thedailymirror--2020-12-21--Love Island's Amber Gill defends Dubai trip saying she'd 'no idea about Tier 4'

Amber Gill has defended her trip to Dubai after she was targeted by angry fans over her pre-Christmas break .
The 23-year-old Love Island winner flew out to the UAE on Saturday , just as news was announced that London and the South East would be placed into a new Tier 4 lockdown .
A new strain of coronavirus has led to the Capital and home counties being shut down and there were some who questioned Amber 's decision to head to the sun .
The Geordie reality star hit back on Instagram , saying she had `` no idea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is confused by what is happening in the UK .
Amber flew from Heathrow at a time when prime minister Boris Johnson was urging people to stay at home and when she shared snaps of where she was , trolls targeted her for going away .
Amber has now shared a photo of her having breakfast in the luxury hotel where she was staying and addressed her fans on her Instagram Story .
She wrote : `` Just want to put it out there that I had no idea Tier 4 was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ booked way before .
I thought the only changes were being made on the 16th meaning I was still allowed to travel for work . ''
Amber then shared her worries that she now might be stuck in Dubai until after Christmas as she is not sure whether she can fly back into London .
She continued : `` I have no idea what I 'm doing .
I was only supposed to be here 4 days .
`` Now I do n't know where I 'm supposed to go or if I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mad . ''
Amber said that she was trying to see the funny side of being stuck in a luxury resort , though admitted she was `` fortunate '' to be in this position .
She concluded : `` I like to laugh my way through life because if you do n't laugh , you 'll cry .
`` I 've never not been in Newcastle with my family for Christmas . ''
Amber is not the only former Love Islander who is enjoying the sunshine in Dubai , with Molly Mae Hague @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there , before heading onto the Maldives .
Molly Mae has also had to defend her break and has hit back on Instagram at those who questioned her trip .
The 21-year-old Love Island runner-up wrote on her Instagram story : `` In response to the messages I 'm already getting about us being away throughout this time , please understand that Tommy and I left the UK from Cheshire which was in Tier 2 at the time .
`` We did n't break any rules coming away .
If we knew these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place then obviously we would have never left the UK .
`` The minute we arrive home we will be following government guidelines . ''
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Amber Gill has hit back at those that have questioned her decision to head to Dubai for a break as a new strain of coronavirus sent millions into the tightest lockdown restrictions
Love Island's Amber Gill defends Dubai trip saying she had 'no idea about Tier 4'
Amber Gill has defended her trip to Dubai after she was targeted by angry fans over her pre-Christmas break.
The 23-year-old Love Island winner flew out to the UAE on Saturday, just as news was announced that London and the South East would be placed into a new Tier 4 lockdown.
A new strain of coronavirus has led to the Capital and home counties being shut down and there were some who questioned Amber's decision to head to the sun.
The Geordie reality star hit back on Instagram, saying she had "no idea" what Tier 4 rules were and is confused by what is happening in the UK.
Image: Instagram) Instagram)
Amber flew from Heathrow at a time when prime minister Boris Johnson was urging people to stay at home and when she shared snaps of where she was, trolls targeted her for going away.
Amber has now shared a photo of her having breakfast in the luxury hotel where she was staying and addressed her fans on her Instagram Story.
She wrote: "Just want to put it out there that I had no idea Tier 4 was a thing.
"The flight here was booked way before. I thought the only changes were being made on the 16th meaning I was still allowed to travel for work."
Image: Instagram) Instagram)
Amber then shared her worries that she now might be stuck in Dubai until after Christmas as she is not sure whether she can fly back into London.
She continued: "I have no idea what I'm doing. I was only supposed to be here 4 days.
"Now I don't know where I'm supposed to go or if I should stay here, it's all mad."
Amber said that she was trying to see the funny side of being stuck in a luxury resort, though admitted she was "fortunate" to be in this position.
She concluded: "I like to laugh my way through life because if you don't laugh, you'll cry.
"I've never not been in Newcastle with my family for Christmas."
Image: Instagram) Instagram)
Amber is not the only former Love Islander who is enjoying the sunshine in Dubai, with Molly Mae Hague and Tommy Fury also enjoying a break there, before heading onto the Maldives.
Molly Mae has also had to defend her break and has hit back on Instagram at those who questioned her trip.
The 21-year-old Love Island runner-up wrote on her Instagram story: "In response to the messages I'm already getting about us being away throughout this time, please understand that Tommy and I left the UK from Cheshire which was in Tier 2 at the time.
"We didn't break any rules coming away. If we knew these rules were going to be put in place then obviously we would have never left the UK.
"The minute we arrive home we will be following government guidelines."
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033.


