Britain’s Draper out for season with arm injury

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Jack Draper will not play again this season because of the arm injury that forced his withdrawal from the US Open.

The 23-year-old British number one left New York before his second-round match because the discomfort in his arm had become too much.

Draper, ranked seventh in the world, had not played singles since Wimbledon because of bruising on his upper left serving arm, although his team were confident a scan taken before the US Open suggested a full recovery.

But after beating the Argentine qualifier Federico Agustin Gomez in the first round, Draper flew home and now says he must rest and sit out the remainder of the season.

“It is very difficult for me to accept as I was building some incredible momentum this year and playing some great stuff,” he posted on his social media channels.

The news means Draper will not be able to realise this season’s goal of qualifying for the season-ending ATP Finals, in Turin in November, for the first time.

He was in a very strong position to do so earlier in the year, after winning his first ATP 1000 event in Indian Wells in March and finishing as the runner-up in Madrid in May.

Draper is also likely to lose his place in the world’s top 10 by the end of the year.

He felt discomfort in his arm during the clay court season in the spring. It affected his forehand and serve and, with the pain increasing, a scan was taken after his defeat by Marin Cilic in the second round at Wimbledon.

Draper has had many physical problems in his first few years on tour. He did not play for two and a half months because of a shoulder injury in the summer of 2023 and a hip issue last December affected his preparations for this season.

He puts a huge amount of force through his body – with his serve and forehand as his two biggest assets – and admits there could be benefits in “reining in” his serve

“It’s surprised me a little bit that even when I do serve full out, my service numbers and my aces aren’t where I want them to be – and I think sometimes almost reining it in is not a bad thing,” he told BBC Sport after his first-round win at the US Open.

“You see the top servers ever to play – someone like a Novak Djokovic has such an underrated serve, and he hits his spots incredibly well. He’s not banging it at 140 [miles per hour].

“They are using their slices, the spins, different variations – so I think there is definitely something to be said in that. It’s not all about how fast you hit your service, it’s about how effective it is.”

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Katie Price clings to rescued kittens after terrifying emergency trip to vet

Former glamour model Katie Price was seen carrying one of her kittens after two of her premature pets required emergency vet care, with a vet revealing that they were close to death

Katie Price holds rescued kittens close outside theatre show after lifesaving vet drama(Image: AARON PARFITT / BACKGRID)

Katie Price was seen cradling one of her kittens as she left her theatre show on Monday, days after two of her young pets needed emergency veterinary care. The 47-year-old glamour model, accompanied by her boyfriend JJ Slater, carried the kitten to her car outside the Ellesmere Port show in Chester.

Katie had revealed that two of her kittens had been found limp by JJ. She explained on Facebook: “They were born two weeks premature and we have been bottle feeding them as well as their mum feeding them. But they’ve all been really healthy. We’re all really attached to them, they look at me like they’re second mum because obviously I feed them.”

“So JJ calls and says he thinks two of the kittens are dead because they’re not moving. He showed them me and they were all limp with their tongues out, two of them. I said you need to get them to the vets straight away.

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“He took them to the vet and the vet said it would be best to let them go basically, put them to sleep. I said, ‘No chance they must be able to do something.’ Thank God I didn’t go with what the vet said. £1400 later they are now home. I’m just keeping a close eye on them. Thank god because they are like my babies.”

Doris, Katie’s cat, gave birth last month, and the star has been working tirelessly to support her kittens – even missing a planned Isle of Wight holiday.

She welcomed Doris and two other bald cats into her home last October, despite criticism from animal charities. She previously rejected a £5,000 offer from PETA to stop keeping pets.

Katie has always been known as an animal lover
Katie has always been known as an animal lover(Image: Getty Images for The Cambridge Union)

Katie, who is a long-time animal lover, also recently introduced a cocker spaniel named Rookie to her family.

Over the weekend, Katie began her nationwide theatre tour with friend Kerry Katona, opening with a candid look back at her marriage to Peter Andre.

During An Evening with Katie and Kerry at Marine Hall in Fleetwood, the pair shared stories about their families, friendships, and failed relationships.

