thedailymirror--2020-06-17--J. Cole drops surprise single with 'pointed jibe' at rapper Noname over BLM

American rapper J. Cole has released surprise new single that may directly address fellow rapper Noname .
The star , full name Jermaine Lamarr Cole , dropped Snow On Tha Bluff yesterday and took social media by storm as his fans delighted in the new release .
The track is his first since 2019 single Middle Child .
The timely track directly references the Black Lives Matter movement , which has seen a major resurgence and growth of support following the death of George Floyd in the US .
J. Cole says in the track : `` This change is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen this before .
`` Therefore we just got ta learn everything as we go . ''
However , many listeners are also convinced that the track has referenced female rapper Noname and her social media presence in regards to the Black Lives Matter movement through a critical lens .
He raps : `` Here ’ s a young lady out there / she way smarter than me '' I scrolled through her timeline in these wild times and I started to read '' She mad at these crackers , she mad at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police . ''
The rapper appears to take issue with Noname 's approach to activism , bemoaning her tone .
He continues : `` And the frustration that fills her words seems to come from the fact that most people don ’ t see '' Just 'cause you woke and I ’ m not , that shit ai n't no reason to talk like you better than me . ''
The track comes after Noname criticised high-profile black rappers for not being on the front line of protests and using their voices enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Complex , Noname tweeted : `` Poor black folks all over the country are putting their bodies on the line in protest for our collective safety and y ’ all favorite top selling rappers not even willing to put a tweet up . ''
Noname appeared to respond to the song on Twitter by writing `` QUEEN TONE !
!
!
!
!
!
`` , as she referenced a lyric from the song : `` But , s**t , it ’ s something about the queen tone that ’ s bothering me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deleted , according to Vulture .
She added that these rappers ' `` whole discographies be about black plight and they no where to be found '' .
J. Cole does appear to be wishing to do more for the Black Lives Matter movement , however , as he states on the track : “ Fill me up with wisdom and some courage .
`` Plus endurance to survive help mine thrive '' .
Naturally , followers of both rappers have taken to social media to share their thoughts on the potential tension @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So this J Cole song is basically , `` You 're right Noname but you could be nicer about it : ( . ''
A different follower of the story tweeted : `` J cole calling noname smarter than him as a compliment is negated by the fact that he follows it up by demanding personal intellectual labor from her and literally demands to be treated like a child . ''
Another listener tweeted : `` J Cole wrote a verse basically asking Noname `` Why are you upset about these upsetting things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw the track differently , commenting : `` Do y ’ all not see the purpose of J. Cole ’ s song ?
`` It was a wake up call for himself .
He ’ s not asking to be educated .
He ’ s already an advocate .
`` He believes the same things .
So he felt NoName ’ s message should have been directed to others .
But He realizes he ’ s not doing enough . ''
Finally , another listener wrote : `` This whole thing about noname @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and non-confrontational than social media will make it seem .
`` It 's two intelligent black people , with opposing ends of the same opinion , having a conversation .
stop pitting us against each other . ''
J. Cole 's track is available to listen to here .
Do you have a story to sell ?
Get in touch with us at webcelebs @ trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033 .

American rapper J. Cole, full name Jermaine Lamarr Cole, has released a new single entitled Snow on Tha Bluff and fans are convinced it also tackle female rapper Noname alongside Black Lives Matter
American rapper J. Cole has released surprise new single that directly addresses fellow rapper Noname.
The star, full name Jermaine Lamarr Cole, dropped Snow On Tha Bluff yesterday and took social media by storm as his fans delighted in the new release.
The track is his first since 2019 single Middle Child.
The timely track directly references the Black Lives Matter movement, which has seen a major resurgence and growth of support following the death of George Floyd in the US.
J. Cole says in the track: "This change is inevitable but ain't none of us seen this before.
"Therefore we just gotta learn everything as we go."
However, the track has referenced female rapper Noname and her social media presence in regards to the Black Lives Matter movement with an analytical eye.
Image: WireImage) WireImage)
He raps: "Here’s a young lady out there / she way smarter than me
"I scrolled through her timeline in these wild times and I started to read
"She mad at these crackers, she mad at these capitalists, mad at these murder police."
The rapper appears to take issue with Noname's approach to activism, bemoaning her tone.
He continues: "And the frustration that fills her words seems to come from the fact that most people don’t see
"Just 'cause you woke and I’m not, that shit ain't no reason to talk like you better than me."
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
The track comes after Noname criticised high-profile black rappers for not being on the front line of protests and using their voices enough.
In now-deleted tweets, according to Complex, Noname tweeted: "Poor black folks all over the country are putting their bodies on the line in protest for our collective safety and y’all favorite top selling rappers not even willing to put a tweet up."
Noname appeared to respond to the song on Twitter by writing "QUEEN TONE!!!!!!", as she referenced a lyric from the song: "But, s**t, it’s something about the queen tone that’s bothering me."
The tweet has now been deleted, according to Vulture.
Image: WireImage) WireImage)
She added that these rappers' "whole discographies be about black plight and they no where to be found".
J. Cole does appear to be wishing to do more for the Black Lives Matter movement, however, as he states on the track: “Fill me up with wisdom and some courage.
"Plus endurance to survive help mine thrive".
Naturally, followers of both rappers have taken to social media to share their thoughts on the potential tension.
One Twitter user wrote: "So this J Cole song is basically, "You're right Noname but you could be nicer about it :(."
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
A different follower of the story tweeted: "J cole calling noname smarter than him as a compliment is negated by the fact that he follows it up by demanding personal intellectual labor from her and literally demands to be treated like a child."
Another listener tweeted: "J Cole wrote a verse basically asking Noname "Why are you upset about these upsetting things?""
However, one fan saw the track differently, commenting: "Do y’all not see the purpose of J. Cole’s song?
"It was a wake up call for himself. He’s not asking to be educated. He’s already an advocate.
"He believes the same things. So he felt NoName’s message should have been directed to others. But He realizes he’s not doing enough."
Image: Redferns via Getty Images) Redferns via Getty Images)
Finally, another listener wrote: "This whole thing about noname and j cole is a lot simpler and non-confrontational than social media will make it seem.
"It's two intelligent black people, with opposing ends of the same opinion, having a conversation. stop pitting us against each other."
Now J. Cole himself has responded to the debate and confirmed the track was about Noname.
In a series of tweets today, he wrote: "Morning. I stand behind every word of the song that dropped last night.
"Right or wrong I can’t say, but I can say it was honest.
"Some assume to know who the song is about. That’s fine with me, it’s not my job to tell anybody what to think or feel about the work. I accept all conversation and criticisms.
"But Let me use this moment to say this..."
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
"Follow @noname. I love and honor her as a leader in these times.
"She has done and is doing the reading and the listening and the learning on the path that she truly believes is the correct one for our people.
"Meanwhile a n***a like me just be rapping.
"I haven’t done a lot of reading and I don’t feel well equipped as a leader in these times.
"But I do a lot of thinking. And I appreciate her and others like her because they challenge my beliefs and I feel that in these times that’s important."
J. Cole signed off: "We may not agree with each other but we gotta be gentle with each other."
Noname has yet to respond to the tweets.
J. Cole's track is available to listen to here.
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033.


thedailymirror--2020-06-17--Woman with 'UK's biggest lips' makes £5K-a-month by 'financially degrading men'

Sofia Lips has already spent £50,000 on plastic surgery , but she has no plans to stop any time soon .
So far she 's had numerous cosmetic procedures to her lips , cheeks , chin , and jawline , as well as an eyebrow lift , lift lip , two nose jobs , veneers and Botox .
She wants a full head-to-toe transformation , and is willing to go to extreme lengths to get her dream appearance .
She said : “ Facial feminisation is one of my big procedures I have planned as I ’ m trans and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t like .
`` Although I ’ ve been changing my appearance for a few years now , I know this is just the start for me !
`` I ’ m doing a full head-to-toe transformation , I want to go very extreme with my face like Pete Burns and Amanda Lapore . ''
Sofia , from Lancashire , hopes her next surgery , which she 's planning to travel to Florida for , will give her her `` dream boobs '' .
But getting her dream look is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up with an unusual way to make cash .
She makes thousands of pounds each month by sharing saucy photos of herself online , specialising in `` financially degrading '' men .
She started off working as an escort then realised she could make extra cash with the unusual approach which sees men pay her to demand money from them .
She said : `` I started off escorting then quickly realised there is this whole world of findom ( a form of financial domination whereby men willingly send money to a domme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` My mind was blown and I ’ ve not looked back since .
`` Just this morning I woke up to a text from a guy asking me if there ’ s anything he ’ d like me to do today .
`` I told him , ‘ yes , start by emptying your bank account into mine and then I want you to write lines saying , I must obey goddess Sofia Lips ’ and he sent me £1700 and is still writing lines . ''
She had some very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and she claims that some men just ask to meet her at cashpoints .
They enter their pin and allow her to withdraw however much money she likes .
She said : `` Some men are very strange . ''
`` They thank me for taking everything then go on about their day .
It ’ s crazy but I love it . ''
Sofia says she is regularly inundated with romantic messages from admiring fans , including almost weekly marriage proposals , offers of free holidays and shopping trips .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her letterbox .
“ I ’ ve had guys tattoo my name on them without even meeting them , plane tickets purchased for me to go and see them and I ’ ve been gifted two cars but I can ’ t drive so I just sell them , ” she said .

