Littler secures spot at Players Championship Finals

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Reigning world champion Luke Littler has won the Players Championship 32 event to secure his place at next month’s Players Championship Finals.

The 18-year-old was in superb form, hitting 10 180s and producing an average of 110.73 as he defeated Dutchman Dennie Olde Kalter 8-2 in the final at Robin Park Leisure Centre in Wigan.

“I’m really happy to come away with a win,” said Littler, who averaged 102 across his seven matches on Wednesday.

“At the start of the day it was just about getting through the early stages, and you need to believe in yourself.”

On his way to the final, Littler beat Dylan Slevin 6-4, Jeffrey de Graaf 6-4, Adam Lipscombe 6-0, Adam Hunt 6-4 and Rhys Griffin 6-3, before averaging more than 109 in a 7-4 semi-final victory over world number four Stephen Bunting.

Olde Kalter, 33, is in his first season on the PDC Tour after winning a spot via Q School and is ranked 140th in the world.

He defeated Marvin van Velzen 6-3, Niels Zonneveld 6-1, Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-5, Scott Waites 6-1, Nathan Aspinall 6-4 and Jermaine Wattimena 7-3 to reach his first PDC final.

Wattimena had won Players Championship 31 on Tuesday, beating Aspinall in the final.

There are 34 Players Championship events across the year, with the competition’s finals held in Minehead, Somerset from 21-23 November, featuring the 64 best-performing players.

Littler began Wednesday 67th in the Players Championship standings, but has now done enough to reach the finals.

“I know I’ve got the capabilities to come from behind in matches and that’s what I did yet again,” added the teenager, speaking to the PDC website.

“Trying to qualify for Minehead was at the back of my mind. I had seen some people on social media say I wasn’t going to make it, but I’m very happy with the way I played.”

However, three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen, 36, will miss the finals for the first time.

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‘Warm and flattering’ M&S cardigan that ‘looks expensive’ is slashed to £4.50 in rare deal

Marks & Spencer shoppers are going wild for this flattering cardigan that’s been hailed a ‘wardrobe staple’ and ‘ideal for autumn’ as it hits £4.50 in a rare money-saving deal

Marks and Spencer shoppers have discovered a method to snag a ‘versatile’ cardigan that can be worn for countless occasions for less than £5. A snug and comfy cardigan can be one of the most utilised items in any wardrobe – and this particular M&S piece can be styled for work, during the festive season and on days off.

The Marks and Spencer Crew Neck Button Front Cardigan is available in five colours, ranging from classic navy and black to stylish cream, vibrant red and trendy raspberry. The brand has flagged it as ‘selling fast’, but those wanting to get it at a discount can do so through an online deal at the money-saving website TopCashback.

New members of TopCashback and new customers of M&S can grab the cardigan for £4.50 after cashback, £15.50 cheaper than its original price of £20. To take advantage of the deal, shoppers should sign up to TopCashback via this link.

Existing Marks and Spencer customers can still make some impressive savings – for new members of TopCashback and existing customers of M&S, signing up through this link means the cardigan can still be bought for £4.83 after cashback.

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The Marks & Spencer cardigan boasts glowing reviews, achieving a stellar rating of 4.4 out of five stars from 582 customers, reports Birmingham Live.

Available in sizes 6 to 24, numerous shoppers have snapped up multiple versions of the same cardigan style in various colours, describing it as a ‘great quality product and looks expensive. ‘.

One delighted customer shared in their review: “I have a few of these in various colours as they are perfect for wearing as an extra layer of sweaters.”

A second shopper commented: “Classic design lifted by the ribbed trim inside the button strip. Bought in two colours, ideal for autumn office days.”

Meanwhile, a third buyer penned: “I have bought several of these cardigans in different colours over the years. They fit and wash very well.”

Lauded for ‘adding an extra layer without being bulky’, the cardigan is perfectly sized to slip into a handbag for unpredictable weather.

It would also appear stunning when styled for a Christmas celebration, paired with an elegant midi skirt such as this M&S chocolate brown Satin Midi A-Line Skirt, £30. Customers who splash out £35 on fashion at Marks and Spencer can secure the 2025 beauty advent calendar worth £330 for £60.

At Roman, this Cable Knit Buttoned Cardigan in burgundy offers a designer aesthetic for £42. Shoppers rave it’s precisely the shade they were seeking and, similar to the M&S cardigan, it effortlessly transitions from professional settings to casual weekend wear with jeans.

Over at White Stuff, the Lulu Long Sleeve Cardi is one of the most sought-after cardigans on the brand’s website. Priced at £45, it caters to a wide range of sizes from 6 to 24 in petite or regular, and has garnered over 1,400 reviews, with the majority being five-star.

However, some Marks & Spencer customers have expressed concerns about the sizing of the Crew Neck Button Front Cardigan, suggesting that it might be best to size down. One shopper advised, “nice colour for autumn but comes up large – go for the next size down to your normal one.”

Another customer gave a mixed review, stating: “Good basic cardigan for the price. I have it in two colours now as I liked it so much. I sized down as I found it large.”

