Louis Tomlinson and Sam Thompson finally meet as they smile through awkward meeting

Singer Louis Tomlinson and Sam Thompson finally met face to face for the first time at Soccer Aid training today. Both lads are playing for the same England team for Unicef – the charity for which Sam recently completed a gruelling 260-mile marathon over five days.

Normally, charity football matches aren’t awkward affairs, but thanks to One Direction singer currently dating Sam’s ex, things could a little tense on the pitch this weekend.

Despite former Made In Chelsea star Sam insisting there’s ‘no hard feelings’, the meeting is likely to be a bit awkward, given that he and Love Island and Strictly Come Dancing star Zara McDermott, 28, announced their split in January after being together for over five years.





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Stella Pictures/Shutterstock)

Zara has since swiftly moved on with singer Louis, 33, and the loved-up pair have been practically inseparable since their relationship came into the public eye in March.

As Sam turned up for the training, he put on a brave face for the cameras, while a beaming Louis was spotted arriving with a black sports bag. Zara McDermott showed her support for her new beau Louis the night before by whipping up a ‘creamy salmon pasta for dinner’, with the singer’s guitar noticeably in the background of the photo she shared.






Any use of this image other than in an editorial context to promote Soccer Aid for UNICEF, for any purpose whatsoever including advertising and commercial usage, will require a separate prior agreement in writing from UNICEF, the copyright holder and, in some cases, the person or persons depicted in the image, and on occasion the photographer. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Stella Pictures/Shutterstock (15343502z) Sam Thompson arrives before a training session for Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2025. Soccer Aid for UNICEF takes place on Sunday 15th June at Old Trafford, Manchester. Photographed by Ian Walton for UNICEF UK and Soccer Aid Productions. ©UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella Pictures For further information, please contact pictures@socceraidproductions.com Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2025, Training, Day 1, Hertfordshire, UK – 12 Jun 2025 Strictly editorial use only. This image is intended for editorial usage only for the purpose of the promotion of Soccer Aid for UNICEF, or its activities, provided UNICEF, Soccer Aid Productions and the photographer are credited.

One Direction fans were taken aback seeing Zara cozy up with Louis for the first time earlier this year, leading Sam to quip about the pair shortly after their connection hit the headlines. Reflecting on possible reasons for swift romantic transitions, he remarked: “I suppose a lot of people look for validation in other people right? And they look for the next person instantly because it’s like ‘I need to find someone else to fill that hole and I need to find that excitement.'”.

But Sam seemed a little more level-headed during a podcast chat with buddy Pete Wicks. Sam revealed an interview question that drew attention to their looming interaction. He recounted: “At the end of the interview, he goes, ‘Look mate, I’ve got to ask the question that everyone wants to know. This is sort of the big question really, the elephant in the room, What’s it going to be like with you and Louis? Obviously he’s doing Soccer Aid too.'”.






Louis Tomlinson and Zara McDermott


Louis and Zara on holiday earlier this year
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Sam recounted the tense moment with a laugh: “Mate, you should have seen the room, everybody, it was silent then everyone goes ‘Woah, Woah Woah, end the call! End the call!’ and I have just gone ‘No, no guys, I’ve got this, I’ve got this.’ I held my hands up to say just relax.”

He expressed his genuine intentions, saying, “I think I did alright and I meant everything I said as well, that it’s not about me or Louis or who anyone is dating, it’s f**king Unicef and charity and everyone is going to be there for the exact same reason. And if he has anything about him which I’ve heard he does, he’s going to sit there and say the exact same thing.”

In an interview with The Mirror in May, Sam shared his anticipation of meeting Louis: “I’ve never met Louis, but the moment I see him, I’ll be like, ‘mate, how amazing is this what we’re doing, and hopefully we can make as much money as possible.

“And I imagine – from what I hear is a really lovely bloke – I imagine the reply will be exactly the same.” Having raised over £1.5 million for Unicef through his athletic endeavours, Sam told us, “I am totally broken – but so happy. The fact this challenge has grabbed everyone’s attention is just so incredible and I have just been blown away!”.