Meet the A-sexual plastic surgery model with ‘biggest lip in the UK’
Meet the A-sexual plastic surgery model with ‘biggest lip in the UK’
ADULT CONTENT. Sofia Lips, from Lancashire, funds her plastic surgery by posing for saucy photos online and by carrying out men's unusual requests
Sofia Lips has already spent £50,000 on plastic surgery, but she has no plans to stop any time soon.
So far she's had numerous cosmetic procedures to her lips, cheeks, chin, and jawline, as well as an eyebrow lift, lift lip, two nose jobs, veneers and Botox.
She wants a full head-to-toe transformation, and is willing to go to extreme lengths to get her dream appearance.
She said: “Facial feminisation is one of my big procedures I have planned as I’m trans and have certain features on my face that I don’t like.
"Although I’ve been changing my appearance for a few years now, I know this is just the start for me!
Image: Jam Press) Jam Press)
"I’m doing a full head-to-toe transformation, I want to go very extreme with my face like Pete Burns and Amanda Lapore."
Sofia, from Lancashire, hopes her next surgery, which she's planning to travel to Florida for, will give her her "dream boobs".
But getting her dream look isn't cheap, and Sofia has come up with an unusual way to make cash.
Image: Jam Press) Jam Press)
She makes thousands of pounds each month by sharing saucy photos of herself online, specialising in "financially degrading" men.
She started off working as an escort then realised she could make extra cash with the unusual approach which sees men pay her to demand money from them.
She said: "I started off escorting then quickly realised there is this whole world of findom (a form of financial domination whereby men willingly send money to a domme) and cash pigs and cash slaves.
Image: Jam Press) Jam Press)
"My mind was blown and I’ve not looked back since.
"Just this morning I woke up to a text from a guy asking me if there’s anything he’d like me to do today.
"I told him, ‘yes, start by emptying your bank account into mine and then I want you to write lines saying, I must obey goddess Sofia Lips’ and he sent me £1700 and is still writing lines."
Image: Jam Press) Jam Press)
She had some very bizarre requests since starting the unusual role, and she claims that some men just ask to meet her at cashpoints.
They enter their pin and allow her to withdraw however much money she likes.
She said: "Some men are very strange."
Image: Jam Press) Jam Press)
"They thank me for taking everything then go on about their day. It’s crazy but I love it."
Sofia says she is regularly inundated with romantic messages from admiring fans, including almost weekly marriage proposals, offers of free holidays and shopping trips.
Some men even like to post money through her letterbox.
“I’ve had guys tattoo my name on them without even meeting them, plane tickets purchased for me to go and see them and I’ve been gifted two cars but I can’t drive so I just sell them,” she said.


thedailymirror--2020-06-17--Holly says she 'shouldn't be on the telly' as guest claims she's 'a little high'

This Morning hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield were left so relaxed after doing deep breathing exercises with Wim Hof on the show , they could n't quite get their bearings .
They were meant to be hosting the show shortly after the minutes of breathing techniques , but Holly was n't so sure she should be on the telly afterwards .
Appearing a little dazed but clearly super chilled , the exercise made her `` feel the benefits '' with her and Phil saying they felt `` so good '' .
Guide Wim led the class with them , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bit high '' and should get `` high on their own supply '' .
Viewers thought the presenters were at one point too , given the looks on their faces as they resumed normal breathing .
But they were n't the only ones either , as viewers at home decided to give it a go alongside them .
Those fans who did give it a go felt the same as the hosts , and were a little dazed at the end of it .
Wim was telling Holly and Phil to hold their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period of time , claiming they did not need air in their lungs and were doing just fine without it .
Initially he got them to take 30 quick breaths before holding it in , and eventually taking in another deep breathe before `` letting go '' .
Wim has a book and an app revealing all about the technique , as Holly and Phil decided to do it on air .
But those watching at home were not all on board , and some were a little confused over what was going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they both looked a little wide-eyed and flushed , while super relaxed .
They both looked at each other appearing in shock , before saying `` wow '' as Wim watched on .
Phil kept repeating how it felt `` so good '' and how he was really into it .
It 's then that Holly leaned back and took a moment to refresh , confessing she probably should n't be on the show right then as Wim suggested the pair were `` a little bit high '' Holly confessed : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the telly right now ... it feels so nice . ''
As she brought the interview to an end , fans were divided over whether they liked the segment or not .
One fan said : `` Dammit ... you all look like you got a bit high ... .
gon na have to watch it on catch up and get involved !
! ''
Another added : `` Well Wim 's breathing exercise on # ThisMorning got me all new levels of high . ''
A third tweeted : `` Oh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
!
!
!
!
What the hell are we watching !
?
?
?
?
?
? ''
This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV .

'HIGH' HOLLY WILLOUGHBY SAYS SHE SHOULDN'T BE ON THE TELLY
'HIGH' HOLLY WILLOUGHBY SAYS SHE SHOULDN'T BE ON THE TELLY
This Morning's Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield took part in an 'incredible' deep breathing exercise with guide Wim Hof
Holly Willoughby says she 'shouldn't be on This Morning' as guest claims she's 'high'
This Morning hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield were left so relaxed after doing deep breathing exercises with Wim Hof on the show, they couldn't quite get their bearings.
They were meant to be hosting the show shortly after the minutes of breathing techniques, but Holly wasn't so sure she should be on the telly afterwards.
Appearing a little dazed but clearly super chilled, the exercise made her "feel the benefits" with her and Phil saying they felt "so good".
Guide Wim led the class with them, before suggesting they were "a little bit high" and should get "high on their own supply".
Viewers thought the presenters were at one point too, given the looks on their faces as they resumed normal breathing.
Image: ITV) ITV)
But they weren't the only ones either, as viewers at home decided to give it a go alongside them.
Those fans who did give it a go felt the same as the hosts, and were a little dazed at the end of it.
Wim was telling Holly and Phil to hold their breath and close their mouths for a period of time, claiming they did not need air in their lungs and were doing just fine without it.
Image: ITV) ITV)
Initially he got them to take 30 quick breaths before holding it in, and eventually taking in another deep breathe before "letting go".
Wim has a book and an app revealing all about the technique, as Holly and Phil decided to do it on air.
But those watching at home were not all on board, and some were a little confused over what was going on.
Image: ITV) ITV)
As Holly and Phil stopped, they both looked a little wide-eyed and flushed, while super relaxed.
They both looked at each other appearing in shock, before saying "wow" as Wim watched on.
Phil kept repeating how it felt "so good" and how he was really into it.
It's then that Holly leaned back and took a moment to refresh, confessing she probably shouldn't be on the show right then as Wim suggested the pair were "a little bit high"
Holly confessed: "I feel like I shouldn't be on the telly right now... it feels so nice."
As she brought the interview to an end, fans were divided over whether they liked the segment or not.
Image: ITV) ITV)
One fan said: "Dammit... you all look like you got a bit high.... gonna have to watch it on catch up and get involved!!"
Another added: "Well Wim's breathing exercise on #ThisMorning got me all new levels of high."
A third tweeted: "Oh jesus christ!!!! Cmonnn!!!!! What the hell are we watching!??????"
This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV.


thedailymirror--2020-06-17--Coronavirus leaves body so damaged experts 'can't identify patients' lungs'

Coronavirus leaves some patients with such badly damaged lungs , experts ca n't even distinguish it as an organ , a professor has said .
Professor Mauro Giacca of King ’ s College London said the virus causes a `` complete disruption to the lung structure '' and can cause `` massive thrombosis '' - the formation of blood clots .
He continued : `` In some lights you ca n't even distinguish that it used to be a lung . ''
Speaking about the possibility of a second wave - Prof Giacca said he would be `` surprised '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spike .
He said : `` Given the lockdown has been largely released , we are now back in action and we still have a pretty reasonable level of infections in the community , I would be surprised if we avoided a second wave .
Follow our live blog here for all coronavirus updates '' I think the real question is are we going to have a number of outbursts and then a second wave or are we just going to get a second wave ? ''
Last month , images were released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pictured after contracting coronavirus .
The patient , aged in just her twenties , had the vital organ removed in a rare double-lung transplant operation after she fell life-threateningly ill with Covid-19 .
The double transplant was carried out in Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago .
Medics were left with questions over how such a young and apparently healthy woman became so ill with the virus which has primarily struck down the elderly and vulnerable worldwide .
They described the woman as becoming 'the sickest patient in the hospital ' before she was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to the hospital , it is thought to be a first double transplant of its kind in the US as the country continues to fight the pandemic .
Surgeons released details of the case in order to show other medics around the world that lung transplants could be a viable option for some desperately sick coronavirus patients .
The patient , described as a young Hispanic woman in her twenties , survived the procedure .
The hospital said she had spent six weeks on a life support machine in intensive care when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Professor Mauro Giacca of King’s College London said the virus causes a "complete disruption to the lung structure" and can cause "massive thrombosis" - the formation of blood clots
Coronavirus leaves some patients with such badly damaged lungs, experts can't even distinguish it as an organ, a professor has said.
Professor Mauro Giacca of King’s College London said the virus causes a "complete disruption to the lung structure" and can cause "massive thrombosis" - the formation of blood clots.
He continued: "In some lights you can't even distinguish that it used to be a lung."
Speaking about the possibility of a second wave - Prof Giacca said he would be "surprised" if the UK didn't see another spike.
He said: "Given the lockdown has been largely released, we are now back in action and we still have a pretty reasonable level of infections in the community, I would be surprised if we avoided a second wave.
Follow our live blog here for all coronavirus updates
Image: REUTERS) REUTERS)
"I think the real question is are we going to have a number of outbursts and then a second wave or are we just going to get a second wave?"
Last month, images were released of a healthy woman's lungs - pictured after contracting coronavirus.
The patient, aged in just her twenties, had the vital organ removed in a rare double-lung transplant operation after she fell life-threateningly ill with Covid-19.
The double transplant was carried out in Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.
Image: Northwestern Medicine/AFP via Ge) Northwestern Medicine/AFP via Ge)
Image: Northwestern Medicine/AFP via Ge) Northwestern Medicine/AFP via Ge)
Medics were left with questions over how such a young and apparently healthy woman became so ill with the virus which has primarily struck down the elderly and vulnerable worldwide.
They described the woman as becoming 'the sickest patient in the hospital' before she was rushed from life support to surgery.
According to the hospital, it is thought to be a first double transplant of its kind in the US as the country continues to fight the pandemic.
Surgeons released details of the case in order to show other medics around the world that lung transplants could be a viable option for some desperately sick coronavirus patients.
The patient, described as a young Hispanic woman in her twenties, survived the procedure.
The hospital said she had spent six weeks on a life support machine in intensive care when it became apparent drastic intervention was needed.


