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Niall Horan and girlfriend ‘will take romance to next level’ with huge move

By in Entertainment News, News

One Direction’s Niall Horan has been with his partner Amelia Woolley for five years now and the couple are said to have made a development in their relationship recently

Niall Horan has been in a relationship with Amelia Woolley for several years(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Modest! Golf)

Singer-songwriter Niall Horan is reportedly “laying down his roots” with a new home that he’s said to have bought for himself and his partner Amelia Woolley recently. Now, those close to Niall are claiming that the move is the next step in their relationship.

It was reported just last month that Niall, 31, had spent £10 million on a house in London. The six-bedroom property was described as a “proper family home” for the musician, who’s best known for formerly being a member of One Direction, and his partner Amelia, 27, as well as the couple’s dog.

Following the news, it’s now been claimed that Niall’s inner circle after “thrilled” by the apparent latest development in his relationship with Amelia. They are thought to have been together since 2020, with it reported that year that they began a romance amid lockdown in the Covid pandemic.

Niall Horan and Amelia Woolley sat together in a black-and-white photo.
Niall Horan is said to have bought a new home for himself, his partner Amelia Woolley and their dog recently(Image: Instagram)

A source told the Sun that whilst Niall enjoys touring, the apparent new home is him “laying down his roots”. They said: “Niall loves travelling and touring but this is him really laying down his roots with his new home with Mia.”

The source went on to tell the outlet: “All of Niall’s loved ones have totally embraced Amelia, they can see how happy she makes him. She is part of the family.”

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The outlet claims that it was Amelia’s “normal job” that first endeared her to Niall’s family when she was introduced to them in 2021. She’s said to currently work as an international sales and marketing manager for the Forest Road Brewery Company.

It adds that Amelia once studied fashion business at the Istituto Marangoni in London. She’s said to have worked for brands like Nicholas Kirkwood, with it previously reported that she was working for the shoe designer brand when she met Niall.

Niall Horan and Amelia Woolley at a Grand Prix event in 2022.
They couple have been together for five years and his inner circle are said to be ‘thrilled’ by the apparent latest development in their relationship(Image: Getty Images)

Niall’s mother, Maura Gallagher, spoke about Amelia, who’s said to have grown up in Birmingham, on RTÉ Radio 1 in 2022. Before sharing her thoughts, she recalled her son bringing his girlfriend, whom she didn’t name, home to Ireland, saying: “He’s brought her home to Mullingar.”

Asked she had met his girlfriend, Maura confirmed that she had and shared praise. She revealed on the radio show three years ago: “I have indeed. She’s a lovely girl.”

When asked where Niall’s partner was from, his mother said: “She’s from England and she’s not in the business, so that’s a good one!” Maura went on to agree that she was “very impressed” by her son’s latest partner.

Her comments came after Niall had previously been linked to other celebrities over the course of his career. They include fellow singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding and actor Hailee Steinfeld.

Given an insight into his relationship with Amelia, Niall told Cosmopolitan in 2023: “I wouldn’t say I’m like ‘rose petals on the floor’ type of romantic, but I’m good at caring. I’m good at making dinners and the day-to-day stuff.” Speaking about love languages, he added: “I’m good at words of affirmation and I’m good at touch.”

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Schmidt opens door to overseas Wallabies for Lions tour

By in News, Sports News
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Mike Henson
BBC Sport rugby union news reporter
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Australia might relax their preference for fielding Australian-based players to give themselves the best shot of beating the British and Irish Lions in this summer’s series.

The Wallabies have generally opted for players either at domestic teams, or with a commitment to return to play in the country.

The policy was previously formalised as ‘Giteau’s Law’ – a limit on the number of players an Australian head coach could pick from overseas, which varied on the number of caps individuals had won – but it has been loosened in recent years.

Back row Langi Gleeson, who played in all four of Australia’s November internationals, had his invitation to a training camp rescinded in January after it was reported he had agreed a move to French side Montpellier.

“We don’t want to discount anyone because, as [Lions head coach] Andy [Farrell’s] done and the coaches, they’ve picked a form squad,” said Schmidt.

“I stay in touch with those guys who are overseas.

“We would love to pick a form squad.

“But, as I’ve always said, if there’s anything that we think is 50-50, it’s more difficult to absorb someone from the outside the groups that play together already.”

Former Saracens second row Will Skelton, now with La Rochelle, Bordeaux’s in-form back row Peter Samu and Japan-based centre Samu Kerevi are among those who could benefit.

Schmidt suffered two injury scares over the weekend with Noah Lolesio, his first-choice 10, and big-money league convert Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii both carried out of Super Rugby matches on stretchers.

