6 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on Ex-Premier League star facing 13 YEARS in prison after being accused of smuggling TWO TONNES of cocaine
FORMER Premier League star Ronnie Stam is facing THIRTEEN YEARS in jail – after being accused of smuggling two tonnes of cocaine.
And the ex-Wigan defender could also be fined up to £1.5million if found guilty of trafficking the drugs, with a street value of £48m.
Ex- Premier League ace Ronnie Stam is facing 13 years in jailEx-Wigan ace Stam is being accused of smuggling two tonnes of cocaineStam is on trial alongside his brother Rudi
Stam, 40, had three top-flight seasons with the Latics – making 73 appearances.
He played in their FA Cup-winning campaign of 2013, but missed the final against Manchester City before leaving for Standard Liege that year.
But the now-retired player appeared in a Dutch court on Tuesday alongside his brother Rudi, 43.
The trial at Breda heard that the brothers transported cocaine from South America to the Netherlands in 2020 and 2021.
Prosecutors said evidence of drug shipments was found in encrypted phone chats between Ronnie and Rudi.
Photos of blocks of cocaine were reportedly seen among the duo’s messages.
The public prosecutor called for Stam to be imprisoned until 2038, and fined Є1.7m, for his part in the alleged crimes.
Meanwhile, brother Rudi is facing over six years in jail, plus an identical fine, if found guilty.
Stam told the court that he has been involved in a 20 kilo shipment to Germany in 2020, but denied any further involvement in the drug trade.
The Breda-born former defender claimed the money in his bank accounts had come from his football career.
Stam won the Dutch title with FC Twente in 2010, under ex-England boss Steve McClaren, before landing a £2m move to Wigan that year.
He has been in custody since first being arrested last June.
6 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on ITV panel show in major shake-up as Holby City star named new host and soap favourite joins line-up
AN ITV panel show is set for a major shake-up as a Holby City star is named as the new host.
Sorry, I Didn’t Know first aired as a pilot in 2016, before returning as a full series in 2020.
ITVSorry, I Didn’t Know has landed a new series – but changes are coming[/caption]
SplashTeam captain Chizzy Akudolu is to become the new host[/caption]
GettyShe is replacing Jimmy Akingbola in the role[/caption]
Although the show has been renewed for a sixth series, the on air team will be slightly different.
Panelists answer questions about Black history throughout the programme.
He will be joining former Strictly star Eddie Kadi, who became a team captain in 2022.
The programme’s co-creator Frazer Ayres said: “Chizzy has been part of the SIDK family since our pilot in 2016 and was amazing when she hosted an episode last series, so it’s great to see her in the hosting seat.
“And in Richard we have the perfect sparring partner for Eddie.
“They’re long-time friends and he has already shown he’s a brilliant and hilarious guest, so we are thrilled he will be joining the team on the regular.”
Jonathan Tah has joined in a free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen, with Tom Bischof making the switch from Hoffenheim.
Max Eberl, the club’s director of sport, announced this week: “We’re happy we could reach agreements with Leverkusen and Hoffenheim, and that both Jonathan and Tom are now part of our squad.
“Both will expand our options at the Club World Cup.
“We’re all very excited for this new tournament in the USA, where we want to have a say in the title.”
Club World Cup 2025 Guide
SOME of the world’s biggest clubs are heading Stateside for a MAMMOTH Club World Cup.
Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Man City, and Inter Miami are among the 32 teams taking part in the tournament, which runs from June 14 to July 13.
Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Ousmane Dembele, Cole Palmer and Harry Kane will be showing their skills to packed crowds across the US.
Los Blancos are favourites to lift the trophy in New York but will face stiff competition from around the globe.
6 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on Where to buy engagement rings for women: From diamonds to gold to emerald
ENGAGEMENT rings are having a moment. From bold emeralds to chunky gold bands and vintage styles, the latest trends are all about personal style and flair.