thedailymirror--2020-06-17--Hamilton backtracks after slamming F1 chief over false Black Lives Matter claim

Lewis Hamilton was forced to backtrack on Wednesday after launching a scathing verbal attack on Red Bull chief Helmut Marko .
The Brit wrote on social media that he was `` deeply saddened and offended '' by remarks allegedly made by Marko regarding the star 's fight for racial equality , only for the comments to be false .
As the drivers prepare for the 2020 curtain-raiser in Austria next month , Red Bull advisor Marko was quoted as suggesting Hamilton and Co could be distracted on the eve of the new season .
Hamilton swiftly removed his posts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rounds on social media .
“ Helmut , it deeply saddens me that you consider fighting for equal treatment of black people and people of colour , a distraction , '' said Hamilton .
“ I ’ m actually quite offended .
A distraction for me was fans showing up in black face to taunt my family on race weekends .
“ A distraction for me was the unnecessary and additional adversity and unfair treatment I faced as a child , teen , and even now , due to the colour of my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ volumes to the few people of colour you do have on your team , about your priorities and how you view them .
Wake up .
This sport needs to change.
” Six-time world champion Hamilton has played a prominent role in the Black Lives Matter movement following George Floyd 's tragic death .
Hamilton spoke to millions of followers on social media of his rage and disbelief at the killing of the unarmed black man who died in Minneapolis after a white US police officer knelt on his neck .
He also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remaining silent on the issue , forcing several to belatedly speak out - including Daniel Ricciardo , Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris .
The 35-year-old recently opened up on his fight against racial inequality and insists he will continue to speak out .
`` I have felt so inspired by the thousands of people across the globe using their voices to speak out against racial injustice , '' he said .
`` Fighting for real change starts with us , whether peacefully protesting , showing support on social media or signing petitions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ must continue beyond this .
`` Racism is a global disease and one which we must tackle with our votes as well as our voices . ''

The Brit wrote on social media that he was "deeply saddened and offended" by remarks allegedly made by Marko regarding the star's fight for racial equality, only for the comments to be false
Lewis Hamilton was forced to backtrack on Wednesday after launching a scathing verbal attack on Red Bull chief Helmut Marko.
The Brit wrote on social media that he was "deeply saddened and offended" by remarks allegedly made by Marko regarding the star's fight for racial equality, only for the comments to be false.
As the drivers prepare for the 2020 curtain-raiser in Austria next month, Red Bull advisor Marko was quoted as suggesting Hamilton and Co could be distracted on the eve of the new season.
The website which initially ran the quotes offered an apology to Red Bull and Marko on Wednesday night after being fooled by a parody Twitter account
Hamilton swiftly removed his posts, but not before his outburst did the rounds on social media.
“Helmut, it deeply saddens me that you consider fighting for equal treatment of black people and people of colour, a distraction," said Hamilton.
Image: REUTERS) REUTERS)
“I’m actually quite offended. A distraction for me was fans showing up in black face to taunt my family on race weekends.
“A distraction for me was the unnecessary and additional adversity and unfair treatment I faced as a child, teen, and even now, due to the colour of my skin.
“I hope this speaks volumes to the few people of colour you do have on your team, about your priorities and how you view them. Wake up. This sport needs to change.”
Six-time world champion Hamilton has played a prominent role in the Black Lives Matter movement following George Floyd's tragic death.
Image: Twitter/Lewis Hamilton) Twitter/Lewis Hamilton)
Hamilton spoke to millions of followers on social media of his rage and disbelief at the killing of the unarmed black man who died in Minneapolis after a white US police officer knelt on his neck.
He also hit out at his fellow drivers for remaining silent on the issue, forcing several to belatedly speak out - including Daniel Ricciardo, Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris.
The 35-year-old recently opened up on his fight against racial inequality and insists he will continue to speak out.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
"I have felt so inspired by the thousands of people across the globe using their voices to speak out against racial injustice," he said.
"Fighting for real change starts with us, whether peacefully protesting, showing support on social media or signing petitions.
"However, our fight for equality must continue beyond this.
"Racism is a global disease and one which we must tackle with our votes as well as our voices."


thedailymirror--2020-06-17--Aston Villa slap £80m price tag on Jack Grealish ahead of return to action

Aston Villa have reportedly insisted they will not sell in-demand midfielder Jack Grealish for anything less than £80m this summer amid speculation linking him with Manchester United .
The 24-year-old has impressed this season despite Villa 's difficult campaign , scoring seven goals and creating six assists in the Premier League .
It appears almost certain he will leave the club if they are relegated , with Dean Smith 's side currently in 19th position , albeit with a game in hand .
But according to the Daily Mail Villa will demand a minimum of £80m if they are to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With Grealish 's contract not expiring until June 2023 , Villa are under no immediate pressure to sell the player , and will no doubt see how the season pans out before making a decision .
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is thought to be a big fan of Grealish , and sees him as a potential important part of his squad in the future .
Villa continue their battle against relegation when they take on Sheffield United in the Premier League 's first game back on Wednesday evening , and victory would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and West Ham into 16th place .
Manager Smith has vowed to put on a show ahead of the highly-anticipated match , saying : `` Both ourselves and Sheffield United would like to go and do that .
“ In a league where there ’ s a big six and a lot of the attention will be on them – for it to be on us and Sheffield United , two teams who have come up , it would be great to put on something special .
“ But results are the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll be going all out to get that win.
” Following the game against the Blades Villa face a tricky looking fixture against Chelsea on Sunday before a trip to Newcastle the following Wednesday .

The attacking midfielder has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United this summer but Villa are certainly not prepared to let him leave cheaply
Aston Villa have reportedly insisted they will not sell in-demand midfielder Jack Grealish for anything less than £80m this summer amid speculation linking him with Manchester United.
The 24-year-old has impressed this season despite Villa's difficult campaign, scoring seven goals and creating six assists in the Premier League.
It appears almost certain he will leave the club if they are relegated, with Dean Smith's side currently in 19th position, albeit with a game in hand.
But according to the Daily Mail Villa will demand a minimum of £80m if they are to lose arguably their most important asset.
With Grealish's contract not expiring until June 2023, Villa are under no immediate pressure to sell the player, and will no doubt see how the season pans out before making a decision.
Image: SIPA USA/PA Images) SIPA USA/PA Images)
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is thought to be a big fan of Grealish, and sees him as a potential important part of his squad in the future.
Villa continue their battle against relegation when they take on Sheffield United in the Premier League's first game back on Wednesday evening, and victory would see them climb above Bournemouth, Watford and West Ham into 16th place.
Manager Smith has vowed to put on a show ahead of the highly-anticipated match, saying: "Both ourselves and Sheffield United would like to go and do that.
Image: Clive Mason) Clive Mason)
“In a league where there’s a big six and a lot of the attention will be on them – for it to be on us and Sheffield United, two teams who have come up, it would be great to put on something special.
“But results are the most important thing for us and we’ll be going all out to get that win.”
Following the game against the Blades Villa face a tricky looking fixture against Chelsea on Sunday before a trip to Newcastle the following Wednesday.


thedailymirror--2020-06-18--Kristen Wiig 'welcomes twins with fiancé Avi Rothman via surrogate'

Kristen Wiig has reportedly welcomed twins with fiance Avi Rothman , with their babies being born via a surrogate earlier this year .
Sources have told US media that the proud parents are enjoying their new role in life , though the happy news is yet to be confirmed by the couple themselves .
The 46-year-old star of Bridesmaids and Ghostbusters got engaged to Rothman in August 2019 .
Last month , Kristen returned to Saturday Night Live to be the host of a special Mother 's Day 'At Home ' episode .
During the show , she hinted that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her own mum , Laurie Johnston , for `` preparing me to be a mom myself . ''
The coronavirus lockdown special of the long-running comedy show saw Kristen share : `` This is the Mother ’ s Day show , and at SNL , it ’ s a very special time to celebrate moms .
“ Unfortunately , probably like a lot of you , I can ’ t be with my mom on this Mother ’ s Day .
So I hope it ’ s OK , I would like to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued : “ I don ’ t know if I truly appreciated my mom the first 45 years of my life .
But this year I ’ m feeling especially grateful for her advice , her love .
`` I ’ m so thankful for all the things she ’ s taught me , like preparing to be a mom myself.
” The reported new mum added : “ Things like breastfeeding .
Babies love that chicken , she would always say that.
” Kristen held up a plate of chicken breasts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have kept their relationship reasonably low profile since they were first seen together in 2016 .
A source told People at the time that they had been “ dating for a few months , ” and were `` really happy together . ''
Rothman is a writer , actor , producer and director who has seen short films debut at WILDsound Film Festival as well as producing a series of comedy videos for YouTube in which he indulges his love of yoga with hilarious outcomes .
Do you have a story to sell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ webcelebs @ trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033 .

