As three more seeds, including world number 86 Justin Hood, exited the PDC World Championship on the final day before the Christmas break, beating sixth-seeded Danny Noppert in a classic Alexandra Palace match.
After failing a dart at the bull to win in straight sets, Hood won a sudden-death leg of a high-quality match to advance to the last 32.
Noppert fought back to end the match and, thanks to some stellar ton-plus finishes, came up with a winning chance in the dramatic final set.
However, the 32-year-old debutant held on to a nerve in the final set and won with a score of 78, tying him with fellow English left-hander Ryan Meikle for third-place.
Both players made more than 102 doubles attempts on average and more than 40% of them.
“Danny is a class player, and I knew it would be a good game,” Hood said to Sky Sports.
“I just throw the darts, and if it’s good enough, it’s good enough.” I don’t worry about the pressure. It was tonight. “
Noppert is the highest-ranked player to fall out of the 32 seeds that were eliminated in the tournament’s opening two rounds.
Merk will face 11th seed Josh Rock, the man who helped Gurney win the World Cup in June, in a third-round match against three-time champion Michael van Gerwen, who defeated William O’Connor 3-1.
Rock recorded a dominant victory over Australia’s Joe Comito, while Scotland’s two-time champion Gary Anderson put on a vintage display in a 3-1 victory over England’s Connor Scutt, who had a 105.41 average on the day after his 55th birthday.
Round three of the tournament is scheduled to begin on Saturday.
Merk was stunned after defeating “legendary” Wright.
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Wright won just two legs and averaged under 80 against Merk, who won at Alexandra Palace in 2020 and 2022.
Merk, who finished with a score of 92.17 and made nine of his 19 double attempts, fully exploited the 55-year-old Scot, who only made two of his 15 double attempts.
After defeating Wright, the 33-year-old said, “I’m stunned, I can’t believe it. ” I just triumphed over a legend, which is so exciting.
“I can be dangerous for anyone if I play this way,” he said.
Rydz, the 22nd seed, lost to Gurney in a close match that ended in a tie-break in the fifth set by hitting two 167 checkouts.
Despite the venue’s regular opening to the public, Adam Peaty OBE and Holly Ramsay reportedly have booked out Bath Abbey for the weekend of their wedding.
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Adam Peaty OBE and Holly Ramsay have been labelled ‘selfish’ ahead of their wedding this weekend(Image: INSTAGRAM)
Before their wedding, Adam Peaty and Holly Ramsay were referred to as being “selfish.” On December 27th, the couple will tie the knot at Bath Abbey, a renowned landmark. Following Adam’s disagreement with his family, which caused his relatives to be dramatically uninvited, the upcoming ceremony has been drenched in drama.
Adam’s sister, Bethany, will reportedly be his only relative present on the big day as he exchanges his vows with Gordon Ramsay’s daughter. His mother, Caroline, was not invited to Holly’s hen party at Soho Farmhouse, which was attended by Bethany, Lady Victoria Beckham, and her mother, Tana Ramsay.
Locals are rumored to have labeled the newlywed couple as “selfish” as the big day draws nearer. The wedding venue has been kept closed to the public the entire day despite having a 90-minute wedding day planned. On the day, visitors will be prevented from entering or traveling close to the venue. The Bath Abbey website states that visitors are “closed for visiting” on December 27.
The cost of hiring a wedding venue is estimated to be around £2,500, but Adam and Holly claim to have spent significantly more to have the venue to themselves for the duration of the day. When your wedding service only lasts an hour and a half, “having the abbey for the entire day seems a bit selfish,” a source told The Sun.
The publication also claims that a security team will be in place to prevent members of the public from taking any pictures or videos of Holly and Adam. Around 200 guests, including Lady Victoria and Sir David Beckham, are expected to attend due to their close relationship with the Ramsay family.
However, the Abbey’s marriage comes with a unique twist. To marry there, the couple must have a “special connection” with the abbey. A strict list of requirements applies, including those who have a qualifying connection to the abbey, as well as congregation members and parishioners. The nature of Adam and Holly’s relationship is still undetermined.
Holly has been getting ready for their big day by taking a fancy trip to her father’s Mayfair, London, restaurant Lucky Cat. Up to £180 per person can eat at the restaurant’s “chef’s table.”