Whether you’re after something timeless or something new, we’ve rounded up where to buy engagement rings from right now.
We’ve rounded up the best places to buy engagement ringsgetty
Buying an engagement ring is a very important process, almost as important as the wedding dress.
From dazzling diamond rings and rich, on-trend emeralds to rich sapphire tones, engagement ring options can cater to every taste and budget.
Some people are choosing to go full contemporary with gold engagement rings, or you can even design the ring completely from scratch.
Here are popular spots where you can buy engagement rings.
Where to buy an engagement ring online
Mejuri
MejuriMejuri’s jewellery is timeless and sustainable[/caption]
Ernest Jones is another firm favourite for engagement, promise, and eternity rings as well as wedding bands.
From cluster designs and solitaire rings to bridal sets, there are plenty of styles to shop for that are guaranteed to impress your loved one, especially for those wanting alternative stones like sapphire.
Not only does Ernest Jones have a huge selection, but there’s also a guide to tailor the perfect engagement ring to your partner.
Ernest Jones often runs sales on its rings, so keep an eye out if you want to save a few pennies.
Ania Haie
Ania HaieShop engagement rings on a budget without compromising on quality with Ania Haie[/caption]
Ania Haie is another place to head to for fine jewellery items, and that includes engagement rings.
What we love about Ania Haie is that there’s everything from bold statement designs to more simplistic and minimalist styles.
It’s also a great place to shop for those looking for an engagement ring with a slightly lower price tag (as we all know, these can come with a pretty hefty price tag).
H. Samuel is a longstanding high street jeweller that many will be familiar with and is often the go-to for engagement rings, with starting prices more affordable than many of the big designer names.
Shoppers can opt for pre-made designs in silver, gold, rose gold, platinum, and a selection of stones, including the popular emerald stone.
Alternatively, you can shop vintage styles and matching bridal sets, which will take the pressure off finding a wedding band to match your engagement ring when the time comes to walk down the aisle.
Buying engagement rings FAQS
How much do engagement rings cost?
The price of an engagement ring can vary from £100-odd from high street retailers to thousands of pounds – or even tens of thousands.
The end price is limitless, especially if you want to design a bespoke engagement ring.
The cost of your engagement ring varies depending on the metal you opt for the band, as well as the cut, carat and clarity of the diamond or precious stone.
Even high-quality vintage and antique rings can cost anything from £1,000 to £20,000+, depending on age, size, style, and gem – sapphires, emeralds, amethysts, and garnets are all popular choices.
What your partner likes and what you’re able to afford will largely determine what kind of price you should expect to pay.
How much to spend on an engagement ring
Again, this answer is completely up to you and will depend on varying factors, so it’s best to think before you buy.
According to research, the average cost of an engagement ring in the UK in 2020 was £1,865 – however, what you spend is completely up to you, your style preferences and, most importantly, your budget.
Another factor to keep in mind is whether you want one diamond or numerous, as that can also increase costs.
You mustn’t spend beyond your means, as ultimately your partner loves you for you and not the size of the rock on their finger.
Choose something special, thoughtful, and within your means to start your next chapter together.
What is the “3-month” rule for buying a ring?
The “3-month rule” is a popular guideline that was formed for the fiancé-to-be; it suggests you spend about three months’ salary on an engagement ring.
It’s not a hard-and-fast rule; and many couples choose to spend more or less depending on their financial situation and priorities.
While it can serve as a helpful budgeting level, it’s not a requirement and shouldn’t influence how you go about ring shopping.
The key is finding a ring that feels meaningful without causing financial strain.
Ultimately, the value of the ring lies in the love the two parties have for one another, not the purchase price.
Is Hatton Garden cheaper for engagement rings?
Hatton Garden in London is renowned as the UK’s historic jewellery district, so if you’re into shiny things, it’s definitely worth exploring.