Bridesmaids and Saturday Night Live star Kristen Wiig is a mother of twins after they were born by surrogate earlier this year, according to US media
Kristen Wiig has reportedly welcomed twins with fiancé Avi Rothman, with their babies being born via a surrogate earlier this year.
Sources have told US media that the proud parents are enjoying their new roles, though the happy news is yet to be confirmed by the couple themselves.
The 46-year-old star of Bridesmaids and Ghostbusters got engaged to Rothman in August 2019.
Last month, Kristen returned to Saturday Night Live to be the host of a special Mother's Day 'At Home' episode.
During the show, she hinted that she had become a mother by thanking her own mum, Laurie Johnston, for "preparing me to be a mom myself."
Image: YouTube) YouTube)
The coronavirus lockdown special of the long-running comedy show saw Kristen share: "This is the Mother’s Day show, and at SNL, it’s a very special time to celebrate moms.
“Unfortunately, probably like a lot of you, I can’t be with my mom on this Mother’s Day. So I hope it’s OK, I would like to tell her I love her.”
Kristen continued: “I don’t know if I truly appreciated my mom the first 45 years of my life. But this year I’m feeling especially grateful for her advice, her love.
"I’m so thankful for all the things she’s taught me, like preparing to be a mom myself.”
The reported new mum added: “Things like breastfeeding. Babies love that chicken, she would always say that.”
Image: Patrick McMullan via Getty Images) Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
Kristen held up a plate of chicken breasts to illustrate her point.
Kristen and Avi have kept their relationship reasonably low profile since they were first seen together in 2016.
A source told People at the time that they had been “dating for a few months,” and were "really happy together."
Rothman is a writer, actor, producer and director who has seen short films debut at WILDsound Film Festival as well as producing a series of comedy videos for YouTube in which he indulges his love of yoga with hilarious outcomes.
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033.


thedailymirror--2020-06-18--Arsenal told to offer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 'performance-based' contract

Arsenal have been told to offer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang a 'performance-based ' contract amid fears the forward will leave the Emirates .
Gunners captain Aubameyang was anonymous in his side 's 3-0 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad as the Premier League season resumed following its enforced three-month hiatus .
The Gabon international is about to enter the final year of his Arsenal contract , and suggested in a frank interview with Telefoot that he would n't sign fresh terms unless he is convinced Arsenal will be competitive next season .
Manager Mikel Arteta is keen to keep Aubameyang out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faces a job to convince his top scorer to stay , with Arsenal languishing in ninth place in the Premier League after playing their game in hand on the sides above them .
And Arteta has been warned that any new deal for the 31-year-old must link renumeration to results .
The advice comes from former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan , who says Arsenal would be extending Aubameyang 's deal with a view only to short-term success as the forward approaches the autumn of his career .
`` If the market pays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £250,000 a week , whether that ’ s right or wrong is irrelevant , that ’ s what you ’ ve got to pay somebody if you want to retain their services , '' Jordan told TalkSPORT .
“ The only challenge for Arsenal is that he would have no economic resale value [ if he signed a new deal ] .
They can ’ t sell him for anything .
“ If he signs another two or three-year contract , they won ’ t be signing a player to not only achieve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some money off when they come to sell him further down the line , they ’ d be simply be saying ‘ we pay money now to get some short-term success , because that ’ s what Mikel Arteta needs ' .
`` I would do something footballers don ’ t like to do , which is make the offer performance-related .
“ I would be saying to Aubameyang : ‘ You want £250,000 a week ?
I tell you what , I ’ ll give you £300,000 a week if you score @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Let ’ s make this about you , let ’ s make it about your achievement , let ’ s make it about your individual return ’ .
“ But players often want guarantees , and then the bonuses on top .
It ’ s about finding the middle ground.
” Aubameyang has scored 20 goals this season , 17 of them in the Premier League .
He has also been linked with Real Madrid and Manchester United , as well as Barcelona .
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Mikel Arteta has been warned that any new deal for Aubameyang must set incentives for Gunners' top scorer amid fears he's set to leave the Emirates
Arsenal have been told to offer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang a 'performance-based' contract amid fears the forward will leave the Emirates.
Gunners captain Aubameyang was anonymous in his side's 3-0 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad as the Premier League season resumed following its enforced three-month hiatus.
The Gabon international is about to enter the final year of his Arsenal contract, and suggested in a frank interview with Telefoot that he wouldn't sign fresh terms unless he is convinced Arsenal will be competitive next season.
Manager Mikel Arteta is keen to keep Aubameyang out of the clutches of Barcelona - but faces a job to convince his top scorer to stay, with Arsenal languishing in ninth place in the Premier League after playing their game in hand on the sides above them.
And Arteta has been warned that any new deal for the 31-year-old must link renumeration to results.
Image: REUTERS) REUTERS)
The advice comes from former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan, who says Arsenal would be extending Aubameyang's deal with a view only to short-term success as the forward approaches the autumn of his career.
"If the market pays players like this player with his ability £250,000 a week, whether that’s right or wrong is irrelevant, that’s what you’ve got to pay somebody if you want to retain their services," Jordan told TalkSPORT.
“The only challenge for Arsenal is that he would have no economic resale value [if he signed a new deal]. They can’t sell him for anything.
“If he signs another two or three-year contract, they won’t be signing a player to not only achieve things in the short-term but also make some money off when they come to sell him further down the line, they’d be simply be saying ‘we pay money now to get some short-term success, because that’s what Mikel Arteta needs'.
"I would do something footballers don’t like to do, which is make the offer performance-related.
“I would be saying to Aubameyang: ‘You want £250,000 a week? I tell you what, I’ll give you £300,000 a week if you score X amount of goals’.
"Let’s make this about you, let’s make it about your achievement, let’s make it about your individual return’.
Image: PA Archive/PA Images) PA Archive/PA Images)
“But players often want guarantees, and then the bonuses on top. It’s about finding the middle ground.”
Aubameyang has scored 20 goals this season, 17 of them in the Premier League. He has also been linked with Real Madrid and Manchester United, as well as Barcelona.
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip.


thedailymirror--2020-06-18--Pubs demand answer from PM on July 4 reopening by tomorrow as crisis point looms

The pub industry is urging the Prime Minister to let them know by Friday if they can open next month instead of keeping them in `` limbo '' .
Chief executives of leading brewers and pub operators wrote to Boris Johnson to warn him that the sector has reached `` crisis point '' and needs to know that they can open from July 4 .
The companies include international , regional , family and independent brewers , as well and national and regional pub operators who collectively brew 90 % of the beer in Britain and own 20,000 pubs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost and pubs could close permanently unless the Government confirms the July 4 date , the PM was warned .
For updates on coronavirus , follow our live blog HERE .
The British Beer & Pub Association ( BBPA ) said pub and brewery businesses are burning through £100 million every month in cash whilst they remain closed .
Emma McClarkin , chief executive of the BBPA , said : `` Britain 's 47,000 pubs and 2,000 brewers have reached a critical moment and need a definitive date on when pubs can reopen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £100 million a month just trying to survive with no cash coming in .
That is simply not sustainable .
We need a date now to give us confidence and clarity on when we will reopen .
`` Without a confirmed date for reopening , our sector is going to have to make some big decisions this week on furloughed staff and when reopening is feasible , with a further wave of redundancies likely .
Hundreds of thousands of jobs could be lost .
`` Our message to the Prime Minister is clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Give us the clear date we need for reopening , so our great British pubs can be ready to return and support our communities and the economy once more .
`` The livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of publicans and pub and brewery employees in every corner of the UK hang in the balance . ''
Nick Mackenzie , chief executive of pub operator and brewer Greene King , said : `` Despite our best efforts to work with Government and our significant investment to ensure the safety of our customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks to go until the reopening date outlined in the Government 's road map , we have neither the finalised safety guidelines or confirmation of the definitive reopening date .
`` It 's incredibly frustrating for us and our people and we need Government to make a clear decision now on allowing pubs to open from July 4 . ''
Kevin Georgel , chief executive of St Austell Brewery , said : `` We 've been forced to take a significant gamble by starting to brew draught beer again .
`` We 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we can reopen safely - with the necessary measures in place - on July 4 , as outlined in the Government road map . ''
Ralph Findlay , chief executive of Marston 's , said : `` This week , I must decide whether we bring staff back from furlough and invest in the new safety protocols our pubs will require , as the safety of our guests and employees is paramount .
`` I will not reopen our pubs before those protocols are in place .
`` Without an immediate and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ca n't afford to bring our staff back to work to do that . ''

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Alan Jones, Ryan Merrifield)

The British Beer and Pub Association demands clarity on the reopening of pubs
The British Beer and Pub Association demands clarity on the reopening of pubs
Pub operators and breweries have written to Boris Johnson demanding a definitive answer by Friday as fears mount hundreds of thousands of jobs could be lost
The pub industry is urging the Prime Minister to let them know by Friday if they can open next month instead of keeping them in "limbo".
Chief executives of leading brewers and pub operators wrote to Boris Johnson to warn him that the sector has reached "crisis point" and needs to know that they can open from July 4.
The companies include international, regional, family and independent brewers, as well and national and regional pub operators who collectively brew 90% of the beer in Britain and own 20,000 pubs.
Hundreds of thousands of jobs could be lost and pubs could close permanently unless the Government confirms the July 4 date, the PM was warned.
For updates on coronavirus, follow our live blog HERE.
Image: NEIL HALL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock) NEIL HALL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)
The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) said pub and brewery businesses are burning through £100 million every month in cash whilst they remain closed.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, said: "Britain's 47,000 pubs and 2,000 brewers have reached a critical moment and need a definitive date on when pubs can reopen.
"Our sector is burning through £100 million a month just trying to survive with no cash coming in. That is simply not sustainable. We need a date now to give us confidence and clarity on when we will reopen.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
"Without a confirmed date for reopening, our sector is going to have to make some big decisions this week on furloughed staff and when reopening is feasible, with a further wave of redundancies likely. Hundreds of thousands of jobs could be lost.
"Our message to the Prime Minister is clear: stop keeping our sector in limbo.
"Give us the clear date we need for reopening, so our great British pubs can be ready to return and support our communities and the economy once more.
"The livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of publicans and pub and brewery employees in every corner of the UK hang in the balance."
Nick Mackenzie, chief executive of pub operator and brewer Greene King, said: "Despite our best efforts to work with Government and our significant investment to ensure the safety of our customers and team members, with under three weeks to go until the reopening date outlined in the Government's road map, we have neither the finalised safety guidelines or confirmation of the definitive reopening date.
Image: JESSICA TAYLOR/UK PARLIAMENT HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock) JESSICA TAYLOR/UK PARLIAMENT HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)
"It's incredibly frustrating for us and our people and we need Government to make a clear decision now on allowing pubs to open from July 4."
Kevin Georgel, chief executive of St Austell Brewery, said: "We've been forced to take a significant gamble by starting to brew draught beer again.
"We're also investing in our pubs to ensure that we can reopen safely - with the necessary measures in place - on July 4, as outlined in the Government road map."
Ralph Findlay, chief executive of Marston's, said: "This week, I must decide whether we bring staff back from furlough and invest in the new safety protocols our pubs will require, as the safety of our guests and employees is paramount.
"I will not reopen our pubs before those protocols are in place.
"Without an immediate and definitive confirmation from Government on timing, I can't afford to bring our staff back to work to do that."