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Ray Winstone reveals he wanted to ‘knock out’ Hollywood legend for being ‘rude’

Ray Winstone has shared that he has a long-standing feud with one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, as he admitted that he wanted to “knock him out” if he was younger

Ray Winstone has said he would “knock out” a Hollywood star after his comments to his wife Elaine(Image: Eamonn M. McCormack, Getty Images)

British acting legend Ray Winstone has candidly revealed his desire to “knock out” a Hollywood icon after the star was “rude” towards his wife.

Ray, who has become a cherished figure in British cinema, boasts an impressive CV with standout performances in Sexy Beast, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, and the more recent King of Thieves.

Alongside a slew of high-profile awards, Ray’s illustrious career has allowed him to rub shoulders with some of the most esteemed actors in the industry.

Yet, on a recent instalment of the Things We Like podcast hosted by Eamonn Holmes and Paul Coyte, the 68-year-old did not hold back when discussing his disdain for Jack Nicholson.

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 29: Ray Winstone attends the launch of Issue 8.5 at The Lavery hosted by Perfect Magazine & Burberry to celebrate Kate Moss & Ray Winstone on April 29, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images for Perfect Magazine & Burberry)
Ray recalled the incident during a recent episode of the Things We Like with Eamonn Holmes and Paul Coyte podcast(Image: Dave Benett, Dave Benett/Getty Images for Perfect Magazine & Burberry)

Ray has previously mentioned his lack of rapport with The Shining actor, but he elaborated on the reasons during the podcast: “We just didn’t get on, you know. I just found him… Listen, he’s getting older, and maybe he has lots of things going on with him. I didn’t like him.”

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He continued: “I thought he was so far up his own a*s, it was unbelievable. And, you know, he was very rude – he was very rude to me; he was rude to my wife.

“If he had been a younger man, I definitely would have knocked him out, you know.”

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 03: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK TABLOID NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 48 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME. MANDATORY CREDIT PHOTO BY DAVE M. BENETT/WIREIMAGE REQUIRED) Ray Winstone and his wife Elaine Winstone attend the UK Film Premiere of 'The Sweeney' at Vue Leicester Square on September 3, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Dave M. Benett/WireImage)
Jack and Ray have previously starred alongside each other in The Departed(Image: Dave M. Benett, WireImagevia Getty Images)

This isn’t the first occasion Ray has expressed his less-than-favourable opinions about Jack.

Back in 2014, at a BAFTA Life in Pictures event following their collaboration in the A-list ensemble cast of The Departed, Ray aired his dissatisfaction with Jack Nicholson, bluntly stating that they “didn’t get on too well.”

Jack may have come under fire from Ray’s comments., but the 88-year-old Hollywood legend has previously been praised by other stars. Morgan Freeman fondly remembered working with him in The Bucket List (2007), as he expressed to IMDb: “I think we all have a private bucket list. It may not be written down, but I’m constantly checking them off. I just checked off Jack Nicholson. Every day was a holiday because I’ve been praying at the temple of Jack ever since Five Easy Pieces.”

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 08: Jack Nicholson attends a playoff basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena on May 08, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
One of Jack’s most well-known performances came in the The Shining(Image: Allen Berezovsky, Getty Images)

Jack’s illustrious career includes roles in some of cinema’s most definitive classics, including The Shining, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, and Broadcast News.

Love Island’s Ben and Harry unrecognisable before hair transplants

The series 12 Love Island stars are beginning their fame journey – but two of the boys hard to recognise in pre-villa pics before undergoing hair transplants

Two Love Island boys had a hair transplant before the villa(Image: ITV )

Love Island stars Ben Holbrough and Harry Cooksley look unrecognisable in pre-villa pics, as both have revealed they’ve undergone a hair transplant.

Ben, 23, underwent the treatment at the age of 22, just one year before heading into the Love Island villa, while 30-year-old Harry travelled to Turkey to have the procedure at 24.

Both Islanders have played a huge part in the shows drama this series, despite only being in the villa for a matter of days. On the first night, Ben, who was coupled up with Shakira, was stolen by American bombshell Toni. This left Shakira with just 24 hours to form a connection with another Islander.

She struck up a connection with Harry, who was originally coupled up with Sophie – who was brutally dumped from the villa on day 2.