While Suaalii has suffered a concussion that will keep him out of action for about two weeks as he goes through return-to-play protocols, Lolesio’s availability for the Lions series is less clear.

“We are pleased to report that scans have cleared him of any serious injury,” Lolesio’s Brumbies team said about the 25-year-old’s back injury.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is treated for concussion while playing for the WaratahsGetty Images

Schmidt also admitted he had been impressed by Henry Pollock’s rise, with the 20-year-old back row going from age-grade international rugby and a fringe squad member at Northampton to being named in the Lions’ 38-strong squad last Thursday in only a matter of months.

“He is a very, very promising player,” said Schmidt.

When are the British and Irish Lions fixtures?

Friday, 20 June – Lions v Argentina, Dublin (Aviva Stadium)

Saturday, 28 June – Lions v Western Force, Perth (Optus Stadium)

Wednesday, 2 July – Lions v Queensland Reds, Brisbane (Suncorp Stadium)

Saturday, 5 July – Lions v NSW Waratahs, Sydney (Allianz Stadium)

Wednesday, 9 July – Lions v ACT Brumbies, Canberra (GIO Stadium)

Saturday, 12 July – Lions v Invitational AU & NZ, Adelaide (Adelaide Oval)

Saturday, 19 July – Lions v Australia, first Test, Brisbane (Suncorp Stadium)

Tuesday, 22 July – Lions v Melbourne Rebels, Melbourne (Marvel Stadium)

Saturday, 26 July – Lions v Australia, second Test, Melbourne (Melbourne Cricket Ground/MCG)

Saturday, 2 August – Lions v Australia, third Test, Sydney (Accor Stadium)

Related topics

  • British & Irish Lions
  • Rugby Union

Tinubu Swears In Two New INEC Commissioners, Yakubu Denies Sack

By in News, Nigeria News

President Bola Tinubu on Monday swore in two newly appointed commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as its Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, dismissed widespread speculation that he had been removed from office.

Speaking with State House correspondents shortly after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Yakubu affirmed his position and clarified that no such action had been taken by the President.

“I don’t think we need to waste time on unnecessary speculation. As far as the law is concerned, and to the best of my knowledge, I remain the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Chief Electoral Commissioner of the federation under the Constitution, and the Returning Officer for the presidential election under the Electoral Act,” Yakubu said.

A file photo of the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.

The INEC chairman also revealed that the Commission had forwarded 142 recommendations to the National Assembly as part of ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s electoral process following its internal review of the 2023 general elections.

“We reviewed the 2023 general elections on our own. We engaged with stakeholders and came up with 142 recommendations. Out of these, eight require constitutional or Electoral Act amendments, and we have already discussed them with members of the National Assembly,” he said.

President Bola Tinubu swears in newly appointed INEC commissioners on Monday, May 12, 2025. Photo Credit: @officialABAT on X.

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Yakubu expressed satisfaction with the lawmakers’ response and pace of action.

“So far, so good. We are happy with our discussions with them and the speed at which they want to proceed to ensure necessary amendments are made ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said.

President Bola Tinubu swears in newly appointed INEC commissioners on Monday, May 12, 2025. Photo Credit: @officialABAT on X.

He added that INEC’s collaboration with the National Assembly was progressing steadily.

“Two weeks ago, we held a retreat in Lagos with the joint committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on electoral reform. Thereafter, the National Assembly will conduct a public hearing, after which a new bill will be introduced,” he explained.

The submission of recommendations and continued legislative engagement, Yakubu said, are part of the Commission’s commitment to ensuring more credible and transparent elections in the future.

President Bola Tinubu swears in newly appointed INEC commissioners on Monday, May 12, 2025. Photo Credit: @officialABAT on X.

UK Ends Overseas Recruitment For Social Care Visas

By in News, Nigeria News

The UK government has announced an end to overseas recruitment for social care visas, as part of immigration policies unveiled by the, Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, in a White Paper to help Britain strengthen control of its borders and reduce migration.

“In line with our wider reforms to skills thresholds, we will close social care visas to new applications from abroad,” the UK Home Office said on its website on Monday.

“For a transition period until 2028, while the workforce strategy is being developed and rolled out, we will permit visa extensions and in-country switching for those already here. This will be kept under review,” it added.

It said the measures would reshape Britain’s immigration system towards “those who contribute most to economic growth, with higher skills standards for graduates and workers”. 

It explained that new requirements on employers to boost domestic training would end the reliance on international recruitment, restoring order to a “failed system” that saw net migration quadruple between 2019 and 2023. 