thedailymirror--2020-12-21--Frank Lampard admits to "tension" in Chelsea squad after back-to-back losses

Chelsea returned to winning ways against West Ham following successive losses with Frank Lampard admitting there had been `` tension '' leading up to their success at Stamford Bridge .
The Blues lost recent games at Everton and Wolves to fall down the table .
Heavy investment was made which saw expectations heighten in west London although Lampard has been keen to play them down in light of their recent defeats .
The 40-year-old concedes it is on him to control the mood within the camp but has cited the unique nature of the season as a huge challenge .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ game was hard and we started really well but for a period in the second half we did not get much of the ball .
`` You are delighted when you get the second and third goals , West Ham can hurt you .
`` The season is looking different to every other season , for whatever reason .
It is hard for a club with the expectation and squad we have .
`` You get a few challenges when you lose a couple of games and I have to be the one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bit of tension going into the game .
`` We showed graft without being beautiful it was a good result . ''
Lampard also defended his decision to start Tammy Abraham and Timo Werner ahead of Olivier Giroud .
The Frenchman has been far more prolific recently that Chelsea 's other forward options .
But the Blues boss insists the World Cup winner was left out based on the type of game the Hammers would pose .
`` Olivier Giroud has been playing well and scoring goals , '' he added .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and they have different attributes .
`` We did not know whether they would play a back three or four and with Tammy Abraham 's natural ability to move in behind it would have suited us better today .
`` We judged it on the oppostion and Tammy came up trumps , Oli produces whenever he plays . ''

Chelsea saw off West Ham at Stamford Bridge following consecutive losses with Frank Lampard confessing to a sense of tension in the Blues camp prior to the contest
Chelsea returned to winning ways against West Ham following successive losses with Frank Lampard admitting there had been "tension" leading up to their success at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues lost recent games at Everton and Wolves to fall down the table.
Heavy investment was made which saw expectations heighten in west London although Lampard has been keen to play them down in light of their recent defeats.
The 40-year-old concedes it is on him to control the mood within the camp but has cited the unique nature of the season as a huge challenge.
He told Sky Sports : "The game was hard and we started really well but for a period in the second half we did not get much of the ball.
Image: Pool via REUTERS) Pool via REUTERS)
"You are delighted when you get the second and third goals, West Ham can hurt you.
"The season is looking different to every other season, for whatever reason. It is hard for a club with the expectation and squad we have.
"You get a few challenges when you lose a couple of games and I have to be the one to drive it, there was a bit of tension going into the game.
"We showed graft without being beautiful it was a good result."
Lampard also defended his decision to start Tammy Abraham and Timo Werner ahead of Olivier Giroud.
The Frenchman has been far more prolific recently that Chelsea's other forward options.
Image: PA) PA)
But the Blues boss insists the World Cup winner was left out based on the type of game the Hammers would pose.
"Olivier Giroud has been playing well and scoring goals," he added.
"You have to look at the opposition and they have different attributes.
"We did not know whether they would play a back three or four and with Tammy Abraham's natural ability to move in behind it would have suited us better today.
"We judged it on the oppostion and Tammy came up trumps, Oli produces whenever he plays."


thedailymirror--2020-12-21--Wedding industry must get support from Tories as winter ceremonies cancelled

Wedding businesses have been “ left out in the cold ” by the Government following scrapped ceremonies this winter , Labour said .
Shadow business secretary Ed Miliband said the industry faced a £430 million hit this December on top of the loss of earnings during the spring and summer peak season .
Weddings have been hit hard during the Covid-19 crisis with wedding receptions either banned or restricted to just 15 people , and most nuptials therefore cancelled .
But businesses in the sector are ineligible for crucial emergency support because they are not legally forced to close , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missed out on almost all of the income from the 13,488 wedding receptions that usually happen in December , on top of the almost 300,000 wedding receptions that have not taken place since the crisis began in March , according to the party ’ s analysis .
Mr Miliband said : “ The wedding industry plays a huge role in what is for many people one of the most special days in their life and plays a crucial role in our economy .
“ Businesses in the wedding industry are seriously struggling , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion pounds just this December , as well as losing their entire peak season .
“ Yet the Government has left them out in the cold and failed to give them access to the support they need to survive .
“ With a vaccine rollout in sight , the Government must stop dismissing this important industry and help ensure these businesses are here on the other side of the crisis.
” Labour called for gaps in support for the self-employed to be filled and a boost in the support available for suppliers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including many hospitality businesses .
Ministers should also set out a clear roadmap for the wedding industry for 2021 to help give couples looking to get married confidence to start planning .
Earlier this month , Boris Johnson – who is engaged to Carrie Symonds – said 2021 should allow “ lots of happy nuptial events ” .
“ It ’ s my strong hope and belief that by the summer , one way or the other , whether by vaccination – which I hope and believe we will have delivered by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lateral flow testing , we ’ ll be in a different world , ” Mr Johnson said .
“ So my hope is that , by summer , it really will be a different world for the weddings and events industry.
” Weddings are banned in England ’ s Tier 4 except in exceptional circumstances , such as when one of the couple is on their deathbed .
Even in the least onerous Tier 1 , just fifteen guests are allowed at weddings and receptions .