Ben Love Island before pics
Ben had a hair transplant before entering the villa
Ben Love Island
The star showed off his results
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However, Shakira and Toni may struggle to recognise their partners in pics before their hair transplants. Before and after results for Ben can be seen in a video posted by 360 Hair Clinic, in Brighton.

Before his appearance in the villa, the clinic posted a video of his journey explaining: “Ben’s hair transplant journey was facilitated by us at 360 Hair Clinic, supported by our ongoing treatment plans and 360 Optimum Hair products to maintain thickness, strength, and natural-looking results.”

In a separate post, the clinic posted a six month update, in which Ben’s dark hair could be seen getting thicker and fuller. “And as you can see on your screens watching Love Island, Ben’s hair is looking better than ever,” the clinic wrote.

Harry Love Island
Harry looks unrecognisable before his hair transplant(Image: EstePera Hair Clinic/Youtube)

Harry on the other hand, travelled to Turkey around six years ago for his operation – which he called the “perfect experience.”

In a YouTube video from the clinic documenting his journey, the star said: “It was a perfect experience for something that I really wanted to have done and I’m very glad that I found EstePera.” Showing off the before and after results, Harry looked completely unrecognisable with no hair.

One Love Island star's age certainly got people talking given his antics
Harry has already had a dramatic time in the villa (Image: ITV/Shutterstock)

It looks like it’s set to be another dramatic night for Harry tonight as he finds out Blu and Shakira shared a kiss. It’s Dejon who spills the tea, as he tells his friend: “You know he (Blu) kissed her (Shakira)?”

A shocked Harry then replies: “No he didn’t…I don’t believe what I’m hearing.” Harry then asks Shakira about the kiss with Blu before telling her: “All that matters is I want to pursue things with you.”

How will things unfold for the couple?

LOVE ISLAND CONTINUES TONIGHT AT 9PM ON ITV2 AND ITVX

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Brooklyn Beckham’s brothers band together with eye-opening posts after he ‘cuts ties’

Both Romeo and Cruz Beckham took to Instagram with cryptic messages shortly after brother Brooklyn shared his own update as the family reportedly remains embroiled in a bitter split

Romeo, Brooklyn and Cruz Beckham

Brooklyn Beckham’s younger brothers have posted cryptic posts as they appeared to come together amid the intense speculation of a family feud. As the 26-year-old continues to shun his family, it’s reported he has now “cut ties” with his parents, David and Victoria Beckham.

Despite the rift, Posh and Becks’ other sons are seemingly putting on a united front. Both Romeo, 22, and Cruz, 20, took to Instagram to share philosophical messages. In a poetic upload, Romeo shared: “Life is short. Time is fast. No replays. So love and enjoy every moment as it comes.”

Younger brother Cruz appeared to be in a similar mood and shared a number of song choices. Taking to his own Stories on the platform, Cruz posted snaps of The Beach Boys tune Sloop John B, while also uploading the track Family Affair by Sly & The Family Stone.

Romeo Beckham's Instagram message
Romeo Beckham’s Instagram message(Image: Instagram)

Both groups have suffered deaths recently, with Sly Stallone’s passing earlier in the week following by news of Beach Boys frontman Brian Wilson’s death on Wednesday.

Cruz had earlier posted an old image of his family, showing himself, Brooklyn, their siblings and mum Victoria Beckham in years gone by.

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However, Brooklyn also took to social media with his own cryptic message before his brothers’ response. Taking to Instagram late Wednesday night, just hours on from Cruz’s initial cute throwback post, Brooklyn turned his back to the camera as he showed off his new linens.

With his exposed back showing off some of his many tattoos, as well as the results of a recent cupping session, Brooklyn held a pile of white towels in the air for the shot. He simply captioned the snap “@fretteofficial [love heart emoji]” – an Italian linen brand.

Cruz Beckham's Instagram post
Cruz also took to the social media platform(Image: Instagram)

But his followers pleaded with him to make amends with his family in the comments section. “Take time to get yourself together and have a breather, please find your way back otherwise you will cause pain for yourself, your siblings and parents,” one urged. “If someone has hurt you, pls try to talk it through so that your [sic] on talking terms xxx.”