thedailymirror--2020-06-18--Maddie cops clash over sharing DNA evidence that could lead to breakthrough

Police in Germany and Portugal have clashed over sharing DNA evidence that could lead to a breakthrough in the Madeleine McCann case , according to reports .
German investigators want to retest a mystery saliva sample found in the holiday apartment the British toddler vanished from .
However , the Portuguese police are reportedly unwilling to budge , with a source close to the Policia Judiciaria labelling re-testing `` a total waste of time '' .
The evidence was found on the youngster ’ s bed inside apartment 5A at the Ocean Club by forensic teams after she went missing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city of Coimbra were unable to extract a full DNA profile from the sample and its origins remain a mystery .
Now German authorities want to carry out their own test on the “ potentially vital evidence ” in the hope a profile can be found .
If successful , forensic experts would then try to match it with the DNA of German suspect Christian Brueckner , 43 .
Portuguese media reports the Germans have asked for all evidence to be given to them .
Prosecutors in Lisbon previously turned down a Scotland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and could refuse the German authorities too .
More than 600 samples including hair and saliva were taken from the McCann 's ground floor apartment in Praia da Luz in 2007 .
They all remain under lock and key in the Coimbra lab but it is not known if Bruckner ’ s DNA has been cross-checked with all the evidence .
One saliva sample found on Madeleine ’ s bedspread was ruled out because it belonged to a boy who previously stayed in the apartment .
Sources say it is a second saliva @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s pillow , that German authorities want to test .
They hope scientific advances in the 13 years since it was collected in Portugal could result in a full DNA profile being obtained .
Former Scotland Yard detective Peter Bleksley said : “ DNA science has galloped on a long way since 13 years ago when Madeleine first went missing .
“ There are far more complex tests that can be applied now couldn ’ t have been done back in the day.
” But the German request to carry out fresh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Portuguese authorities .
The Policia Judiciaria source said : “ This is a total waste of time .
“ What ’ s even worse , is that they now want to do it in their labs , as if ours aren ’ t good enough .
“ Why do they think their DNA testing centre is any better than ours ?
This is typically arrogant of them.
” Mr Bleksley said the dispute “ is descending into a very undignified bun fight ” .
“ They should have one sole and paramount objective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truth , ” he added .
“ There shouldn ’ t be any kind of credit seeking or any kind of muscle flexing whatsoever .
“ These law enforcement establishments from different countries now seem to be picking fights with each other.
” Last week a former head of Portugal ’ s National Forensic Medicine Institute said the samples could still prove vital .
Duarte Nuno Vieira told Portuguese media : “ They are still being kept in optimum conditions .
“ Despite the fact 13 years have gone by , it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Things don ’ t happen as fast as they do on TV series like CSI and can take days , weeks or even months to complete .
“ But in terms of quality , Portugal has some of the highest quality forensic work of any country .
“ In the Maddie case the forensic work done was quick and competent .
“ The fact 13 years has gone by doesn ’ t mean the hundreds of samples collected can ’ t be revisited again .
“ There was hair , blood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of material that was collected and analysed .
“ The results of everything that was tested in 2007 are available .
“ If there was a new DNA profile with someone whose DNA had to be compared with one or more of those samples , that could be done .
“ The identification of people responsible for crimes can sometimes take decades .
DNA can be preserved for decades.
” Portuguese state prosecutors confirmed last week they had received four requests for international judicial cooperation relating to case .
The date of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them , have not been made public .
Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha on Wednesday described the current situation as “ an impasse ” .
It said searches of areas linked to Brueckner in the Algarve will only take place if German authorities indicate specific locations .
German prosecutors suspect Brueckner killed Madeleine soon after abducting her from the flat on the night of May 3 , 2007 .
He has denied the allegations .
The 43-year-old is currently serving a 15-month prison sentence in Germany for drug dealing .

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Martin Fricker, Andy Lines, Ryan Merrifield)

Madeleine McCann suspect Christian Brueckner: Everything you need to know
Madeleine McCann suspect Christian Brueckner: Everything you need to know
The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
German investigators want to retest a saliva sample found on Madeleine McCann's bed in the holiday apartment she vanished from - though the Portuguese are reportedly unwilling to budge after their scientists failed to extract a full DNA profile
Maddie McCann police clash over sharing DNA evidence that could lead to breakthrough
Police in Germany and Portugal have clashed over sharing DNA evidence that could lead to a breakthrough in the Madeleine McCann case, according to reports.
German investigators want to retest a mystery saliva sample found in the holiday apartment the British toddler vanished from.
However, the Portuguese police are reportedly unwilling to budge, with a source close to the Policia Judiciaria labelling re-testing "a total waste of time".
The evidence was found on the youngster’s bed inside apartment 5A at the Ocean Club by forensic teams after she went missing in 2007.
Image: PA) PA)
Scientists in the Portuguese city of Coimbra were unable to extract a full DNA profile from the sample and its origins remain a mystery.
Now German authorities want to carry out their own test on the “potentially vital evidence” in the hope a profile can be found.
If successful, forensic experts would then try to match it with the DNA of German suspect Christian Brueckner, 43.
Portuguese media reports the Germans have asked for all evidence to be given to them.
Prosecutors in Lisbon previously turned down a Scotland Yard request to re-test samples in 2012 and could refuse the German authorities too.
Image: BILD) BILD)
More than 600 samples including hair and saliva were taken from the McCann's ground floor apartment in Praia da Luz in 2007.
They all remain under lock and key in the Coimbra lab but it is not known if Bruckner’s DNA has been cross-checked with all the evidence.
One saliva sample found on Madeleine’s bedspread was ruled out because it belonged to a boy who previously stayed in the apartment.
Sources say it is a second saliva sample, reportedly found on the youngster’s pillow, that German authorities want to test.
They hope scientific advances in the 13 years since it was collected in Portugal could result in a full DNA profile being obtained.
Former Scotland Yard detective Peter Bleksley said: “DNA science has galloped on a long way since 13 years ago when Madeleine first went missing.
“There are far more complex tests that can be applied now couldn’t have been done back in the day.”
Image: PA) PA)
But the German request to carry out fresh DNA tests has sparked a row with Portuguese authorities.
The Policia Judiciaria source said: “This is a total waste of time.
“What’s even worse, is that they now want to do it in their labs, as if ours aren’t good enough.
“Why do they think their DNA testing centre is any better than ours? This is typically arrogant of them.”
Mr Bleksley said the dispute “is descending into a very undignified bun fight”.
“They should have one sole and paramount objective and that is to get to the truth,” he added.
“There shouldn’t be any kind of credit seeking or any kind of muscle flexing whatsoever.
“These law enforcement establishments from different countries now seem to be picking fights with each other.”
Last week a former head of Portugal’s National Forensic Medicine Institute said the samples could still prove vital.
Duarte Nuno Vieira told Portuguese media: “They are still being kept in optimum conditions.
“Despite the fact 13 years have gone by, it’s still possible today to repeat tests.
“Things don’t happen as fast as they do on TV series like CSI and can take days, weeks or even months to complete.
“But in terms of quality, Portugal has some of the highest quality forensic work of any country.
“In the Maddie case the forensic work done was quick and competent.
“The fact 13 years has gone by doesn’t mean the hundreds of samples collected can’t be revisited again.
“There was hair, blood and saliva samples among the enormous amount of material that was collected and analysed.
“The results of everything that was tested in 2007 are available.
“If there was a new DNA profile with someone whose DNA had to be compared with one or more of those samples, that could be done.
“The identification of people responsible for crimes can sometimes take decades. DNA can be preserved for decades.”
Portuguese state prosecutors confirmed last week they had received four requests for international judicial cooperation relating to case.
The date of the requests, and the country that made them, have not been made public.
Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha on Wednesday described the current situation as “an impasse”.
It said searches of areas linked to Brueckner in the Algarve will only take place if German authorities indicate specific locations.
German prosecutors suspect Brueckner killed Madeleine soon after abducting her from the flat on the night of May 3, 2007. He has denied the allegations.
The 43-year-old is currently serving a 15-month prison sentence in Germany for drug dealing.


thedailymirror--2020-06-18--Cher ruthlessly slammed Madonna as 'rude and not beautiful' during 30 year feud