Shadow business secretary Ed Miliband said the industry faced a £430 million hit this December on top of the loss of earnings during the spring and summer peak season
Wedding businesses have been “left out in the cold” by the Government following scrapped ceremonies this winter, Labour said.
Shadow business secretary Ed Miliband said the industry faced a £430 million hit this December on top of the loss of earnings during the spring and summer peak season.
Weddings have been hit hard during the Covid-19 crisis with wedding receptions either banned or restricted to just 15 people, and most nuptials therefore cancelled.
But businesses in the sector are ineligible for crucial emergency support because they are not legally forced to close, Labour said.
The industry will have missed out on almost all of the income from the 13,488 wedding receptions that usually happen in December, on top of the almost 300,000 wedding receptions that have not taken place since the crisis began in March, according to the party’s analysis.
Mr Miliband said: “The wedding industry plays a huge role in what is for many people one of the most special days in their life and plays a crucial role in our economy.
“Businesses in the wedding industry are seriously struggling, having lost out on almost half a billion pounds just this December, as well as losing their entire peak season.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
“Yet the Government has left them out in the cold and failed to give them access to the support they need to survive.
“With a vaccine rollout in sight, the Government must stop dismissing this important industry and help ensure these businesses are here on the other side of the crisis.”
Labour called for gaps in support for the self-employed to be filled and a boost in the support available for suppliers and struggling firms which are not legally closed, including many hospitality businesses.
Ministers should also set out a clear roadmap for the wedding industry for 2021 to help give couples looking to get married confidence to start planning.
Earlier this month, Boris Johnson – who is engaged to Carrie Symonds – said 2021 should allow “lots of happy nuptial events”.
“It’s my strong hope and belief that by the summer, one way or the other, whether by vaccination – which I hope and believe we will have delivered by Easter as I say – or by lateral flow testing, we’ll be in a different world,” Mr Johnson said.
“So my hope is that, by summer, it really will be a different world for the weddings and events industry.”
Weddings are banned in England’s Tier 4 except in exceptional circumstances, such as when one of the couple is on their deathbed.
Even in the least onerous Tier 1, just fifteen guests are allowed at weddings and receptions.


thedailymirror--2020-12-21--Arteta divides players into categories as he battles Arsenal dressing room split

Mikel Arteta has issued an Arsenal rallying cry that suggests he accepts he is battling a dressing room split .
“ You have two types of players - fighters and victims , ” the rookie Gunners boss said .
“ You just want fighters .
You don ’ t need victims .
Victims bring excuses , negativity .
They start to blame things that happen around them .
“ You need people who give everything for the cause in these moments .
Do I have enough fighters ?
Yes I do .
But some of them can doubt at any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the weekend , the extent of the mutinous internal rifts that have left the north London giants four points off the relegation zone .
The stats make for harrowing reading ahead of the Carabao Cup quarter-final at home to Manchester City .
Arsenal have gone seven games without a win , scoring just three in that time .
In fact , they ’ ve scored just 12 Premier League goals all season - even struggling Fulham have scored more .
Only the bottom three have scored fewer .
Fair play to Arteta for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for believing in him .
His players ?
Clearly more uncertain .
“ There are people that are very contagious and can transmit a certain level of energy , ” he said , in an acknowledgement of the dressing room splits which have undermined his efforts to rebuild .
“ When you have a lot of them it is very easy .
“ You always have some on one side , some in the middle and some completely on board .
And then you have to drag as many people as you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side .
“ The ones that are not interested or unable to do it , they have to stay behind because if not , they are pulling us right back .
“ Some of them can doubt in any moment , you know , because when you find yourself in this situation , you are tempted to go to the other side .
“ You start to say , ‘ We ’ ve scored an own goal ’ , or ‘ We can not play with 10 men ’ , or ‘ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or ‘ The referee made this decision ’ .
But I ’ m sorry , we don ’ t need any of those.
” Arsenal sit 15th .
In utter disarray .
Even if they win against City and go on to win the whole thing , does anyone seriously think it will act as a consolation for the Gunners ’ shambolic league form ?
In fact , the only thing Arteta has managed to get right in recent weeks is the scale of the crisis .
“ Ken Friar , the club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anybody - 70 years , ” he said .
“ He told me , ‘ Mikel , it is not one of the more challenging years in Arsenal ’ s history - believe me , I ’ ve been here 70 years - it is the most challenging and difficult year in Arsenal ’ s history ’ .
“ The results now in the Premier League are taking a gloss off what we ’ ve done for sure , and we have to accept them because there is now a negativity around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The promise of last season ’ s FA Cup win is now a distant memory .
Arteta has been let down by big names and superstar players , some of whom have had their form desert them , some of whom are no longer good enough .
Should Arsenal sack Arteta ?
Have your say in the comments below Sign up for the Mirror Football newsletter here

