praised the Ekimogun Youths and the program’s initiators for their contribution to fostering harmony and stability in his response to the development.
He reassured them of the Command’s full cooperation and ongoing cooperation, stressing that the Police will make more efforts to persuade other cultists to repent. He reiterated the Command’s commitment to apprehend any person who chooses to continue to be a criminal.
Ayanlade stated that there were submitted a total of 17 weapons and 12 rounds of ammunition, including 9 mm rounds and AA cartridges.
The tangible progress being made in eradicating the state of illegal firearms is further demonstrated by these recovered arms, which include various grades of locally produced weapons and Beretta pistols.
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Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter at Emirates Stadium
162 Comments
Mikel Arteta says Bayern Munich are the “best team in Europe” but, after comprehensively beating them to maintain their 100% record in the Champions League, was this the night Arsenal announced themselves as serious contenders?
The Gunners have been excellent this season – winning 16, drawing two and losing just one of their matches across all competitions.
Arsenal have also won their first five matches in the Champions League for the first time since the 2005-06 season, when they reached their only final in the competition.
Arteta’s side are the only team left with a 100% record in the Champions League this season, after ending a five-game winless run against the German champions which stretched back to 2015.
“The confidence is there for Arsenal. You can feel it simmering all the time,” former Arsenal and England defender Matt Upson said on BBC Radio 5Live.
“They might have patches in a game where they might not play that well, or they have games where they might not perform so well, but the foundation is built, so it doesn’t drop below a certain level.
“Before with Arsenal you’d have these brilliant flashes but then they would have matches where they tailed right off.
“We’re not seeing that now.
7 hours ago
Bayern were unbeaten this season before coming up against Arsenal and had lost just three of their previous 52 pre-knockout stage Champions League games. (W45 D4).
“First of all, I have to praise our players because I think they had an incredible match against, in my opinion, the best team in Europe,” Arteta said.
“Individually, we were immense to resolve all the challenges that this team brings to the table. They know how hard we work to prepare for every single game.
“We know that the margins are super small. We started the week really well against Spurs, winning here at home. Today is another massive victory, but that’s it.
“Now we go home, have a nice dinner and tomorrow morning we start to prepare for Stamford Bridge [away to Chelsea on Sunday].”
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, who was given the player of the match award by Uefa, also felt that it was a big step for Arsenal as they look to win a trophy for the first time since 2020.
“Look at Bayern Munich this season, they have been the best team in Europe. This was probably the toughest game tactically we have played this season. The way they work it is so, so good.” Rice told TNT Sports.
“We went man to man with them in the second half and I thought tonight we were outstanding. The manager is so happy. It was a special European night.
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Arsenal bench ‘delivers in all areas’
Arsenal had forwards Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus all unavailable but Arteta was able to call on Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli from the substitutes’ bench.
Arsenal have had injuries to a number of their forwards but, with captain Martin Odegaard returning tonight and Gyokeres and Havertz progressing, Arteta’s options look like they are going to get even better.
After bringing in eight players in the summer, Arteta has been able to navigate the issues he has faced – Madueke scored his first goal for the club against Bayern, while Martinelli scored his fourth goal in as many games in the Champions League.
“I couldn’t have picked a better game to score my first Arsenal goal. I am so happy the team got the win as well,” Madueke said.
“It’s an incredible statement, but we know the work we put in. We go into these game with every confidence that we are going to win.
“I am a confident player. I don’t like someone telling me I cannot do something. But my team-mates and the staff have belief in me.”
And former defender Upson thinks that the options Arsenal have are a big reason why Arteta is able to keep the standards so high.
“Arsenal’s bench delivers in all areas, in terms of freshness and quality.” Upson said.
“We are talking about multiple players coming on and having an impact. They are all scrapping for a starting position.
“I think that’s the key. It isn’t easy for a manager to keep a squad of this depth hungry, together and fighting for the shirt, but also responding in the right way when not in the team.
To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.
Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter at Emirates Stadium
162 Comments
Mikel Arteta says Bayern Munich are the “best team in Europe” but, after comprehensively beating them to maintain their 100% record in the Champions League, was this the night Arsenal announced themselves as serious contenders?
The Gunners have been excellent this season – winning 16, drawing two and losing just one of their matches across all competitions.
Arsenal have also won their first five matches in the Champions League for the first time since the 2005-06 season, when they reached their only final in the competition.
Arteta’s side are the only team left with a 100% record in the Champions League this season, after ending a five-game winless run against the German champions which stretched back to 2015.
“The confidence is there for Arsenal. You can feel it simmering all the time,” former Arsenal and England defender Matt Upson said on BBC Radio 5Live.
“They might have patches in a game where they might not play that well, or they have games where they might not perform so well, but the foundation is built, so it doesn’t drop below a certain level.
“Before with Arsenal you’d have these brilliant flashes but then they would have matches where they tailed right off.
“We’re not seeing that now.
7 hours ago
Bayern were unbeaten this season before coming up against Arsenal and had lost just three of their previous 52 pre-knockout stage Champions League games. (W45 D4).
“First of all, I have to praise our players because I think they had an incredible match against, in my opinion, the best team in Europe,” Arteta said.
“Individually, we were immense to resolve all the challenges that this team brings to the table. They know how hard we work to prepare for every single game.
“We know that the margins are super small. We started the week really well against Spurs, winning here at home. Today is another massive victory, but that’s it.
“Now we go home, have a nice dinner and tomorrow morning we start to prepare for Stamford Bridge [away to Chelsea on Sunday].”
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, who was given the player of the match award by Uefa, also felt that it was a big step for Arsenal as they look to win a trophy for the first time since 2020.
“Look at Bayern Munich this season, they have been the best team in Europe. This was probably the toughest game tactically we have played this season. The way they work it is so, so good.” Rice told TNT Sports.
“We went man to man with them in the second half and I thought tonight we were outstanding. The manager is so happy. It was a special European night.
To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.
Arsenal bench ‘delivers in all areas’
Arsenal had forwards Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus all unavailable but Arteta was able to call on Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli from the substitutes’ bench.
Arsenal have had injuries to a number of their forwards but, with captain Martin Odegaard returning tonight and Gyokeres and Havertz progressing, Arteta’s options look like they are going to get even better.
After bringing in eight players in the summer, Arteta has been able to navigate the issues he has faced – Madueke scored his first goal for the club against Bayern, while Martinelli scored his fourth goal in as many games in the Champions League.
“I couldn’t have picked a better game to score my first Arsenal goal. I am so happy the team got the win as well,” Madueke said.
“It’s an incredible statement, but we know the work we put in. We go into these game with every confidence that we are going to win.
“I am a confident player. I don’t like someone telling me I cannot do something. But my team-mates and the staff have belief in me.”
And former defender Upson thinks that the options Arsenal have are a big reason why Arteta is able to keep the standards so high.
“Arsenal’s bench delivers in all areas, in terms of freshness and quality.” Upson said.
“We are talking about multiple players coming on and having an impact. They are all scrapping for a starting position.
“I think that’s the key. It isn’t easy for a manager to keep a squad of this depth hungry, together and fighting for the shirt, but also responding in the right way when not in the team.