Many shoppers believe it offers better prices compared to high-street retailers, thanks to all the independent jewellers, wholesalers, and diamond dealers within a stone’s throw of each other.
This competitive environment means you can often find a wider range of styles and some engagement rings at more affordable rates.
Prices will still vary depending on the quality, design, and retailer, so it’s important to shop around and compare.
Hatton Garden isn’t guaranteed to be cheaper on every ring.
Are lab diamonds as good as real diamonds?
We’d say yes, they are. Lab-grown diamonds are as good as the real thing.
They are chemically, physically, and visually identical to natural diamonds, with the key difference being where they come from.
Natural diamonds are often sourced unethically from the earth, while lab diamonds are created in controlled environments using technology.
The sparkle, durability, and overall appearance of lab-grown diamonds are nearly identical to their mined counterparts, even for a trained jeweller without specialist equipment.
What’s more, lab-grown diamonds are also graded in the same way as natural stones, based on the 4Cs, which include cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight.
Lab-grown diamonds are often more affordable and considered a more sustainable, ethical option.
6 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on Gymshark Black Friday 2025: what to expect this November
THE Gymshark Black Friday sale is due to be impressive this November after stellar discounts in 2024.
Fans of Gymshark’s stylish and high-performance activewear will no doubt be looking for bargains over the Cyber Weekend, making it a prime time to upgrade your workout wear.
GymsharkSave big in the Gymshark Black Friday sale[/caption]
According to mega-influencer Molly Mae, actress Vanessa Hudgens and model-turned-entrepreneur Hailey Bieber, Gymshark is the fitness apparel to be spotted in.
From performance leggings and sports bras to comfy hoodies and joggers, Gymshark has a range of stylish apparel to suit whatever activity you plan to do (including chilling on the sofa).
The workout range that we’ve come to know and love always ensures good discounts around Black Friday, which is perfect to make some updates to your collection.
Of course, we’ve got everything you need to know about the sale in this guide and will be updating it with the best Black Friday deals as they come in.
When is Black Friday 2025?
Black Friday always falls on the day after Thanksgiving, which means this year the shopping event will take place on November 28.
Once considered a shopping holiday celebrated in America, now Black Friday is widely recognised all around the world, with retailers and brands from all over slashing the prices of thousands of products ahead of the holiday season.
Many retailers and brands start their sales early, so keep your eyes peeled throughout the month of November.
What to expect in the Gymshark Black Friday sale 2025?
Looking at previous sales, you can expect some amazing savings, whether you want to refresh your gym essentials or stock up on stylish loungewear.
Last year saw deals of up to 60-70% off across most categories, including fitness leggings, sports bras, hoodies, and joggers.
Although bestselling styles sold out quickly, the brand did offer restocks on selected items over the sale period, so there was plenty of time to stock up on your favourites.
This time around, we’re expecting bigger and better deals, especially on new arrivals like the Whitney Simmons range.
It’s best to know exactly what you’re looking for ahead of time and get in there quickly.
What was in Gymshark’s sale last year?
Last year saw mega deals across womenswear and menswear up for grabs in Gymshark’s sale, with up to 70% off everything.
The fun didn’t stop there either, as customers were also spoiled with an extra 25% off the already huge sale with an exclusive code.
Here are some of the fantastic deals included in last year’s Black Friday sale:
When is Cyber Monday 2025 and is Gymshark taking part?
If last year is anything to go by, we are almost certain Gymshark will offer shoppers Cyber Monday deals.
Cyber Monday takes place on December 1 this year.
Last year, Gymshark offered new styles as part of its Cyber Monday sale, even including rarer styles that had not been discounted before.
Cyber Monday also marks the last chance bargain hunters can pick up deals before the festive season, so it is worth checking out what’s on offer before the annual sale extravaganza ends for good.
How much does Gymshark’s shipping cost?
Free standard delivery is available for orders over £49.
For orders under £49, standard delivery costs £3.99.