Cher has been unforgiving with her thoughts on Madonna and over 30 years , took plenty of opportunities to shade the singer .
A classic case of this has resurfaced with an interview on talk show Wogan , from 1991 , with Cher in catty form as she shared her thoughts on the Material Girl singer .
Cher is seen telling chat show host Terry Wogan that Madonna is `` not beautiful '' and also `` not unbelievably talented . ''
The pair have been feuding for over 30 years and Cher was more than happy to share her feelings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prompted by Wogan during the BBC interview .
Knowing that it was a bit frosty between the pair , he asked : `` Do you go jogging like Madonna to keep fit ?
” Cher jokingly replied : `` Well , you mean like my best friend , Madonna ? ''
As the studio audience laughed at the quip , Wogan is heard saying to Cher : `` I thought that was a subtle way to drag her in , you understand . ''
Cher was beginning to get the taste for rinsing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about dragging her in by her hair ? ''
Wogan then devilishly prompted : `` You ’ re not that keen on Madonna ? ''
This was a cue for Cher to open a can of diatribe on Madonna as she started voicing exactly what she did n't like about her .
Cher began by saying that she felt the feud had been misrepresented before adding some below the belt comments .
She said : `` Well , you know what , it ’ s really gotten to be so blown out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America , I mean it ’ s not like you go around saying ‘ this is how I feel , ’ but someone said to me , ‘ What do you think about her ?
’ I said , ‘ She ’ s unbelievably creative… .
because in my day , I was pretty good at doing the same thing that she ’ s doing , but she does it so much better .
`` She ’ s unbelievably creative because she ’ s not unbelievably talented , she ’ s not beautiful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she ’ s rude . ''
Cher continued : `` And so , the man said , ‘ How do you feel about her ?
’ I said , ‘ Well , she ’ s nice , she ’ s creative , but she ’ s rude.
’ Then , I used another word and they bleeped me . ''
Cher added that while she has some admiration for Madonna , she never really saw eye-to-eye with her .
She recalled : `` I don ’ t really have anything against her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much farther than anyone should go , and I think that ’ s interesting about her that she ’ s willing to do whatever she wants to do . ''
This is not the first time that Cher , who is now 74 , voiced some negative thoughts about her foe and she was equally as cutting during a candid interview with CBS , also in 1991 .
Cher said : `` There ’ s something about her that I don ’ t like .
She ’ s … mean .
I don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remember having her over to my house a couple of times , because [ Sean Penn ] and I were friends , and she just was so rude to everybody .
`` It seems to me that she ’ s got so much that she doesn ’ t have to act that way . ''
In an expletive ending take down , Cher said : `` [ Madonna ] acts like a spoiled brat all the time .
`` And it seems to me when you reach the kind of acclaim that she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do whatever you want to do - you should be a little bit more magnanimous , and a little bit less of a c*** . ''
Despite there seeming to be a thawing in relationships in the intervening years , Cher reminded everyone in 2018 that she still has issues with Madonna .
While playing the 'Five Second Rule ' on The Ellen DeGeneres Show , Cher was asked to name three singers that she would be willing to duet with .
She answered : `` Adele , Pink and not Madonna !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ sell ?
Get in touch with us at webcelebs @ trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033 .

Cher has had some choice things to say about Madonna over the years and has not held back in dissing her in public. A resurfaced interview on Wogan is a classic example
Cher has been unforgiving with her thoughts on Madonna and over 30 years, took plenty of opportunities to shade the singer.
A classic case of this has resurfaced with an interview on talk show Wogan, from 1991, with Cher in catty form as she shared her thoughts on the Material Girl singer.
Cher is seen telling chat show host Terry Wogan that Madonna is "not beautiful" and also "not unbelievably talented."
The pair have been feuding for over 30 years and Cher was more than happy to share her feelings on Madonna, now 61, when prompted by Wogan during the BBC interview.
Image: WireImage) WireImage)
Knowing that it was a bit frosty between the pair, he asked: "Do you go jogging like Madonna to keep fit?”
Cher jokingly replied: "Well, you mean like my best friend, Madonna?"
As the studio audience laughed at the quip, Wogan is heard saying to Cher: "I thought that was a subtle way to drag her in, you understand."
Cher was beginning to get the taste for rinsing Madonna and hit back: "How about dragging her in by her hair?"
Wogan then devilishly prompted: "You’re not that keen on Madonna?"
This was a cue for Cher to open a can of diatribe on Madonna as she started voicing exactly what she didn't like about her.
Cher began by saying that she felt the feud had been misrepresented before adding some below the belt comments.
Image: BBC) BBC)
She said: "Well, you know what, it’s really gotten to be so blown out of proportion.
"When I was in America, I mean it’s not like you go around saying ‘this is how I feel,’ but someone said to me, ‘What do you think about her?’ I said, ‘She’s unbelievably creative…. because in my day, I was pretty good at doing the same thing that she’s doing, but she does it so much better.
"She’s unbelievably creative because she’s not unbelievably talented, she’s not beautiful, but she’s kind of, she’s rude."
Cher continued: "And so, the man said, ‘How do you feel about her?’ I said, ‘Well, she’s nice, she’s creative, but she’s rude.’ Then, I used another word and they bleeped me."
Image: BBC) BBC)
Cher added that while she has some admiration for Madonna, she never really saw eye-to-eye with her.
She recalled: "I don’t really have anything against her. I do respect that she goes much farther than anyone should go, and I think that’s interesting about her that she’s willing to do whatever she wants to do."
This is not the first time that Cher, who is now 74, voiced some negative thoughts about her foe and she was equally as cutting during a candid interview with CBS, also in 1991.
Cher said: "There’s something about her that I don’t like. She’s … mean. I don’t like that.
"I remember having her over to my house a couple of times, because [Sean Penn] and I were friends, and she just was so rude to everybody.
"It seems to me that she’s got so much that she doesn’t have to act that way."
Image: Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images) Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
In an expletive ending take down, Cher said: "[Madonna] acts like a spoiled brat all the time.
"And it seems to me when you reach the kind of acclaim that she’s reached - and you can do whatever you want to do - you should be a little bit more magnanimous, and a little bit less of a c***."
Despite there seeming to be a thawing in relationships in the intervening years, Cher reminded everyone in 2018 that she still has issues with Madonna.
While playing the 'Five Second Rule' on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Cher was asked to name three singers that she would be willing to duet with.
She answered: "Adele, Pink and not Madonna!"
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033.


thedailymirror--2020-06-17--'Healthy' grandad, 80, died after hospital moved him into virus-hit care home

A 'perfectly healthy ' 80-year-old was moved from a community hospital to an infection-hit care home - where he died from coronavirus .
Great-grandfather Rodger Laing , 80 , died on May 27 at a care home which had a known outbreak of coronavirus , two days after testing positive for the killer bug .
The widower , who has Alzheimer 's disease , passed away just 22 days after moving into 114-bed Drummond Grange care home , run by Barchester Healthcare , in Edinburgh .
He had tested negative for coronavirus before leaving Midlothian Community Hospital , where he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's ward , before being moved .
For updates on coronavirus , follow our live blog HERE .
His children had become alarmed when they were sent pictures of Rodger kissing a therapy doll - and the Care Inspectorate raised concerns about infection control at the home , following an inspection the day after the OAP 's death .
Concerns about personal protective equipment ( PPE ) were also raised but the care provider accused inspectors of behaving 'unprofessionally ' and an inspection on June 4 reported standards had improved .
Dad-of-three Rodger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been at another care home until he was moved to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh last summer where he was treated for pneumonia , thrush and a foot infection .
He was then moved to the Alzheimer 's ward of the Midlothian Community Hospital , where his children said he was 'perfectly happy ' , although they began to look for care homes before the coronavirus crisis hit .
Rodger moved into Drummond Grange on May 5 .
His son , Rodney Laing , 48 , said : `` Dad would n't have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not touch his mouth , he did n't know what covid was .
`` He should have been put in isolation but we saw pictures of him in the lounge , kissing a therapy doll .
Who else could have been kissing that doll ?
`` We wanted to take him home but we were told his care was too complex .
`` He tested negative before he left the community hospital and the people in there are all still alive , he had amazing care there .
`` They took a perfectly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area where people were dropping like flies .
`` They had given him a death sentence .
`` I am now just wanting justice for my dad . ''
The family claim they raised concerns about the risks of infection but their wishes were overruled .
The former car salesman , from Dalkeith , Midlothian , was moved regardless - but began eating less , sleeping much more and struggling to speak on the phone .
When Rodger developed a cough and high temperature a Covid-19 swab test was done which returned a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died .
Grieving daughter Gail Law , 53 , said : `` Dad would still be alive today if he had not been moved .
A spokesman for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said : `` The Procurator Fiscal has received a report in connection with the death .
`` The investigation into the death , under the direction of Covid-19 Death Investigation Team , is ongoing and the family will continue to be kept updated in relation to any significant developments . ''
A spokesman for Barchester Care said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the family and friends of Mr Laing .
`` COVID-19 is a virulent and terrible disease that has caused tragic loss for so many people .
`` We would like to reassure everyone that the home followed government guidance and protocol at all times .
`` The home had full PPE stocks and the staff are all trained and experienced in infection control .
`` In addition the home increased staffing levels to address the fact that not all residents have capacity , and many are not able to socially distance .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be difficult to identify this , as often an extended incubation period can have an impact on results , making it difficult to establish with accuracy where the virus may have been contracted .
`` We understand what a distressing time this has been , particularly for those who have lost loved ones , and we offer our deepest sympathies . ''
A Care Inspectorate spokesman said : `` We understand this is a really worrying time for people who experience care , their loved ones and families and for those who work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all those affected . ''

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Sarah Ward, Ryan Merrifield)