Katie recalled: “Well, he had a manager. When I came out, because I wanted to be with Pete and Pete wanted to be with me, I need to be careful how I word things now…” prompting Kerry to interject: “I’ll say it!”

She added: “[Peter’s manager] ended up managing me and Pete and… There were three of us in the marriage.”

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Reflecting on the years since their split, she said: “There are memories. They were very good memories. I’ve suffered 16 years ’cause of it, from when [we] split up I’ve had 16 years of hell. But I’m glad now that the truth is coming out on social media and people are seeing.”

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Prince Harry makes cryptic quip about ‘challenging siblings’ as he and William stay apart

Prince Harry chatted to inspirational winners at the WellChild Awards in London tonight – and made light of sibling rivalry amid his tense feud with brother Prince William

Prince Harry made a cryptic comment about ‘challenging’ sibling rivalry – just hours after he and estranged brother Prince William separately honoured the late Queen.

The Duke of Sussex jetted into the UK this morning for a week of solo engagements in his homeland, which included an appearance at the WellChild Awards tonight.

Earlier he had been at St George’s Chapel in Windsor, where he laid a wreath of flowers and privately paid his respects to his late grandmother on the third anniversary of her death. At the same time, just a 15-minute drive away in Sunningdale, the Prince and Princess of Wales remembered the former monarch by visiting the Women’s Institute (WI), in tribute to the late Queen’s decades-long association with the organisation.

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Harry with 17-year-old Declan Bitmead at the WellChild Awards (Image: Getty Images)

Tonight, he attended the WellChild Awards and joked and laughed with seriously ill youngsters ahead of a glittering awards ceremony recognising their efforts to succeed and thrive despite life-threatening conditions.

When he chatted to Declan Bitmead, 17 – winner of the inspirational young person 15-18 years award, he quizzed him about family life, asking if he had siblings and the teenager replied he had a younger brother.

“Does he drive you mad?” asked the duke, and Declan replied “no, we get on fine” – and Harry quipped with a smile “you know what – siblings”.

Harry play fights with swords made from balloons with nine-year-old Gwen Foster
Harry play fights with swords made from balloons with nine-year-old Gwen Foster(Image: PA)

When told the 17-year-old, from Oxted in Surrey, and his brother went to the same school, the duke said “you’re at the same school, that sometimes makes it more challenging”.

Declan suffered permanent sight impairment and lost 96 per cent of his skin after developing a rare and life-threatening reaction to a common tonsillitis treatment.

Harry joked with the teenager and made him smile, after being told by the schoolboy he did not have much sight, by saying he was lucky not to see him as: “I’m bald and ginger and worst of all I’ve got a ginger beard – you’re thinking phew.”

Harry chats to six-year-old Esmee Mcglinchey at the WellChild Awards
Harry chats to six-year-old Esmee Mcglinchey at the WellChild Awards(Image: PA)

Harry also enjoyed a balloon sword fight with nine-year-old Gwen Foster after the Inspirational Child aged 7-11 winner, born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, challenged him to a duel with the toys made by a balloon sculptor.

The little girl, from Horley, presented him with tiny football shirts of her favourite teams for his children, Wigan Athletic for Lillibet, aged four, and six-year-old Archie was gifted a Brighton and Hove Albion top.

Harry also spoke with six-year-old Esmee, who will receive an award during the ceremony, as she inspected the Duke’s polka dot tie. Esmee wore a pair of frilly socks, to which Harry commented: “My daughter would love these socks.” Her mum Toni Hynes, told the Duke: “Esmée’s very very excited about it, she woke up at 5.30am saying ‘party, party, party!'”

Harry hugs previous WellChild Award winner Evie Toombes
Harry hugs previous WellChild Award winner Evie Toombes(Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

When he chatted to Grace Tutt, 13, from Sevenoaks – who is wheelchair-bound after a bus crash, the Special Recognition winner turned the tables after his flurry of questions and asked the duke for Netflix recommendations.

Harry said he and wife Meghan, who live in California after stepping down as working royals, watch political thriller Hostage together and he also enjoys the reality TV show Love Is Blind.