She was joined by her close friend and influencer, Elijah Winnington’s wife, and close friend Eve Winnington. The duo shared a photo of their dishes, which included sushi, caviar, and prawns while taking a selfie in the bathroom.
Caroline and Holly’s aunt, Louise, have been criticized by Adam’s aunt for not inviting Caroline to her hen do. However, Caroline later admitted she still loved her son and that he would always be welcome at home. She later acknowledged that she had been dealing with the brutal fallout.
She said, “I know it’s the end,” in a letter to her son. However, I ask that regardless of what happens in the future, Adam know that I love you, that your father loves you, and that we can talk to each other whenever we want to.
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Nothing you did will not forgive me for. I’m so in love with you. I sincerely hope your marriage turns out well, and I sincerely hope that Holly and you have a successful union. I want everything to end, so I’m speaking out.
The Mirror has approached representatives for Adam and Holly.
In their own home earlier this month, Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele were brutally murdered. Heartbreaking details about their murders were included on their death certificates.
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Rob and Michele Reiner were murdered at their home on 14 December 2025(Image: Getty Images North America)
Even more gruesome details about Rob and Michele Reiner’s brutal killings have been revealed in their death certificates. The couple’s home was found dead earlier this month, and their son, Nick Reiner, was detained on suspicion of murder as well.
The death certificates of the legendary director and his wife were released on Tuesday, just over a week after the bodies of Rob and Michele were discovered. Prior to their death, it had been known that the couple had been stabbed to death at their Los Angeles home on Sunday, December 14, at 1:30 p.m.
According to their death certificates, the couple passed away in the first minute or two following the brutal attack. Director Rob is confirmed to have passed away on December 14 at 3:45 pm, while Michele and Rob both passed away the same day. In consequence, Michele is listed as “widowed,” while Rob is alleged to be “married” at the time of his death.
READ MORE: M&S’ coffee and cake hampers are now under £5 in time for Christmas giftingREAD MORE: Rob and Michele Reiner funeral update as devastated children speak out
The couple died from “multiple sharp force injuries,” according to the certificates, which were shared by TMZ, and state that the injuries were “with knife, by another.”
According to reports, Rob and Michele’s eldest son, 34, is buried at Mount Sinai Mortuary and buried there. Meanwhile, 32-year-old Nick will remain in the Twin Towers Correctional Facility’s custody until January 7 when his next hearing is scheduled. If found guilty, he could receive life in prison or even the death penalty for the murders.
Jake and his sister Romy, 27, have confirmed details for a service of remembrance that will follow in due course as well as thank well-wishers for their support.
The two then described their parents as their “best friends,” not just their parents. The siblings’ spokesperson said in a statement that “Jake and Romy Reiner remain appreciative of the love and support they have received.” Later on, they will share information about a memorial service in their parents’ name.
Romy and Jake stated in a statement released last week that “words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are going through every day.” No one should ever go through the horrifying and devastating loss of our parents, Rob and Michele Reiner. They were our best friends, not just our parents.
In addition to expressing their gratitude for their love and support, the siblings made an appeal for “compassion and humanity” in relation to the circumstances surrounding their deaths. They continued, “We are appreciative of the kindness, condolences, and support we have received from people of all walks of life as well as from our loved ones.”
We now request respect and privacy, tolerance for speculation, and compassion and humanity for our parents.
Following his shocking passing, Rob received numerous stars’ tributes. In an interview that aired over the past week on CBS’s 60 Minutes, Kathy Bates was one of those who discussed her experience working with him. She recalled how her life changed after Rob cast her in Misery, a 1990 psychological horror movie, for which she received an Oscar for Best Actress.
She said, “If I hadn’t done “Misery,” George Bailey would have gone back and seen what his life would have been like if he hadn’t been there, “she said. Some of the friends I now have wouldn’t have existed. Without it, my life would not have been as rich. I’m not sure if I would have had a career in film and probably wouldn’t have left the theater. I’m a “pretty old guy,” I suppose.
While Jerry O’Connell, who was 11 when he was cast in the infamous 1986 coming-of-age drama Stand by Me, was shocked when the director invited him for lunch the following year.