If you want your Black Friday bargains to arrive as soon as possible, it’s £4 for express delivery.
Visit the Gymshark delivery page for further information.
Does Gymshark offer any other discounts?
There are several other discounts you can pick up all year round, including 10% off for emergency service and NHS staff via Blue Light Card.
There’s also a Youth Discount that gives anyone who is an apprentice 10% off full-priced purchases.
You can also find all the latest news and fashion deals on our Black Friday page.
Does Gymshark have a Boxing Day sale?
It’s too soon to tell, so Gymshark has yet to announce if there will be a Black Friday sale or a Boxing Day sale.
In previous years, there has not been a sale at Gymshark in the days following Christmas Day, so if you’re hoping for big post-Christmas savings, you could be disappointed.
To be safe, we suggest you shop the Black Friday sale to snap up a bargain while the deals are still hot.
6 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on Brits are swapping busy Spain for these three quiet Greek hotspots with £1 pints and secret beaches
AS parts of Spain become more crowded with tourists and prices are rising, Brits are ditching the country in favour of quieter Greek islands.
Growing costs and overcrowding in Spain are pushing holidaymakers to alternative destinations, like Thassos, Lefkada and Agistri, according to Greek travel experts Ionian Island Holidays.
AlamyGrowing costs and overcrowding in Spain are pushing holidaymakers to alternative destinations[/caption]
AlamyGreek destinations like Thassos, Lefkada and Agistri are becoming great alternatives[/caption]
AlamyThe islands are known for being great value for money[/caption]
And these destinations don’t break the bank.
Especially, when drinks can be found in local tavernas for as low as £1, for example.
Like on islands such as Kalymnos and Agistri, visitors can often find 500ml draught beer or a carafe of house wine priced between €1.50 and €2.50 (£1.30–£2.10).
Meze dishes featuring grilled vegetables, fried cheese or seafood can be found for under €5 (£4.24).
Places to eat and grab a drink are often family-run, which adds to their charm.
A spokesperson for Ionian Island Holidays said: “Many of these tavernas have been in families for generations,”
“They care more about welcoming guests than maximising profit.”
Another reason why holidaymakers are heading to Greece over Spain, is for the peaceful coves and quiet beaches.
For example, in Thassos, Marble Beach has white-pebble shores and clear water.
Alternatively, in Lefkada, down cascading steps is Porto Katsiki – which is naturally calm.
In Agistri, Aponisos Beach has shallow water, perfect for families.
Whilst many of the beaches across Greece are only reachable via foot or local water taxis, this helps preserve their charm.
“You won’t need to claim a sunbed at 7 a.m.—there’s space for everyone,” said an Ionian Island Holidays spokesperson.
Undeniably, when on holiday food is a top priority.
And in Greece, the food is fresh, local and often low cost.
Seafood dishes like sardines, grilled octopus or calamari can be found for €8–€12 (£7–£10).
AlamyIn Greece, the food is fresh, local and often low cost[/caption]
AlamyDrinks can be found in local tavernas for as low as £1, too[/caption]
Or hearty mains such as moussaka or souvlaki typically cost €6–€9 (£5–£8).
If you wanted to share, plates (meze) of fava, dolmades, tzatziki or fried courgette often start at just €3 (£2.50).
Most meals tend to be cooked from scratch using local ingredients.
Tavernas will grow their own herbs, source fish directly from nearby harbours and cook with olive oil processed locally.
Most meals are made from scratch using local ingredients—many tavernas grow their own herbs, source fish directly from nearby harbours and use olive oil pressed locally.
“It’s not just cheap—it’s authentic. These aren’t tourist menus; they’re cooking for neighbours, too,” added the Ionian Island Holidays spokesperson.
Typically, Greece also offers better value accommodation and daily costs remain the cheapest in Europe, during off-peak months.
For example, double rooms in local guesthouses on Thassos or Lefkada cost around £25–£35 per night.