A delighted customer shared: “Bought the purple colour. Very flattering and easy to wear and style. Usual M&S quality.”

Another fan added: “Lovely cardigan, gorgeous rich colour. [People have] asked where I had bought it.”

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Here’s how you can get the M&S cardigan for £4.50:

  • Sign up as a new member at TopCashback for free via this link.
  • Search for M&S on the site, click through and buy the item normally. Get £15 cashback when you spend £15 or more.
  • The cashback will be tracked to the TopCashback ‘Earnings page’ within seven days of purchase.

US aims to raise $20bn ‘facility’ to support Argentina’s struggling economy

The head of the United States Treasury, Scott Bessent, has announced he is working to corral the private sector around a new $20bn “facility” to support Argentina’s embattled economy.

“We are working on a $20bn facility that would be adjacent to our swap line, of private banks and sovereign wealth funds that I think would be more aimed at the debt market,” he told reporters on Wednesday in Washington, DC.

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Bessent added that he had spent “weeks” working on the private-sector solution to Argentina’s upcoming debt payments, which would come on top of the $20bn currency swap the US Treasury recently set up to prop up the country’s peso.

“So that would be a total of 40 billion for Argentina,” he said, in remarks that triggered a rebound on Argentinian stocks.

Bessent’s comments mark the latest round of US support for Argentina’s right-wing populist leader Javier Milei, whose party faces an uphill battle in the country’s midterm elections later this month.

Milei enacted sweeping budget cuts after taking office in 2023 in a bid to quell inflation and turn the Argentinian economy around, drawing fierce opposition and widespread protests.

But US President Donald Trump, a fellow right-wing leader, has maintained close relations with Milei. In 2024, a presidential spokesperson for Milei revealed that Trump called the Argentinian leader his “favourite president”.

On Tuesday, President Trump once again hosted Milei at the White House and threw his support behind him before the elections.

He also suggested that the US’s economic support was contingent on Milei’s continued success at the ballot box.

“If he does win, we’re going to be very helpful,” Trump said. “And if he doesn’t win, we’re not going to waste our time, because you have somebody whose philosophy has no chance of making Argentina great again.”

Trump repeated the sentiment several times during Tuesday’s meeting. “If he loses, we are not going to be generous with Argentina,” he warned.

But in his comments on Wednesday, Bessent appeared to walk back some of the implications of those statements.

He clarified that the US would continue to support Argentina financially as long as President Milei’s government pursues “good policies”, regardless of the outcome of this month’s election.

The strong showing of US support this week unfolded on the sidelines of the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank in Washington, DC.

The IMF, which has its own multibillion-dollar loan programme with Buenos Aires, has supported the US’s bilateral support for Argentina’s economy.

In a broadcast interview on Wednesday, Milei said he was confident of US financial support so long as he remains in office. He also pledged to maintain his libertarian agenda.

“We continue to advance the ideas of freedom, so at least until 2027 we have that support assured,” he said, according to the dubbed-over voiceover of an English interpreter.

Milei, an economist, voiced hope that the midterm elections would increase his base to allow him to pursue his policies.

“I have no intention of changing course until the end of my term,” he said. “I am committed to the agenda of lowering taxes, deregulating and keeping the economy growing.”

Bessent said Milei would continue to enjoy US support for as long as he had a blocking veto on legislation in Argentina’s Congress.

Princess Andre confirms future of TV show after it sparked ‘feud’ with mum Katie Price

Model Princess Andre has shared a major update on the future of her ITV2 documentary series, The Princess Diaries, despite the huge rift it caused between her parents

Princess Andre has shared a huge update on her own ITV series after welcoming fans into her life earlier this year. The daughter of Katie Price and Peter Andre made the bold decision to follow her famous parents into the spotlight.

She launched her ITV2 documentary show, The Princess Diaries, over the summer as she let cameras follow her branching out into the modelling world. Princess, 18, has been keen to launch her own beauty business as well, which was documented on screen.

Her hard work certainly seems to be paying off despite the explosive row between her parents, as she has now revealed her show has been renewed for two more seasons. It means fans will be able to carry on getting a closer look into her life in the limelight.

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Sharing her news, Princess said: “I’m so excited to tell you what I’m about to tell you. I want to thank everyone who gave me so much love for season one of The Princess Diaries.

“I’m here to announce that I have not only one, but two more series of The Princess Diaries coming out in 2026. I honestly can’t wait, I’m so excited. Loads of people have been asking me but I’ve not been able to tell you but now you finally know. See you in 2026.”

Despite the success, Princess’ mum Katie recently said she was “very, very upset” that her daughter’s career was being managed by her ex-husband’s team and claimed she is being left out. She also said prior to the show airing that she won’t be watching the reality show as she wasn’t involved.

Katie’s sister Sophie suggested the young star demand her mum appear on the show with her. Sophie told The Katie Price Show podcast: “Ultimately I do think it’s down to Princess to put her foot down a bit.”

“But, she’ll be scared Soph,” Katie answered. Amid rumours of a feud, Princess was asked whether she should simply call her mother to sort things out after Katie’s comments.