Rodger Laing, 80, died 22 days after being moved into Drummond Grange care home in Edinburgh with the Care Inspectorate raising concerns about infection control
A 'perfectly healthy' 80-year-old was moved from a community hospital to an infection-hit care home - where he died from coronavirus.
Great-grandfather Rodger Laing, 80, died on May 27 at a care home which had a known outbreak of coronavirus, two days after testing positive for the killer bug.
The widower, who has Alzheimer's disease, passed away just 22 days after moving into 114-bed Drummond Grange care home, run by Barchester Healthcare, in Edinburgh.
He had tested negative for coronavirus before leaving Midlothian Community Hospital, where he had been cared for on the Alzheimer's ward, before being moved.
For updates on coronavirus, follow our live blog HERE.
Image: Laing Family / SWNS.COM) Laing Family / SWNS.COM)
His children had become alarmed when they were sent pictures of Rodger kissing a therapy doll - and the Care Inspectorate raised concerns about infection control at the home, following an inspection the day after the OAP's death.
Concerns about personal protective equipment (PPE) were also raised but the care provider accused inspectors of behaving 'unprofessionally' and an inspection on June 4 reported standards had improved.
Dad-of-three Rodger, who also had psychosis, had been at another care home until he was moved to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh last summer where he was treated for pneumonia, thrush and a foot infection.
He was then moved to the Alzheimer's ward of the Midlothian Community Hospital, where his children said he was 'perfectly happy', although they began to look for care homes before the coronavirus crisis hit.
Image: Laing Family / SWNS.COM) Laing Family / SWNS.COM)
Rodger moved into Drummond Grange on May 5.
His son, Rodney Laing, 48, said: "Dad wouldn't have known to keep washing his hands and not touch his mouth, he didn't know what covid was.
"He should have been put in isolation but we saw pictures of him in the lounge, kissing a therapy doll. Who else could have been kissing that doll?
"We wanted to take him home but we were told his care was too complex.
"He tested negative before he left the community hospital and the people in there are all still alive, he had amazing care there.
"They took a perfectly healthy man and put him into an area where people were dropping like flies.
"They had given him a death sentence.
"I am now just wanting justice for my dad."
The family claim they raised concerns about the risks of infection but their wishes were overruled.
The former car salesman, from Dalkeith, Midlothian, was moved regardless - but began eating less, sleeping much more and struggling to speak on the phone.
When Rodger developed a cough and high temperature a Covid-19 swab test was done which returned a positive result just two days before he died.
Grieving daughter Gail Law, 53, said: "Dad would still be alive today if he had not been moved.
"It's just heartbreaking."
A spokesman for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said: "The Procurator Fiscal has received a report in connection with the death.
"The investigation into the death, under the direction of Covid-19 Death Investigation Team, is ongoing and the family will continue to be kept updated in relation to any significant developments."
A spokesman for Barchester Care said: "We offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr Laing.
"COVID-19 is a virulent and terrible disease that has caused tragic loss for so many people.
"We would like to reassure everyone that the home followed government guidance and protocol at all times.
"The home had full PPE stocks and the staff are all trained and experienced in infection control.
"In addition the home increased staffing levels to address the fact that not all residents have capacity, and many are not able to socially distance.
"Regarding the point of infection it can be difficult to identify this, as often an extended incubation period can have an impact on results, making it difficult to establish with accuracy where the virus may have been contracted.
"We understand what a distressing time this has been, particularly for those who have lost loved ones, and we offer our deepest sympathies."
A Care Inspectorate spokesman said: "We understand this is a really worrying time for people who experience care, their loved ones and families and for those who work in care. Our thoughts are with all those affected."


thedailymirror--2020-06-17--We loved Willie Thorne - AKA Mr Maximum - as a showman, a wit and for his flaws

He was one of those flawed but magnetic sportsmen who transcended the game that made them famous to strike a chord with the wider public .
And as with other news this week it took a football man to put the death of Willie Thorne into perspective .
“ Deeply saddened to hear my friend has passed away .
One of life ’ s great characters .
A marvellous snooker player and a lovely man , who ’ s potted his final black much too soon , ” wrote Gary Lineker after his fellow Leicester sporting legend died , aged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a battle with leukaemia .
The man known as Mr Maximum , because in his 80s heyday he would regularly rattle in 147 breaks during practice , was much more than one of the old Pot Black guys .
Willie belonged to a select band of household names like Hurricane Higgins , Steve Davis and Dennis Taylor , whose skill and charisma helped pull in TV audiences of up to 18 million and made snooker mainstream entertainment .
But the British public who took him to their hearts as a TV pundit , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matchroom Mob who had a hit with Snooker Loopy , and then a Strictly dancer , knew him as more than that .
He was a showman and a character , with a dry wit , who relished sending himself up , especially over his bald head .
His flaws , such as a serious gambling addiction which left him bankrupt and suicidal , made him all the more human and likeable .
As a giant of the green baize from a later era , Ronnie O ’ Sullivan , said on hearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failure : “ A beautiful man .
Big heart , great company .
Will be missed by a lot of people.
” William Joseph Thorne was born at home in Anstey , Leics , in 1954 .
His father , Bill , was a coal miner , and his mother , Nancy , a secretary .
His first contact with sport came through watching Leicester City with his dad , but his love of football diminished in his early teens when snooker captivated him .
When his father became a steward at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ snooker hall and was on the tables at every opportunity .
Within six months he was the best player at the club .
He also excelled at billiards and won the junior national title six years in a row .
In 1970 he became the country ’ s under-16 champion in both billiards and snooker and there was no doubt where his future lay .
In the early 70s he played as an amateur while having various jobs , including a modelling assignment , when he could still boast a full head of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under-19 snooker title he became the youngest pro player in the world .
He ran a snooker centre in Leicester city centre in the early 80s .
It was there he met Gary Lineker and they struck up a friendship so close that the footballer was best man when Willie married Fiona Walker in 1985 .
The couple had twin sons , Tristan and Kieran , and a daughter , Tahli .
Willie ’ s early promise never translated into a glorious snooker career .
The best he did in the World Championship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won only one ranking tournament , the Mercantile Credit Classic in 1985 .
That year was a watershed .
He was on course for victory in the UK Championship final against Steve Davis after surging into a commanding 13–8 lead but missed a straightforward blue in the first frame of the final session and went on to lose the match .
The knowledge he had once again wilted under pressure in the heat of battle crushed him .
A few months later he achieved his best world ranking of seven , but his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control a growing addiction to gambling that had started when he worked as a bookies runner as a teenager .
“ I lived for years with 20-odd accounts and credit cards , robbing Peter to pay Paul , ” he recalled in 2011 .
“ When the cheques came in I ’ d pay the losing ones , endlessly covering my back .
For years I got away with it .
But eventually it caught up with me.
” While playing as a pro he would win enough money to just about cover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2002 , and becoming a commentator for Sky and the BBC it was more difficult .
His gambling and extra-marital affairs cost him his marriage .
He once placed a huge bet on John Parrott getting beaten in a game after hearing he had lost his cue and had to borrow one at the venue .
Willie was commentating on the match for the BBC , and later admitted : “ I put £38,000 on Parrott to lose because he told me he didn ’ t have his cue , but he ended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m having to close the commentary by saying ‘ it ’ s unbelievable ’ , spewing up as I say it.
” He hit rock bottom in 2015 as his addiction spiralled out of control and he was more than £1million in debt .
One day , heavies turned up at his house and threatened to cut off the fingers of his second wife , former Miss Great Britain Jill Saxby , to take her diamond engagement ring .
She eventually discovered him in a Leicester hotel room , weeping on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a suicide note in the other .
It was his second attempt at taking his life .
The pair moved to Spain , but Willie faced further financial woes as he lost his commentating contract with the BBC and was declared bankrupt .
Last year his wife of 24 years left him , saying she could no longer put up with his gambling addiction .
In March , after battling prostate cancer , he announced he had been diagnosed with leukaemia .
But it won ’ t be the sadness of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remembered .
It will be for the warmth and self-deprecating humour .
In the 1986 hit Snooker Loopy – featuring fellow pro players Davis , Taylor , Terry Griffiths and Tony Meo – the lyrics say of Willie : “ When the light shines down on his bare crown , it ’ s a cert he ’ s gon na walk it .
It ’ s just not fair giving off that glare.
” And he sings : “ Perhaps I ought to chalk it.
” And his appearance on Strictly Come Dancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his way through humiliation with partner Erin Boag , being voted out in 12th place .
As a sign of how much he was loved , more than £17,000 had been raised on a GoFundMe page to help pay for his cancer treatment in Spain , before his carer , Julie O ’ Neill , announced he had died yesterday .
That money will now go towards his funeral .
The affection that he drew from everyone who met him was best summed up by snooker legend Taylor who said : “ Sometimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ room full of maybe six world champions and jokingly say ‘ Right , who was the most famous person in here until I arrived ?
’ “ He ’ d often say in recent years when he met someone ‘ Pleased to meet you , Willie Thorne , big star in the 1980s ’ .
Or ‘ I used to be Mr Maximum , now I ’ m Mr Minimum ’ .
“ RIP Great One .
That was my name for him .
The Great WT .
”