While the family are yet to respond to any fall out – which saw Brooklyn and wife Nicola Peltz Beckham ignore David’s 50th birthday celebrations – there have been several telling comments since. Instead of attending their family’s birthdays, Brooklyn and Nicola were spotted enjoying Coachella, attending various events, and even celebrating Nicola’s brother Will’s birthday.

Brooklyn Beckham back tattoos
Brooklyn turned his back to the camera

Brooklyn also sent a damning message to his famous mum, dad and siblings last month, vowing that he will “always choose” his wife Nicola after claims that she has been the catalyst behind the mass fall out.

The video showed Brooklyn revving a motorbike alongside wife Nicola in Beverly Hills as he wrote: “My whole world x I will love you forever x I always choose you baby x you’re the most amazing person i know xx me and you forever baby.”

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Hollyoaks star Tamara Wall collapses in supermarket as hero rushes to her aid

A Hollyoaks star, who has been a stalwart on the Channel 4 soap for more than a decade, collapsed in a Morrisons supermarket as a shop worker rushed to help her

Hollyoaks icon collapses in supermarket as ‘hero’ rushes to help actress

Hollyoaks star Tamara Wall sparked concern amongst fans as she revealed she collapsed in a Morrisons supermarket store earlier this week.

The soap star, 47, posted a photo of herself smiling while stood next to a supermarket worker to praise him as she rushed to her aid during her time of need. As she shared the selfie on Instagram, Tamara gushed over the help she’d received and revealed her medical woes.

She wrote in the caption: “Dear @morrisons I need you to know how amazing your staff in Warrington are!! This guy in particularly was my actual hero when I collapsed in their store, I cannot give enough thanks to all the staff for being so unbelievable lovely ! #morrisons #love”. The supermarket worker then responded to Tamara’s post in the comments as he wrote: “it was my pleasure @tamarawall13 and I’m glad your ok”.

The Hollyoaks star praised the Morrisons employee for coming to her aid
The Hollyoaks star praised the Morrisons employee for coming to her aid(Image: INSTAGRAM /)

Meanwhile, concerned fans rushed to the comments to ask Tamara if she was OK. One said: “Hope you’re okay and I’m glad someone was there to help!” Another added: “Oh Tam. I hope you’re ok xxx”.

“Hope you’re okay and I’m glad someone was there to help!,” a second wrote while Jessamy Stoddart, who plays Liberty Savage on the soap, wrote: “Oh Tam. I hope you’re ok xxx”.

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Meanwhile actress Gemma Bissix, who plays Clare Devine in Hollyoaks, praised Tamara for returning to work so soon after the incident. She wrote in one comment: “Yayyyyy you went back!!! Thank you to all at Morrisons Warrington for looking after my sis!!!,” followed by two green heart emojis.

She added in a separate comment: “Also you are my HERO… coming into work the next day filming a full day of scenes!!! Sick day? What sick day? x”.

Tamara is best known for her role of Grace Black on Hollyoaks
Tamara is best known for her role of Grace Black on Hollyoaks

Tamara is best known for her role on Hollyoaks, which she undertook in 2013. She was left devastated in 2023 when soap bosses announced her character was set to be axed.

Speaking to OK! magazine at the time, she said: “It’s absolutely devastating. When I got told, I bawled my eyes out for three days, I was so upset – it’s been the best time of my life.

“It wasn’t my decision, but I understand. It’s the name of the game, and Grace was going to get her comeuppance at some point. In the end, she probably deserved it. But I’m sure she’ll find her way out eventually, she’ll be back.”

Grace’s Hollyoaks exit was initially intended to be permanent, but Tamara reprised the role after the soap underwent leadership changes. And, in 2024, Tamara was signed back onto the cast list.

And that wasn’t all for the soap as Grace’s sister Clare Devine made a bombshell return to Hollyoaks after her character was killed off. Tamara gushed over Clare’s comeback as it marked the first time the sisters are on-screen together.

Last month, Tamara shared a series of photos of herself alongside Gemma and captioned the post: “FINALLY THIS IS HAPPENING!!!!! Where do I even begin ….. to say I was excited when I heard @gbissix was coming back is an understatement!! In fact I cried down the phone when she told me !!!

