Demi Vollering defended her Vuelta Femenina title by winning the final stage of the race in style.
The Dutch rider broke clear of her rivals in the final kilometre of stage seven to cross the line solo at the Alto de Cotobello summit finish in Asturias, Spain.
Vollering, 28, held a 45-second advantage heading into the final day and her second stage win of the race ensured she claimed her second Vuelta title by one minute one second over Switzerland’s Marlen Reusser.
FDJ-Suez rider Vollering took the leader’s red jersey with victory in the race’s other mountain stage on Thursday.
“I am very happy that I could win both mountain stages,” said Vollering, who moved to FDJ from SD-Worx this season.
“My team was so strong again, so strong, and we were always in control. I’m really happy about the whole performance with the whole team.”
Van der Breggen, who returned to competing this year after retiring in 2021, started the day second and led for much of the final 10.3km climb in the rain on the 152km route from La Robla to Cotobello.
But she had no answer for Vollering’s explosive attack with around 800 metres to go, also falling behind Reusser.
Vollering has now won three major tour titles in women’s cycling, having won the 2023 Tour de France Femmes to go with her two Vuelta triumphs.
Her second victory of the race also ensured every individual stage was won by a Dutch rider.
Vogue Williams has revealed that she felt a sense of failure following the public breakdown of her marriage to former Westlife star Brian McFadden at the age of 31
Vogue Williams reveals she felt a sense of failure following the breakdown of her marriage to Brian McFadden(Image: BAFTA via Getty Images)
TV personality Vogue Williams has sensationally revealed that she felt the breakdown of her marriage to Westlife star Brian McFadden was a public “failure.” The 39 year old mum of three, who is now married to Made In Chelsea Spencer Matthews, tied the knot with Brian in a lavish ceremony in 2012 at a castle in Florence, which was hugely publicised by Hello! magazine.
Following a whirlwind romance during the summer of 2011, Vogue made the spontaneous decision to quit Dublin and move to Australia to be with Brian. But things soon took a turn for the worse and the couple called time on their nuptials in 2017.
Now, in a recent interview, Vogue recalled how she felt at the time of the end of her marriage at the age of 26, as she was in the public eye.
Vogue Williams reveals she felt a sense of failure following the breakdown of her marriage to Brian McFadden(Image: Getty Images)
In a chat with The Times she was asked when she knew the marriage would not survive. She told the publication: “Maybe not long after we got married. Probably just before. I knew that it probably wasn’t the greatest of relationships, but I was very young.”
Claiming she felt a “defeat” in ending her marriage, she continued: “It’s hard to admit defeat in any kind of relationship. And it was embarrassing. Because it was such a big failure — and very public.” Vogue divorced at the age of 31, which was five years after she walked down the aisle.
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She explained: “I had wanted to be married with kids at 30, not divorced and single. I felt ‘well, that’s ruined my whole life. That’s it. I’m never going to meet anyone. I’m never going to have kids’.”
Following the breakdown of her marriage, Vogue took her time to heal and after a while started dating once again and was pictured with Laurence Fox.
But things between the pair did not last too long and by 2017, she met Spencer while appearing on The Jump, which was an extreme winter sports TV show.
Vogue Williams is now married to Spencer Matthews and share three children together(Image: voguewilliams/Instagram)
At the time, Spencer, who was in on the interview with the publication, joked that he told her: “I joked with her on the ski lift on the very first day that we would get married.” He continued: “She says that she didn’t fancy me for a while. My recollection is slightly different.”
While speaking on her podcast along with her co-host and sister Amber, Vogue revealed that Brian had a tattoo on his wrist, which he later covered up with a Batman tattoo. She said: “He got the tattoo while we were fighting, so it was this big tattoo across his wrist.”
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Back in 2016, less than nine months after Brian and Vogue parted ways, the former singer who was previously married to Kerry Katona, posted a picture of his cover-up tattoo. He captioned the picture of his wrist tattoo saying: “Guess my love batman is for life!! New tattoo.”
Brian then went on to date a teacher named Danielle Parkinson in 2016 and the pair announced their engagement three years later. By 2020, Brian revealed that he was expecting a child with Danielle.
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Singer John Legend has commented on his former friendship with Kanye West as it’s revealed why the pair no longer see eye to eye due to rapper’s vile comments about Hitler
John and Kanye used to work together(Image: Getty Images)
Singer John Legend has spoken out on Kanye West’s “sad devolution” along with cutting comments about the rapper. John reminisced on his friendship with the music star as well as explaining the reasons for their fallout.
He first described Kanye as “passionate” and “gifted” before going onto say what he thinks about Kanye’s most recent work which includes a song which samples Adolf Hitler’s speech from 1935. John’s own music career first launched when he was signed by Kanye to his label.
However, the duo are no longer close as Kanye started selling swastika T-shirts on his website and wore a black Ku Klux Klan hood to an interview. John said that his demise “does feel sad, sometimes shocking, to see where he is now”.