She said ‘it’s not worth it’ as she told The Guardian: “Mum can be annoyed about something and then we send each other a message and we’re fine.” In July, Katie claimed in an episode of her podcast that she had been excluded from Princess’s 18th birthday party.

The former glamour model suggested the fact it was being filmed for Princess’ TV show meant she couldn’t go to the party as she was “banned”. Katie fumed: “It’s pathetic. I’m her mother. It’s so sad. Everyone knows she’s doing this documentary, and I’m not in it.”

In the days leading up to the show’s release, Katie lashed out at her ex Peter again – and his management company, The Can Group, over not being involved in Princess’ show. It followed a tearful plea from her to producers as she asked to take part with her daughter.

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Princess’ management company told the Mirror: “As a company, our duty of care to our clients is paramount. We would never advise a client on their personal life unless asked and we have never stopped anyone seeing their families.”

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Jeremy Clarkson’s farm shop policy sparks bitter backlash as huge star speaks out

Jeremy Clarkson and his partner Lisa Hogan’s farm shop Diddly Squat in Chadlington, Oxfordshire, has been the subject of a major complaint from fans of the couple and their farm

Punters at Jeremy Clarkson’s farm shop were left seething after the Cotswolds outlet in Oxfordshire brought in a controversial new policy.

The former Top Gear host has owned Diddly Squat Farm in Chadlington since 2008, but the vast countryside estate has only transformed into a tourist hotspot in recent years following its starring role in his Amazon Prime series, Clarkson’s Farm.

Audiences first witnessed Jeremy’s shift to agricultural life in 2021 as they watched his frequently comical efforts to operate a thriving farm.

After the programme’s triumph and several recommissions, the 64-year-old and his partner Lisa Hogan launched the Diddly Squat Farm Shop in 2020, which became an instant sensation as devotees flocked from across the country to taste locally-grown goods.

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Their enterprise grew in 2024 when a temporary outlet appeared on the site of the pair’s boozer, The Farmer’s Dog.

The marquee outside the establishment also houses Butcher’s Hops and Chops, a catering truck called The Farmer’s Puppy, and a merchandise stall for Clarkson’s Farm enthusiasts.

However, despite the appeal of the diverse products available to its thousands of patrons, not every shopper was chuffed with one significant regulation.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, to voice their grievance directly to Jeremy, one supporter demanded: “Why won’t you accept cash at your shop? Do you support digital currency? Bad move, my son.”

To which the Grand Tour host swiftly replied: “I’m with you. But it’s just completely impractical, I’m afraid.”

Another supporter added: “If you take cash, you have a near impossible task of trying to find a bank on the high street that’s not been closed down, to deposit said cash.

“The amount that Diddly Squat Farm Shop takes would be dangerous to have just lying around. Cash is king, just not practical anymore, unfortunately.”

This emerges just months after Lisa addressed their cashless policy following one visitor’s complaint posted beneath a clip on the farm’s official Instagram account.

The supporter highlighted the privacy concerns of a cashless society – including heightened vulnerability to hackers and fraudsters.

In the extensive message, they wrote: “Visited the farm shop and bar on the weekend. Why card only? Please consider accepting cash, too.”

They also argued that “if cash dies, your location and purchases will be tracked automatically. You won’t be able to opt out or unsubscribe.

“People in abusive situations are often financially reliant on their abuser. If cash is removed, their way out will be that much harder or close to impossible.”

They finished: “Elderly, blind and people with disabilities will struggle. Many people can’t or don’t know how to use technology. They would also be vulnerable to scams and other technological difficulties. #keepcashalive.”

Responding from her personal account, Lisa remarked: “I agree with you on so many levels.” The complainant then responded: “Good to hear, hope you make the change.”

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Itauma to ‘pursue’ Pulev bout after multiple rejections

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Moses Itauma’s promoter Frank Warren says his heavyweight is happy to fight Kubrat Pulev next after the match-up was ordered by the WBA.

Pulev, the WBA’s ‘Regular’ champion, was ordered to defend his belt against the 20-year-old rising star.

Team Itauma has been considering a fight for the Englishman in December, with Derek Chisora suggesting he would share a card with Itauma on 13 December in Manchester.

“We’ve had several top heavyweights already turn down a fight with Moses but if Pulev fancies the job now that it’s been ordered we will absolutely be pursuing it. It’s a brilliant fight,” Warren told BBC Sport.

Itauma last fought in August when he blew former world title challenger Dillian Whyte away in one round.

The result improved Itauma’s undefeated record to 13 fights and eleven knockouts.

Itauma has since been linked with a slew of potential opponents including Filip Hrgovic, Michael Hunter and domestic rival David Adeleye.

Warren is keen to give Itauma more rounds as the youngster only has 26 rounds under his belt so far.

Pulev is a veteran of the sport at the age of 44, with 35 fights on his record.

The Bulgarian has twice challenged for world titles, losing to Anthony Joshua in 2020 and Wladimir Klitschko in 2014.

Queensberry boss Warren has cooled talk of an imminent fight with the likes of Oleksandr Usyk, but says Itauma “is already one of the best heavyweights in world boxing”.

“Our job is to make the right fights for him at the right time,” Warren said.

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