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“I’ve been honoured to have had this gorgeous, incredible, talented , funny and unbelievably loving woman in my life for close to 12 years and to say I love her doesn’t do it enough justice ….. but she knows exactly what she means to me ! Finally after all this time we actually get to work together!

“And when I say work I mean we’re basically playing best friend dress up all day , everyday working with Gemma is such a dream and I literally can’t wait for you guys to see what we’ve been up to! I’ve always loved my job but now it’s been made even better !!!!! So watch this space cause sisters are doing it for themselves !!!”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s ‘awkward exchange’ at Trooping the Colour explained

The last time the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were included in the coveted royal balcony line up at the annual Trooping the Colour, fans spotted a seemingly tense moment between the two – but there’s more than meets the eye

Harry and Meghan’s awkward exchange at the 2019 Trooping the Colour turned heads from royal fans(Image: Getty Images)

The annual Trooping the Colour is set to kick off on Saturday, with members of the royal family and royal fans alike flocking to the Mall to celebrate King Charles ’ birthday. After the Horse Guards Parade and during the RAF flypast, the royal family will appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony, which has famously been the setting for many iconic moments from the royals.

From Prince William being scolded by the late Queen, to Prince Louis stealing the show with his cheeky antics , the balcony appearance is often the most anticipated part of the day. One such instance takes us back to the 2019 Trooping the Colour , which was the last time Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attended the annual event.

Harry and Meghan at Trooping the Colour in 2019
During Harry and Meghan’s last Trooping appearance, it seems the royal couple had a tense exchange on the Palace balcony(Image: Getty Images)

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were joined on the balcony by a host of royals, including the late Queen Elizabeth, the then Prince Charles and Camilla, as well as William, Kate and their three children among others.

When all the royals were waving at adoring fans along the Mall and enjoying the RAF flypast, eagle-eyed fans believed they spotted an awkward exchange between Harry and Meghan, making for a tense environment on the balcony.

Footage shared of the moment on X showed Harry looking inside the room next to the balcony before saying a few words to someone off-camera. Meghan turns her head slightly and mouths something, then faces her husband.

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Meghan Harry
Harry was seen telling Meghan to “turn around” during the balcony appearance(Image: Getty Images)

The couple share a few words and Meghan faces forward. She then turns around once more to face Harry – and it’s at this point it looks like he instructs her to “turn around” – which she then does.

Harry keeps up his stern facial expression while Meghan awkwardly tries to compose herself in front of the camera, which caused fans to speculate they may have had cross words.

However, when the video is played with full sound, the context becomes clear and shows that there was more than meets the eye during the awkward moment.

With the sound playing, the footage shows the moment occurred just a second or so before the National Anthem starts playing, meaning there’s a good chance that Harry was actually just giving Meghan a heads up that the music was about to start playing so she wasn’t caught out looking the wrong way.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
It turns out Harry was simply warning Meghan that the national anthem was about to begin playing(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Instead of standing awkwardly after an assumed tense exchange, they are actually just listening to the opening part of God Save the Queen.

While most of the senior working royals are expected to appear on the Palace balcony on Saturday for King Charles’ birthday celebrations, it comes to no surprise that Harry and Meghan will not be attending.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex only attended two Trooping the Colour celebrations before they quit royal life in 2020, making appearances in 2018 and 2019. At the time of the 2018 procession, Meghan and Harry had recently tied the knot at their stunning Windsor Castle wedding ceremony. When they stepped out for the Trooping in 2019, their first child Archie had been born just the month before.

The annual event of Trooping the Colour has marked the official birthday of the King or Queen for more than 260 years. The ceremony involves hundreds of horses and soldiers carrying out complex battlefield drill manoeuvres to military music. More than 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians come together for the impressive display.

Queen Elizabeth II joined by members of the royal family during her birthday celebrations in 2019
Trooping the Colour will take place on Saturday to celebrate King Charles’ birthday(Image: PA)
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During the parade, the royals will travel from Buckingham Palace down The Mall to Horse Guards Parade in a procession – either on horseback or in carriages. At Horse Guards, they then watch the military display before joining the procession back to Buckingham Palace once it is over.

After the parade, the royals then gather on the Palace balcony for a march-past and the fly-past by the RAF, which includes the Red Arrows, and will conclude the day’s celebrations.