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John and Kanye fell out in 2022(Image: Getty Images)
The Times reported that John said: “Back then Kanye was very passionate, very gifted, and he had big dreams not only for himself but also for all the people around him. He had so much optimism, so much creativity. It does feel sad, sometimes shocking, to see where he is now.”
West first rose to fame when he produced Jay-Z’s album The Blueprint in 2001 before going on to be a solo artist where John also travelled with him. Despite falling out with Kanye in 2022 when the rapper came out in support of Donald Trump, John explained that he still owes him a lot for how far he has come in his own career.
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“I didn’t see a hint of what we’re seeing now, his obsessions with antisemitism, anti-blackness, and it is sad to see his devolution,” John said. Despite not knowing the reason for how Kanye is now, he thinks it could come down to the loss of his mother, explaining: “I don’t think we’re qualified to psychoanalyse him, but after his mother passed in 2007 there was definitely a difference. His descent started then and seems to have accelerated recently.”
John has spoken out about Kanye(Image: Getty Images)
This comes as Kanye released a vile new song on VE Day which samples Adolf Hitler’s speech from 1935. The song, called Heil Hitler (Hooligan Version), was shared on the controversial rapper’s X/ Twitter account and featured a video showing shirtless men wearing animal fur.
The song ended with the Hitler speech, which translates to: “Whether you think my work is right, whether you believe that I have been diligent. That I have worked, that I have stood up for you during these years, that I have used my time decently in the service of my people. You cast your vote now, if yes, then stand up for me as I stood up for you.”
The music video began with Kanye rapping: “These people took my kids from me and they froze my bank account.” Kanye was referring to the children he shares with ex-wife Kim Kardashian.
He has claimed he hasn’t been allowed to see his children and said he became a Nazi because of the custody battle with Kim. He rapped: “With all of my money and fame I still don’t get to see my children / N****s see my Twitter but they don’t see how I be feeling / So I became a Nazi, yeah b***h, I’m the villain.”
Pope Leo XIV has held his first meeting with the world’s cardinals since his election as the head of the Catholic Church, identifying artificial intelligence (AI) as one of the most crucial issues facing humanity.
Leo, the first American pope, laid out a vision of his papacy at the Vatican on Saturday, telling the cardinals who elected him that AI poses challenges to defending “human dignity, justice and labour” – a view shared with his predecessor, the late Pope Francis.
Explaining his choice of name, the pontiff said he identified with the late Leo XIII, who had defended workers’ rights during his 1878-1903 papacy at the dawn of the industrial age, adding that “social teaching” was now needed in response to the modern-day revolution brought by AI.
The late Pope Francis, who died last month, warned that AI risked turning human relations into mere algorithms and called for an international treaty to regulate it.
Francis warned the Group of Seven industrialised nations last year that AI must remain human-centric, so that decisions about when to use weapons or even less-lethal tools would not fall to machines.
In his speech, delivered in Italian, Pope Leo made repeated references to Francis and the mourning over his death, saying the late pontiff left a “precious legacy” and signalling that he would continue with his vision.
China controversy
Francis was pope for 12 years and often garnered criticism from conservative cardinals, who said he was watering down the Church’s doctrine on issues such as the inclusion of LGBTQ Catholics and women’s leadership.
Leo, the former US Cardinal Robert Prevost, was a relative unknown on the global stage, before he was elected pontiff, who spent most of his career as a missionary in Peru before serving as a senior Vatican official.
Saturday’s meeting took place in the same small Vatican auditorium where the cardinals had been gathering in the days before the conclave to discuss who should be the next pope.
Czech Cardinal Dominik Duka was cited by the Reuters news agency as saying the situation of Catholics in communist China had been raised as an issue.
The Vatican and China in 2018 signed a controversial deal on the appointment of bishops in the country, which gives Beijing some input into their selection.
Get your lawn up to scratch in time for your next garden party with this best-selling grass seed that’s set to give visible improvements ‘within a week’ – and it’s under £15
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Best-selling grass seeds with 21k reviews regrow lawns ‘within a week’(Image: Getty)
Growing grass back in dead or trampled parts of your lawn has never been more affordable with this premium grass seed, which has become a best-seller on Amazon. Retailing for the wallet-friendly price of £14.49, this Pronto Seed (1.4kg) promises noticeable results in a matter of days.
With speedy growth in seven to fourteen days, this grass seed transforms lawns, providing germination that gives you lush, green grass coverage in no time. Perfect for elevating your garden in time for the summer season, over 21.8k customers have rushed to Amazon to rave about their purchase, with a hefty majority bestowing a glowing 5-star.
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This Pronto Seed Premium Grass Seed 21.8k reviews on Amazon(Image: Amazon)
One 1.4kg pack (£14.49) can rejuvenate up to 84m² when overseeding or establish 42m² of fresh, turf-like grass from scratch with proper soil preparation. The advanced seed blend naturally helps maintain a thick, healthy lawn with less effort, so you don’t have to have a green thumb to restore your grass to a lush and vibrant degree in no time.