Key policies in the 82-page blueprint, titled ‘Restoring Control over the Immigration System,’ include reversing the long-term trend of increasing international recruitment at the expense of skills and training.

READ ALSO: Nigeria’s Economy Grows Strongly Amid High Inflation — World Bank

It also includes the establishment of the labour market evidence group to make informed decisions about the state of the labour market and the role that different policies should play, rather than always relying on migration, and the engagement of sector bodies by departments across government.

Skilled Must Mean Skilled

The UK government will also lift the level for skilled workers back to RQF 6 (Graduate level) and above, while salary thresholds will rise.

It further noted that the immigration salary list, which gives people discounts from salary thresholds, would be abolished. 

“Access to the points-based immigration system will be limited to occupations where there have been long term shortages, on a time limited basis, where the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has advised it is justified, where there is a workforce strategy in place, and where employers seeking to recruit from abroad are committed to playing their part in increasing recruitment from the domestic workforce,” it added.

Britain’s Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, delivers a speech during a press conference at the media briefing room of 9 Downing Street, central London, on May 12, 2025, ahead of the publication of the Government’s Immigration White Paper. (Photo by Ian Vogler / POOL / AFP)

The government also said it would strengthen the requirements that all sponsoring institutions must meet to recruit international students.

“We will introduce new interventions for sponsors who are close to failing their sponsor duties, including placing them on an action plan designed to improve their compliance, and imposing limits on the number of new international students they can recruit while they are subject to those plans. We will reduce the ability for graduates to remain in the UK after their studies to a period of 18 months,” it said.

It, however, said it would go further in ensuring that the very highly skilled have opportunities to come to the UK and access its targeted routes for the brightest and best global talent.

According to the government, this includes increasing the number of people arriving on its very high-talent routes, alongside faster routes for bringing people to the UK who have the right skills and experience to supercharge UK growth in strategic industries.

READ ALSO: JAMB Orders Review Of 2025 UTME After Outrage, Complaints

Tackling Abuse

As part of efforts to strengthen its border, the UK government said the new policies would apply to individuals who claim asylum where conditions in their home country have not materially changed, “particularly where they have claimed asylum after arrival”. 

“Tighter visa controls, restrictions, requirements, or scrutiny will be applied where we have evidence of abuse, based on a clear assessment of the risks,” it added.

The new policies came more than three months after UK opposition leader, Kemi Badenoch, said her Conservative party would make it more difficult for regular migrants to settle permanently in Britain.

She had said in an interview on February 5 that migrants would have to prove they had made a net contribution to the UK economy in order to settle indefinitely in the country, by working and paying taxes.

Gentle yet effective eye cream that makes skin ‘less puffy and wrinkled’ now has 20% off

By in Entertainment News, News

Using one of the best eye creams can be an effective way to diminish signs of ageing, and shoppers think they’ve found a gentle yet effective formula for reduces bags and fine lines

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

This eye cream has dozens of five-star reviews(Image: Facetheory)

On the lookout for a new eye cream? Next on our list to try is Facetheory’s Peptide Firming Eye Cream for its effective ingredients and impressive customer reviews (almost all five star!) – especially now that it’s currently included in a huge 20% off sale.

For a limited time only Facetheory is taking 20% off almost everything on its website, including this eye cream as well as bestselling serums, moisturisers and cleansers. This means that this anti-ageing eye formula is now £24.80 instead of its usual £31 – and judging by some of the dozens of five-star reviews, we’d say this was one you won’t want to miss.

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Facetheory's Peptide Firming Eye Cream
Gentle yet effective(Image: Facetheory)

The key anti-ageing ingredients in this eye cream are peptides, currently trending in skincare at the moment thanks to smash hit launched such as Medik8’s Liquid Peptides Advanced MP. In this Facetheory eye cream they’re combined with vitamin C and botanicals to boost elasticity, smooth fine lines, brighten dark circles and deliver long-lasting hydration.

Impressively, out of the 212 reviews that Peptide Firming Eye Cream has accumulated, most of them are five-star ones, with customers praising the results it gives on fine lines and sagging skin.

“Excellent so far, I can definitely feel the area around my eyes more firm,” one shopper wrote.

“I really like this cream. One of the best I tried. I use it at night and my eyes look really good by morning, less puffy and less wrinkled (I am 57 – I don’t expect miracles from a cream!),” another rave review reads.

“Amazing product! From the first application, it has really helped reduce puffiness under my eyes and blur fine lines, plus my concealer glides on and doesn’t cake. Even my husband noticed something ‘better’ about my appearance which is an absolute miracle from someone who can’t see the ketchup even when it’s right in his eyeline (IYKYK). It’s worth 5 stars just for that,” a third person joked.