In an interview with a past WellChild winner who is hoping to break into television, Harry marked the 20th anniversary of the awards by saying: “I have always said for many years that I still have a child inside of me, and I think all of us do, and being amongst these kids brings that out of me.

“I think out of all of the qualities that these kids have, without question, their resilience – top still.” He aslo told those at the awards ceremony in a speech: “For two decades, this event has shone a bright spotlight on the needs of children and young people living with complex medical conditions.

Harry gives an emotional speech at the awards
Harry gives an emotional speech at the awards(Image: PA)

“But more than that, it has celebrated something far bigger – your courage, your resilience, and the extraordinary love of the families and carers who never stop showing up.

“I still remember my very first WellChild Awards, 18 years ago. I walked into the room, and within about three minutes I realised two things: the love and energy in the room was palpable, so too was the unpredictability!

“And second, that I was completely hooked on it all. This night has been a highlight of my year ever since and it’s all because of you guys – these children, this cause, and our Wellchild community.

“Since those early days, 311 WellChild Award winners have inspired us with their bravery. Today, a 53-strong team of WellChild Nurses are out there making an enormous difference. Add to that a community of more than 3,600 families, plus support programmes reaching even further, and you see the real impact of what has been built here.

“More than ever, WellChild’s mission must be our shared priority. Tonight, I’d ask each of you to think about how you can play your part, whether through support, awareness, or action, to help advance this crucial work.”

Earlier, as Harry arrived at the event, he shot waiting photographers a smile as he arrived at the WellChild Awards at 4pm. He was seen hastily getting out of the back seat of a black Range Rover at a central London Hotel just hours after touching down in the UK.

Prince Harry and host Gaby Roslin with the WellChild Award winners 2025
Prince Harry and host Gaby Roslin with the WellChild Award winners 2025(Image: PA)

He was pictured quickly opening the door of the car himself, correcting his tie as he strode into the event, as he quickly shot a quick smile at press before greeting attendees at the charity event.

Other notable figures joined Harry at the children’s charity event including Rolling Stone, Ronnie Wood, who graced the event in a very suave maroon suit.

Ronnie, 78, was accompanied to the event and his partner Sally Humphreys Wood, 47, who lit up the room adorned in a stunning bright yellow floral dress. Also attending was Peter Andre and wife Emily as well as Girls Aloud star Kimberly Walsh.

Harry trip to the UK comes as relations between him and William remain strained, with the Prince of Wales rejecting any reconciliation with Harry, in their years-long feud. However, hopes remain that during his trip to the UK this week, Harry could meet up with his father, the King.

Charles marked the third anniversary of his accession privately at Balmoral yesterday, but is believed to be in London later this week at the same time as his son.

William and Kate honour the late Queen during an outing earlier today
William and Kate honour the late Queen during an outing earlier today(Image: AP)

Sources have said there is a determination on both sides to make a meeting happen, with Wednesday being touted as a potential date.

Harry, who previously admitted he wanted reconciliation with his family, is said to be ready to ‘drop everything’ to attend a meeting. A source said: “As Harry has stated before, he’d love to see his family and be reconciled.”

However, both Buckingham Palace and spokespeople for Harry have refused to be drawn on when or whether a meeting will take place.

Father and son last met face to face almost 20 months ago when the duke made a transatlantic dash to see the monarch in February 2024 after hearing of his cancer diagnosis, but they spent just over 30 minutes together before the King left to recuperate in Sandringham.

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Rochelle Humes’ Next range features a bargain version of Victoria Beckham’s £1.7k suit

Victoria Beckham’s tailored suits have amassed a celebrity fanbase with the likes of Kate Middleton, but Rochelle Humes’ new Next collection has a version for a fraction of the price

Rochelle’s latest collection with Next is a must-shop for autumn(Image: Next)

A well tailored suit is something that everyone should have in their wardrobe. The chic alternative to a dress, you can wear a great suit everywhere from the office to weddings, date nights and brunches, all with a simple swap of accessories.

And if you’re on the hunt for one that looks sophisticated and expensive without breaking the bank, Rochelle Humes’ new Next collection is the place to shop. Amongst the new in pieces is the Chocolate Brown Double Breasted Blazer (£75) and the Chocolate Brown Tapered Tailored Trousers (£44), with the rich mahogany shade perfect for autumn.