Specially engineered for the UK climate, this deep-rooted, resilient grass withstands heavy foot traffic, harsh weather, and shady or sunny spots, making it the ideal choice for this time of year when the weather remains turbulent. The grass is also durable enough to withstand energetic pets and children, ensuring that once your lawn is back in shape, it won’t disappear again after one afternoon in the garden.
Sealed at peak freshness with a 2-3 year viability window, ensuring high germination rates, this grass seed is highly rated for its fast growth and top-quality results that last for seasons to come.
Restoring patches of grass that have been worn down or died couldn’t be easier – simply rake as much of the dead grass as possible, shake the seeds over the soil and rake lightly to ensure they’ve embedded in the dirt and then water. After that, you can sit back and relax – and watch your grass grow back in a matter of days.
Among the 21,813 reviews, there are masses of 5-star reviews proclaiming the impressive results of this grass seed. One satisfied customer raves: “I used this Pronto Seed to overseed some patchy areas in my garden, and the results were impressive. Within a week, I noticed new grass sprouting, and by two weeks, the lawn looked much fuller and healthier. The 1.4 kg bag covered a substantial area, making it great value for money. The grass is thick, vibrant, and seems to handle foot traffic well. It’s also resilient in both sunny and shaded spots. Overall, a reliable choice for anyone looking to rejuvenate their lawn quickly.”
Another buyer beams: “I recently purchased Pronto Seed Grass Seed to rejuvenate my lawn, and I am thrilled with the results! After carefully preparing my garden and ensuring the right conditions for growth, I can confidently say that this product has exceeded my expectations in delivering a lush, green lawn.”
They go on to add: “One of the most impressive aspects of Pronto Seed Grass Seed is its fast germination. Within a week of sowing, I noticed tiny green sprouts emerging from the soil. The seeds sprouted quickly and evenly, filling in patches and creating a uniform carpet of grass that looks fantastic. By the third week, the grass had grown significantly and started to thicken, giving my lawn a full and healthy appearance.”
And they conclude: “Overall, Pronto Seed Grass Seed is an outstanding product for anyone looking to achieve a lush, green lawn. With fast germination, dense growth, and vibrant colour, this seed mix can transform your outdoor space into a beautiful and inviting area. Just be sure to provide the right conditions, and you’ll be rewarded with a lawn that’s the envy of the neighbours.”
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A third shopper chimes in: “Had to write a review as this grass seed is amazing! Started growing after only one week! Since then have been drenching with water each night and more and more grass appearing! Fantastic results!”
Primark, which has almost 200 stores across the UK, is introducing a change to it’s shopping experience and it will mean you having to dig a bit deeper at the checkouts
Primark customers have reacted to a change announced by the company that comes into effect on May 12 (stock)
Primark customers have taken to social media to express their displeasure after a staff member revealed that a significant alteration is on the horizon for all the retailer’s stores from Monday (May 12).
Founded in Ireland in 1969, High Street store Primark has built a reputation for affordable fashionwear, now boasting almost 200 shops throughout the UK. But come next week, shoppers will have to dig that little bit deeper into their pockets. In a TikTok clip, employee Beth Clare explained: “Just a little heads up for everyone, from 12th May, we will be charging for our paper bags.” And pointing to a store sign, she elaborated: “So if you need four, that will be four times 15p and so on and so forth.”
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Beth Clare suggests opting for a sustainable fabric bag from Primark as a cost-effective substitute. “The big, massive ones are £1.20, we also have £1 ones that are still big, and little, tiny ones – they’re 80p, but they fit quite a lot in,” she remarked.
Among the available eco-friendly bags at present are designs featuring Hello Kitty and Disney’s Lilo and Stitch characters, alongside a variety of Primark-branded options, including trendy leopard-print patterns.
The announcement was met with mixed feelings among shoppers, with one TikTok user quipping: “15p for a bag that disintegrates as soon as you walk out the door? No thanks I’ll pass.”
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Another person slammed: “Well we need better bags than papers bags then as in the rain they do not last.” A third shared a similar concern: “So does that mean that when we walk out of the shop and the handles break will Primark either swap the bag or refund the bag price?”
Whilst a fourth TikTok user concurred: “They should be exchangeable if they break and have broken for new policy! When they are pushing twice the number of bags they will change their mind.”
In defence of Primark’s plan, however, one customer pointed out: “Not sure why you’re all chatting about this. People have been taking their own plastic bags to shops for more than a decade now.”
And similarly, a second noted “Too right. Everyone should have reusable bags, we all have them and they have been around for years so no excuse.”
A statement issued by Primark earlier this week confirmed: “Across our business we use thousands of paper bags every day. While our paper bags are made from 100% recycled and recyclable materials, we’re always looking for ways to cut down on single-use waste. That’s why from May 12th 2025, we’ll be introducing a 15p charge on all paper bags, whether small, medium, or large.”
Primark added: “Why the change? Research shows that introducing bag charges reduces the number of new bags customers use. It’s a simple step that encourages all of us to think twice about our use. We’re committed to being part of the solution when it comes to clothing and non-clothing waste, and this change is just one of the small steps we’re taking. We hope it inspires more customers to make the switch to reusable bags.”