The only minor niggle that a few people had was with the packaging, with one person saying, “My only complaint is with any of the products using the metal/foil tube is that they explode every time they’re opened and a bunch of product is wasted,” yet so far they are “pleased with the outcome” of using the product.

Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
This alternative contains avocado to provide intensive hydration(Image: Look Fantastic)

If you feel like you too might find this tube annoying and would prefer a pot, consider Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, currently reduced from £30 to £24 and great for dry or sensitive skin.

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Meanwhile a cheaper alternative is The Ordinary’s Multi-Peptide Eye Serum, which costs £19.90.

Trailblazing jockey Blackmore retires from racing

By in News, Sports News
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Timothy Abraham
BBC Sport journalist
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Grand National-winning jockey Rachael Blackmore has retired from racing with immediate effect.

In 2021, the Irishwoman became the first female jockey to win the world’s most famous steeplechase, which was first run in 1839.

Blackmore won aboard the Henry de Bromhead-trained Minella Times in the colours of owner JP McManus.

“I feel the time is right. I’m sad but I’m also incredibly grateful for what my life has been for the past 16 years,” Blackmore, 35, said.

“It is daunting, not being able to say that I am a jockey anymore. Who even am I now! But I feel so incredibly lucky to have had the career I’ve had.”

Prior to her Grand National triumph, Blackmore had already become the first female jockey to win the Champion Hurdle aboard Honeysuckle, that same year.

In 2022, she secured another first when steering A Plus Tard to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup – one of 18 festival winners she would ride at the Prestbury Park course.

“I just feel so lucky, to have been legged up on the horses I have, and to have experienced success I never even dreamt could be possible,” she added.

“To have been in the right place at the right time with the right people, and to have gotten on the right horses – because it doesn’t matter how good you are without them.

“They have given me the best days of my life and to them I am most grateful.”

The daughter of a dairy farmer and a school teacher, Blackmore rode ponies as a child near her home in Killenaule, County Tipperary.

Blackmore had once hoped to become a vet, gaining a degree in equine science and combining her studies with riding.

She rode her first winner as an amateur in February 2011 at Thurles before turning professional in 2015, but it was her success on Minella Times which secured her place in history.

“I don’t feel male or female – I don’t even feel human!” Blackmore said, immediately after her win by six-and-a-half lengths at Aintree four years ago.

Blackmore brought the curtain down by riding Ma Belle Etoile to victory at Cork last Saturday – the 575th winner of her 4,566-race career as a professional jockey.

Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin led the tributes and called Blackmore “a sportsperson of a generation” who has “blazed a trail for others to follow”.

Barry Geraghty said his fellow Grand National-winning jockey was “an ultra-talented horsewoman” who was one of “the most committed jockeys you could ever ride against”.

Former jockey and Racing TV pundit Jane Mangan said: “We can only consider ourselves lucky to have witnessed her achievements in our lifetime. She didn’t just break glass ceilings – she painted the whole damn sky.”

Frank Berry, racing manager for JP McManus who owned Grand National winner Minella Times, said Blackmore has had an “unbelievable career”.

“She’s done all things that everyone wants to do. Rachael won all the big races and she’s retiring in one piece. I’m delighted for her,”

Irish trainer John ‘Shark’ Hanlon, who provided Blackmore with her first winner, Stowaway Peal, in 2011 said Blackmore was an “amazing woman”.

Among the best of her generation – analysis

Frank Keogh
BBC Sport senior journalist

Instinct, timing, tactical awareness and strength all played a part in her story. But also the ability to bounce back from falls and injury, plus sheer hard graft.

Rachael Blackmore was a game changer who was among the best of her generation.

When she rode six winners to be leading jockey at the 2021 Cheltenham Festival, she may not have returned to grand fanfare at a meeting held behind closed doors because of Covid-19 restrictions, but the impact was still felt. Her tally was more than the entire British training contingent.

Before Blackmore, and fellow jockeys Lizzie Kelly and Bryony Frost, successes for female jockeys at Cheltenham were a rarity and largely came through amateur riders Katie Walsh and Nina Carberry.

With Walsh, Carberry and Kelly now retired and Frost moving to France after finding opportunities limited since winning a bullying case against fellow jockey Robbie Dunne, it will be interesting to see if other women can rise to the fore in jump racing.

Just two days ago, Hollie Doyle passed Hayley Turner’s record for winners by a female jockey on the Flat, but Blackmore was only of only two professional women – the other being Isabel Williams – riding at this year’s Cheltenham Festival.

Related topics

  • Horse Racing