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The suit is an effortlessly elegant pick, and it makes a great affordable option if you’ve been eyeing up one of Victoria Beckham’s celebrity-loved suits. The designer version has amassed an impressive fanbase with the likes of Kate Middleton spotted wearing her designs. But with the Dropped Lapel Jacket In Deep Mahogany priced at £1100 and the matching Slim Sculptural Trouser In Deep Mahogany costing £650, it’s not exactly what we’d call budget friendly.

Which is why when we spotted the Chocolate Brown Double Breasted Blazer and the Tapered Tailored Trousers for £119 in Rochelle’s latest edit, we knew it was a winner. Both pieces come in regular and petite lengths, with sizing spanning six to 26.

Next X Rochelle Humes brown trouser suit
The trouser suit is a great alternative to Victoria Beckham’s(Image: Next)

The suit is proving so popular that it’s already starting to sell out in multiple sizes, although the Next website does predict any sold out sizes will be restocked within two to three days, so you can still get your hands on them. If you have missed out on your size, or just want to check out other alternatives, there’s plenty more available to shop.

At Nobody’s Child, the Chocolate Brown Double Breasted Relaxed Blazer is £120, whilst the matching Chocolate Brown Jax Tailored Crepe Trousers are priced at £85, making it pricier than Rochelle’s Next version, but still considerably more affordable than the Victoria Beckham suit. Elsewhere, Mango has the Straight-Fit Suit Jacket for £79.99, with co-ordinating Wide-Leg Mid-Rise Pleated Trousers available for £49.99.

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The rest of Rochelle’s Next edit is packed with more amazing autumn basics, with cosy knitwear like jumpers, cardigans and dresses, as well as more beautiful tailored pieces including a grey pinstripe suit. There’s also several different pairs of shoes that mirror Rochelle’s signature minimalist style, with kitten heels and slingbacks to choose from.

Ferne McCann slammed over ‘inappropriate’ TikTok video with pet dog Clemmie

Former TOWIE star Ferne McCann has faced online backlash after posting a TikTok video with her pet cockapoo, Clemmie, as part of the viral Labubu trend

Ferne McCann slammed over ‘inappropriate’ TikTok video with pet dog Clemmie(Image: fernemccann/Ferne McCann/TikTok)

Ferne McCann has faced criticism from fans after sharing a TikTok video featuring her pet cockapoo, Clemmie, as she took part in a viral social media trend.

Some viewers accused the former TOWIE star, 35, of handling her dog roughly, saying the clip could be harmful to the animal. Ferne attempted the Labubu trend, inspired by the popular monster dolls that have become a viral sensation online. I

n the video, filmed in her kitchen, Ferne lifted Clemmie’s long ears to stand upright on top of the dog’s head, mimicking the dolls’ signature look, while mouthing the voiceover: “I have the one and only 24 carat gold Labubu.”

The clip ended with her scooping Clemmie into her arms for a kiss and cuddle. The original TikTok sound comes from creator Lilz Bullz, whose June video featuring a “24 karat gold Labubu” quickly went viral, amassing more than 65 million views.

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The trend has since spread widely, with people recreating the clip using friends, babies, and pets. Celebrities including Ashley Benson, Madelaine Petsch, and The Jonas Brothers have all joined in, generating humorous and playful content.

Despite the light-hearted intent, many viewers criticised Ferne’s approach. Comments suggested the dog appeared uncomfortable, with some threatening to contact animal welfare authorities. Responses included: “This is so cruel why would she do that.”

Another echoed: “This is not cute or funny at all. She should know better. The poor dog.” Someone else voiced: “I really don’t understand this trend.”

Ferne has been slammed for tugging her dog's ears
Ferne has been slammed for tugging her dog’s ears(Image: fernemccann/Ferne McCann/TikTok)
Ferne has been publicly slammed by fans
Ferne has been publicly slammed by fans(Image: fernemccann/Ferne McCann/TikTok)

This controversy comes shortly after McCann was publicly criticised for posting images of herself breastfeeding her two-year-old daughter, Finty.