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He recalled, “Man, he took me out for lunch.” You get what I’m saying, he didn’t have to do that, right? Months passed since the release of the film. He had a busy lunch schedule and took a 12-year-old me. Just to say, “Thanks so much. What a fantastic film, “O’Connell recalled, with tears in his eyes.” You know, that lunch meant a lot to me? It’s just information that young people need to hear.
Despite approaching the age of 30, former EastEnders star Liam Hatch has addressed the criticism he faced when he was cast as a schoolboy in the illustrious BBC soap opera.
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Liam Hatch has opened up about his appearance on EastEnders(Image: BBC)
An EastEnders star has revealed the negative feedback they received regarding their controversial casting. Fans were completely perplexed when Liam Hatt, 29, was cast as Logan, a bully in the BBC soap opera last year.
Liam’s character, who played a Year 12 schoolboy who intimidated Amy Mitchel and Denzel Danes, was ten years older than the typical Year 12 English student who was between the ages of 16 and 17 at the time. Kate Oates and Chris Clenshaw introduced Liam, but the two characters only made one episode, which received a lot of negative feedback on social media.
Many viewers were shocked to discover his Instagram page, which boasts topless gym snaps and his annual birthday snap, which sees him posing nude as the camera takes a picture from behind. Now, the actor has spoken in depth about the backlash he faced.
“The grief I had from it, from Twitter – I sell mortgages, I’m 41, the oldest man alive,” he said. Liam joked: “I don’t look that old!” He went on to explain that he wasn’t 16 when he took on the role, saying: “I was 26.”
The athlete and actor added on the Rokman Podcast: “All my friends and family were like, Are you okay? ” in response to the response he received from friends and family. People are beating you up. Your appearance and age. Oh God, I’m not that bad, I was like. I’m certain that I use SPF daily. I appear attractive.
My dad said, “He’s on The Sun! ! !!” and my dad said, “We loved it.” On Page 3 of The Sun topless, I believe I’m the only man! He continued, “I always tell everyone that no matter how good or bad it is, you’ve done something because it’s happening.”
Fans were quick to share their opinions on social media when Liam’s episode premiered. One question was raised: “Why is this 44-year-old man picking fights with the neighborhood kids while wearing a school uniform? “Almost certain that this schoolboy sold me my mortgage,” this is a second penned.
Liam explained shortly after the criticism that the 44-year-old comment had persisted in his mind. Liam once told The Guardian, “I was staring in the mirror and thought, ‘Surely I can’t be looking 44, that’s five years younger than my dad!'” “
When Liam isn’t working out for his most recent HYROX challenge, some of his clients assumed he was 23 years old.
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A few of my friends inquired as to whether I was okay, he continued. However, I am aware that you will have critics because I work in the performance and fitness sectors. That’s what an actor cares about as long as the performance depicts you as the character. You are focusing on the emotion rather than the appearance.
Liam also noted that, despite playing a younger role, times have completely changed since he was a Year 12 student. He explained that he attempted to “modernize” himself, including his posture and body language, because the younger generation of teenagers walk and talk more naturally.
Conor Gallagher, a 25-year-old England international, is still in Manchester United‘s talks with Atletico Madrid, but they are aware that the Spaniards would prefer to sell him in a permanent £35 million deal. (Mail subscription required)
Igor Thiago, 24, is a 24-year-old attacking reinforcement who Liverpool are looking at. (CaughtOffside)
Due to their injured and departing from the Africa Cup of Nations, Manchester United are set to hold off on a decision regarding Joshua Zirkzee’s future. West Ham and Roma, among others, are interested in the 24-year-old forward. (ESPN)
Dylan Lawlor, a Cardiff teenager, is being followed by Bayern Munich. The centre-back already has three senior Wales caps after turning 20 on January 1. (Talksport)
French international Darryl Bakola, 18, has attracted interest from Chelsea, Arsenal, and Newcastle. (Footmercato – in French)
Left-back Adam Aznou, 19, has yet to feature for Everton‘s first team, and the Moroccan international is currently looking into loan deals. (Teamtalk)
Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) can call four telephone numbers to report uncleared refuse in their localities, according to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
By ensuring that waste management contractors perform their duties when they were due, this was intended to address the FCT’s growing waste problem.
Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister for Public Communications and Social Media, urged people to send pictures and videos of uncleared refuse to the phone numbers via WhatsApp in a succinct statement on Tuesday.
He claimed that it was important to specify who the contractors who were working in the areas were.