Snooker legend Willie Thorne has died at the age of just 66 in a Spanish hospital following a battle with leukaemia leaving legions of fans heartbroken - here the Mirror's Brian Reade looks back at his life
We loved Willie Thorne - AKA Mr Maximum - as a showman, a wit and for his flaws
He was one of those flawed but magnetic sportsmen who transcended the game that made them famous to strike a chord with the wider public.
And as with other news this week it took a football man to put the death of Willie Thorne into perspective.
“Deeply saddened to hear my friend has passed away. One of life’s great characters. A marvellous snooker player and a lovely man, who’s potted his final black much too soon,” wrote Gary Lineker after his fellow Leicester sporting legend died, aged 66, in a Spanish hospital after a battle with leukaemia.
The man known as Mr Maximum, because in his 80s heyday he would regularly rattle in 147 breaks during practice, was much more than one of the old Pot Black guys.
Willie belonged to a select band of household names like Hurricane Higgins, Steve Davis and Dennis Taylor, whose skill and charisma helped pull in TV audiences of up to 18 million and made snooker mainstream entertainment.
But the British public who took him to their hearts as a TV pundit, member of Chas & Dave’s Matchroom Mob who had a hit with Snooker Loopy, and then a Strictly dancer, knew him as more than that.
Image: ENTERPRISE NEWS AND PICTURES) ENTERPRISE NEWS AND PICTURES)
He was a showman and a character, with a dry wit, who relished sending himself up, especially over his bald head.
His flaws, such as a serious gambling addiction which left him bankrupt and suicidal, made him all the more human and likeable.
As a giant of the green baize from a later era, Ronnie O’Sullivan, said on hearing of Willie’s death from respiratory failure: “A beautiful man. Big heart, great company. Will be missed by a lot of people.”
William Joseph Thorne was born at home in Anstey, Leics, in 1954. His father, Bill, was a coal miner, and his mother, Nancy, a secretary.
His first contact with sport came through watching Leicester City with his dad, but his love of football diminished in his early teens when snooker captivated him.
When his father became a steward at the local Conservative club, Willie found the snooker hall and was on the tables at every opportunity.
Within six months he was the best player at the club.
He also excelled at billiards and won the junior national title six years in a row.
In 1970 he became the country’s under-16 champion in both billiards and snooker and there was no doubt where his future lay.
In the early 70s he played as an amateur while having various jobs, including a modelling assignment, when he could still boast a full head of hair. Soon after winning the national under-19 snooker title he became the youngest pro player in the world.
He ran a snooker centre in Leicester city centre in the early 80s. It was there he met Gary Lineker and they struck up a friendship so close that the footballer was best man when Willie married Fiona Walker in 1985.
The couple had twin sons, Tristan and Kieran, and a daughter, Tahli.
Willie’s early promise never translated into a glorious snooker career. The best he did in the World Championship was reach the quarter-finals.
And he won only one ranking tournament, the Mercantile Credit Classic in 1985. That year was a watershed.
He was on course for victory in the UK Championship final against Steve Davis after surging into a commanding 13–8 lead but missed a straightforward blue in the first frame of the final session and went on to lose the match.
The knowledge he had once again wilted under pressure in the heat of battle crushed him.
A few months later he achieved his best world ranking of seven, but his game went downhill as he struggled to control a growing addiction to gambling that had started when he worked as a bookies runner as a teenager.
“I lived for years with 20-odd accounts and credit cards, robbing Peter to pay Paul,” he recalled in 2011.
“When the cheques came in I’d pay the losing ones, endlessly covering my back. For years I got away with it. But eventually it caught up with me.”
While playing as a pro he would win enough money to just about cover his debts, but after retiring in 2002, and becoming a commentator for Sky and the BBC it was more difficult.
His gambling and extra-marital affairs cost him his marriage. He once placed a huge bet on John Parrott getting beaten in a game after hearing he had lost his cue and had to borrow one at the venue.
Willie was commentating on the match for the BBC, and later admitted: “I put £38,000 on Parrott to lose because he told me he didn’t have his cue, but he ended up winning the bloody game. I’m having to close the commentary by saying ‘it’s unbelievable’, spewing up as I say it.”
Image: BBC) BBC)
He hit rock bottom in 2015 as his addiction spiralled out of control and he was more than £1million in debt.
One day, heavies turned up at his house and threatened to cut off the fingers of his second wife, former Miss Great Britain Jill Saxby, to take her diamond engagement ring.
She eventually discovered him in a Leicester hotel room, weeping on the bed with a knife in one hand and a suicide note in the other. It was his second attempt at taking his life.
The pair moved to Spain, but Willie faced further financial woes as he lost his commentating contract with the BBC and was declared bankrupt.
Last year his wife of 24 years left him, saying she could no longer put up with his gambling addiction.
In March, after battling prostate cancer, he announced he had been diagnosed with leukaemia.
But it won’t be the sadness of his complicated private life that Willie will be remembered. It will be for the warmth and self-deprecating humour.
In the 1986 hit Snooker Loopy – featuring fellow pro players Davis, Taylor, Terry Griffiths and Tony Meo – the lyrics say of Willie: “When the light shines down on his bare crown, it’s a cert he’s gonna walk it. It’s just not fair giving off that glare.” And he sings: “Perhaps I ought to chalk it.”
And his appearance on Strictly Come Dancing in 2007, when he sportingly grinned his way through humiliation with partner Erin Boag, being voted out in 12th place.
As a sign of how much he was loved, more than £17,000 had been raised on a GoFundMe page to help pay for his cancer treatment in Spain, before his carer, Julie O’Neill, announced he had died yesterday. That money will now go towards his funeral.
The affection that he drew from everyone who met him was best summed up by snooker legend Taylor who said: “Sometimes Willie would walk into the players’ room full of maybe six world champions and jokingly say ‘Right, who was the most famous person in here until I arrived?’
“He’d often say in recent years when he met someone ‘Pleased to meet you, Willie Thorne, big star in the 1980s’. Or ‘I used to be Mr Maximum, now I’m Mr Minimum’.
“RIP Great One. That was my name for him. The Great WT.”


thedailymirror--2020-06-17--Andy Capp - 18th June 2020

Andy Capp - 18th June 2020

When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters .
Sometimes they ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ newsletters or services we offer .
Our explains more about how we use your data @ @ @ @ @ You can unsubscribe at any time .

Andy Capp - 18th June 2020 Andy Capp has been a favourite part of the Daily Mirror since 1957. Enjoy the adventures of Andy Capp and wife Flo every day
Andy Capp has been a favourite part of the Daily Mirror since 1957. Enjoy the adventures of Andy Capp and wife Flo every day. See previous Andy Capp's or visit his Facebook page.
MORE ON
Get email updates with the day's biggest stories Sign up Invalid Email Something went wrong, please try again later. Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our Privacy Notice


thedailymirror--2020-06-17--The Gag Vault - 18th June 2020

The Gag Vault - 18th June 2020

Get your daily dose of 'The Gag Vault'
MORE ON
See our Privacy Notice
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get email updates with the day's biggest stories
Story Saved
You can find this story in My Bookmarks.
Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.


thedailymirror--2020-06-17--Perishers - 18th June 2020

Perishers - 18th June 2020

Perishers - 18th June 2020 Perishers originally ran from 1959 to 2006. The strip is still so popular today that we decided to reprint the best of the strips by Maurice Dodd and Dennis Collins
Perishers originally ran from 1959 to 2006. The strip is still so popular today that we decided to reprint the best of the strips by Maurice Dodd and Dennis Collins
Most Read
Don't Miss
MORE ON
Get email updates with the day's biggest stories Sign up Invalid Email Something went wrong, please try again later. Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our Privacy Notice


thedailymirror--2020-06-17--Garth - 18th June 2020

Garth - 18th June 2020

Garth - 18th June 2020 Garth is the Mirror’s time-travelling comic strip superhero. The strip originally ran from 1943 to 1997. Due to public demand, reprints of classic stories began in 2011
Garth is the Mirror’s time-travelling comic strip superhero. The strip originally ran from 1943 to 1997. Due to public demand, reprints of classic stories began in 2011
Most Read
Don't Miss
MORE ON
Get email updates with the day's biggest stories Sign up Invalid Email Something went wrong, please try again later. Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our Privacy Notice


thedailymirror--2020-06-17--Barbara Windsor's husband heartbroken he may have to put her in a home

Barbara Windsor 's husband has told of his heartbreak after he was told it might be best for her to be cared for in a home .
Barbara , 82 , was diagnosed with Alzheimer 's Disease six years ago , with husband Scott , 57 , as her primary carer .
But after a consultation from a specialist , he recognised that he may have to put her in care .
During a chat with Ross Kemp - who played Barbara 's onscreen son in EastEnders - for his new documentary , Scott told that he 'd been through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It 's the thing I 've always feared , '' he told , `` He 's basically telling me I need to prepare myself that at some point it may not be sustainable to give her the kind of care she needs at the house .
`` I 've had some fairly dark moments since he said that because there 's a part of me that knows that most likely is the truth and that 's what needs to happen . ''
He added : `` There 's another part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go .
`` I ca n't imagine leaving that lady when she talks to me the way she does and putting her somewhere and thinking , 'Why has he done this to me ? '
'' Ross filmed a two part documentary for ITV , Ross Kemp : Living With Dementia , in which he interviews Scott .
While Barbara does not take part in the documentary , Ross cited her and Scott as his documentary-making inspiration .
Writing in The Scottish Sun , Ross told that Barbara had greeted him `` like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but that she `` clearly '' did n't recognise him .
He wrote : `` This is a disease where your own home becomes unfamiliar , your memories slip from your grasp and you do n't recognise your best friends or the man you 've been married to for 20 years . ''
During an interview with This Morning , Ross revealed that Barbara and Scott had been the documentary 's `` catalyst . ''
Meanwhile , Barbara 's close friend Christopher Biggins told that the coronavirus lockdown has been a struggle for @ @

Scott Mitchell told that he's 'always feared' that he may have to put Barbara in a home since her Alzheimer's diagnosis six years ago
Barbara Windsor's husband heartbroken he may have to put her in a home amid Alzheimer's
Barbara Windsor's husband has told of his heartbreak after he was told it might be best for her to be cared for in a home.
Barbara, 82, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease six years ago, with husband Scott, 57, as her primary carer.
But after a consultation from a specialist, he recognised that he may have to put her in care.
During a chat with Ross Kemp - who played Barbara's onscreen son in EastEnders - for his new documentary, Scott told that he'd been through "dark moments" since the meeting.
"It's the thing I've always feared," he told, "He's basically telling me I need to prepare myself that at some point it may not be sustainable to give her the kind of care she needs at the house.
Image: Getty Images Europe) Getty Images Europe)
"I've had some fairly dark moments since he said that because there's a part of me that knows that most likely is the truth and that's what needs to happen."
He added: "There's another part of me that can't imagine letting her go.
"I can't imagine leaving that lady when she talks to me the way she does and putting her somewhere and thinking, 'Why has he done this to me?'"
Image: ITV) ITV)
Ross filmed a two part documentary for ITV, Ross Kemp: Living With Dementia, in which he interviews Scott.
While Barbara does not take part in the documentary, Ross cited her and Scott as his documentary-making inspiration.
Writing in The Scottish Sun, Ross told that Barbara had greeted him "like one of her closest friends" - but that she "clearly" didn't recognise him.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
He wrote: "This is a disease where your own home becomes unfamiliar, your memories slip from your grasp and you don't recognise your best friends or the man you've been married to for 20 years."
During an interview with This Morning, Ross revealed that Barbara and Scott had been the documentary's "catalyst."
Meanwhile, Barbara's close friend Christopher Biggins told that the coronavirus lockdown has been a struggle for her.