Speaking on This Morning, she defended her decision to share the content, stating that critics often “oversexualise” breastfeeding and may be “triggered” due to their own experiences.

Ferne, who is also mother to Sunday, seven, told hosts Andi Peters and Emma Willis: “Every time I posted, even when she was younger, it really did split hairs. It was challenging for me because I felt like I had to justify. I didn’t want to offend anyone.

“I think that’s the thing with me, that yes I’m pro breastfeeding, but that doesn’t mean I’m anti formula. What is so wonderful is that women have choice. Not all new mothers can breastfeed for various reasons… for me, the reason why I am passionate about it and want to have conversations like this is to continue support for that breastfeeding.”

On negative reactions to her posts, she added: “The most common one is ‘Here she is, getting them out again!’ and it’s like, ‘Alright, okay, we all know that you breastfeed.’

“They are not my intentions… I think the reason why some people have such a problem with it is because women’s breasts are oversexualised and some people find it very triggering, feel they have failed. Showing my successful breastfeeding journey wasn’t to shame anyone.”

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Shirley Ballas makes emotional plea to fans ahead of Strictly Come Dancing return

Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas shared a message this morning after previously revealing that she often receives ‘personal’ comments when the show is about the return

Shirley Ballas has shared a message for fans ahead of Strictly Come Dancing returning this month(Image: BBC)

A message for fans has been shared by Shirley Ballas ahead of Strictly Come Dancing returning. She has encouraged people to “be kind” to one another after having previously dealt with trolls on social media during past series.

Shirley, 65, will be back as a judge on the BBC show when it returns later this month, with the new series scheduled to launch next week. She will reunite with Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke on the panel.

Ahead of the upcoming launch, Shirley has warned fans to be “careful” how they treat other people. She also encouraged her followers to “be kind” in the post, which was uploaded to the dancer’s Instagram Story this morning.

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Shirley Ballas in a pink dress on the Strictly judging panel.
Shirley Ballas shared a message for fans ahead of Strictly Come Dancing returning next week(Image: BBC)

Shirley shared a photo of actor Tom Hiddleston that had a caption with it. Seemingly written by someone else, it read: “The most expensive liquid in the world is a tear. It’s 1% water and 99% feelings. Think before you hurt someone.”

Sharing her thoughts on that post, Shirley then encouraged her followers to “be kind” to other people. She wrote above the photo and its caption in her post earlier today: “Be careful what you throw towards other people. Be kind.”

Her message comes ahead of Strictly returning next week. The new series is scheduled to launch on September 20, with the line-up of contestants including Love Island winner Dani Dyer and EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal.

Shirley has faced trolling and comments about her appearance in previous years, and has previously said that the messages she receives start to “get personal” as the show returns each year. Last year, she reacted to someone who suggested that she consider having “warts” removed from her face.

Photo showing a message shared by Shirley Ballas that reads:
She’s encouraged her followers to ‘be kind’ after previously sharing her upset over ‘cruel’ message she’s received(Image: shirleyballas/Instagram)

As reported by OK! magazine, she responded in August last year, shortly before the new series began. Shirley wrote: “And so it begins lol. Just for one’s information, I love my little bump on my chin I was born with it. It’s not a wart. Can always tell when [Strictly] is about to start, the messages get personal.”

Shirley even announced that she would be taking a break from work over the Christmas period in 2022 as a result of trolling. As reported at the time, she told S magazine in an interview: “It’s the first time I’ve taken any time off – ever! I’m taking two and a half weeks off, because of the immense amount of trolling I got throughout this series.”

She said: “I decided I wouldn’t do panto this year. Last time I did it, I got a letter hand-delivered to the theatre that was very off-putting.” She added: “So I’m going to take some time off and just get myself together for the new year.”

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Speaking to the Mirror just months prior, she said: “The names I’ve been called, I couldn’t even repeat them to you.” She added at the time that she is “fine” with being criticised for her judging but finds personal comments to be “cruel”.

She said: “You just want to do the best job for the people watching. And when it’s not reciprocated and they say I didn’t agree with your mark, you sent the wrong person home, I’m fine with that. But when it gets personal then I think that’s cruel.”