AlamyDouble rooms in local guesthouses on Thassos or Lefkada cost around £25–£35 per night[/caption]
AlamyTransport tends to be cheap too with short inter-island ferries costing under €10 (£8.47)[/caption]
Many properties have kitchenettes too, which is ideal for families wanting to cook their own food.
For transport, short inter-island ferries are typically under €10 (£8.47).
“Families and couples can enjoy an entire day out, meals included, for the price of a single tourist attraction in other destinations,” said the Ionian Island Holidays spokesperson.
Unlike many parts of Spain, Greece has less overcrowding.
Travellers often report being welcomed into village festivals, outdoor cinemas and local cafés, as well as feeling like part of the community by the end of their stay.
“Visitors often say they feel like they’re in a real community, not a tourist zone,” commented the Ionian Island Holidays spokesperson.
AlamyThe shoulder months including May, June and September, are also becoming more favourable as well[/caption]
“That authenticity is priceless.”
When it comes to what Brits are actually looking for, natural beauty, value for money and meaningful local experiences repeatedly crop up.
The shoulder months including May, June and September, are also becoming more favourable with couples, solo travellers and families seeking calm and affordability.
The Ionian Islands Holidays spokesperson said: “Our guests are looking for quality without excess… beautiful views, kind people and good food that doesn’t cost a fortune.”
6 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on ‘Laughed it off’ – Joseph Parker reveals Usyk’s reaction to face-to-face challenge rival opens door to Fury trilogy
JOSEPH PARKER has revealed he had a frank conversation with Oleksandr Usyk after meeting him at a recent event.
The pair were in attendance at Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship‘s inaugural event in Italy in late April and had some of the best seats in the house for the Florence fisticuffs.
INSTAGRAM@POSSA_BAICEJoseph Parker had an encounter with Oleksandr Usyk at BKFC Italy in April[/caption]
INSTAGRAM@POSSA_BAICEThe New Zealander tried to convince the undefeated Ukrainian to fight him before he calls it quits[/caption]
GETTYPound-for-pound king Usyk ‘laughed’ off Parker’s respectful challenge[/caption]
Former WBO heavyweight king Parker, 33, saw a golden opportunity to try to convince the undefeated Usyk to share the ring with him before he calls time on his Hall-of-Fame career.
But the best heavyweight of the modern era cruelly dashed the New Zealander’s hopes with a James Bond villain-esque laugh.
Speaking exclusively to SunSport thanks to Casino Hawks, Parker, 33, said: “I saw Uysk in Italy last week.
“And I walked up to him and said,’ Hey, you got two fights left.
“‘Why don’t you fight Dubois and fight me?’
“He just laughed it off. He didn’t really reply.”
Parker’s disappointment at missing out on the chance to share the ring with Usyk, 38, was compounded when the former two-weight undisputed champion opened the door to a trilogy fight with Tyson Fury.
He continued: “And then now, I’m seeing that he’s calling out Tyson and [Anthony] Joshua for his last fight in his career.
“Maybe he’s looking for the bigger and sort of financial-making fights. I’m not quite sure.”
Parker is in pole position to fight the winner of Usyk’s rematch with Daniel Dubois at Wembley on July 19, which will be for all the heavyweight marbles, as he’s he mandatory challenger for the WBO strap.
But he’s refusing to put the cart before the horse, saying: “I know Frank Warren said a few things that I might be next to fight for undisputed unification.
“But there were no discussions. And for me, it’s just words at the moment.
“It’d be nice to get something in writing and to get something solid.
“But at the moment, it’s just words.
“If it can happen, I’ll be over the moon.”
GETTYOlekandr Usyk will renew his rivalry with Daniel Dubois for all the heavyweight marbles next month[/caption]
6 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on Austria comes to a standstill to mourn shooting victims
Austria has fallen silent for a minute in memory of the 10 people killed in a school shooting in Graz, which ended with the gunman taking his own life.