The under-fire Gunners boss has vowed to come out fighting ahead of the Carabao Cup quarter-final tie against Manchester City at the Emirates
Mikel Arteta has issued an Arsenal rallying cry that suggests he accepts he is battling a dressing room split.
“You have two types of players - fighters and victims,” the rookie Gunners boss said.
“You just want fighters. You don’t need victims. Victims bring excuses, negativity. They start to blame things that happen around them.
“You need people who give everything for the cause in these moments. Do I have enough fighters? Yes I do. But some of them can doubt at any moment.”
Mirror Sport revealed, at the weekend, the extent of the mutinous internal rifts that have left the north London giants four points off the relegation zone. The stats make for harrowing reading ahead of the Carabao Cup quarter-final at home to Manchester City.
Image: Clive Brunskill/POOL/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock) Clive Brunskill/POOL/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)
Arsenal have gone seven games without a win, scoring just three in that time. In fact, they’ve scored just 12 Premier League goals all season - even struggling Fulham have scored more. Only the bottom three have scored fewer.
Fair play to Arteta for still believing. And for the club for believing in him.
His players? Clearly more uncertain.
“There are people that are very contagious and can transmit a certain level of energy,” he said, in an acknowledgement of the dressing room splits which have undermined his efforts to rebuild.
“When you have a lot of them it is very easy.
Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images) Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
“You always have some on one side, some in the middle and some completely on board. And then you have to drag as many people as you can into your side, to the fighting side.
“The ones that are not interested or unable to do it, they have to stay behind because if not, they are pulling us right back.
“Some of them can doubt in any moment, you know, because when you find yourself in this situation, you are tempted to go to the other side.
“You start to say, ‘We’ve scored an own goal’, or ‘We cannot play with 10 men’, or ‘We don’t have the crowd’ or ‘The referee made this decision’. But I’m sorry, we don’t need any of those.”
Arsenal sit 15th. In utter disarray. Even if they win against City and go on to win the whole thing, does anyone seriously think it will act as a consolation for the Gunners’ shambolic league form?
Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images) Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
In fact, the only thing Arteta has managed to get right in recent weeks is the scale of the crisis.
“Ken Friar, the club President, has been here longer than anybody - 70 years,” he said.
“He told me, ‘Mikel, it is not one of the more challenging years in Arsenal’s history - believe me, I’ve been here 70 years - it is the most challenging and difficult year in Arsenal’s history’.
“The results now in the Premier League are taking a gloss off what we’ve done for sure, and we have to accept them because there is now a negativity around the team. We cannot deny that.”
The promise of last season’s FA Cup win is now a distant memory. Arteta has been let down by big names and superstar players, some of whom have had their form desert them, some of whom are no longer good enough.
Should Arsenal sack Arteta? Have your say in the comments below
Sign up for the Mirror Football newsletter here


thedailymirror--2020-12-21--Mutant coronavirus strain has already spread 300 miles north of London

The new mutant strain of Covid-19 is heading North with new cases found “ everywhere ” across England , health chiefs have admitted .
The Government ’ s top scientific advisor warned that large swathes of the country were heading for tougher Tier 4 restrictions .
Travel chaos was expected for a second day as the French lorry blockade continued and more than 50 countries cancelled flights to the UK amid fears over the new strain .
It follows Boris Johnson bringing in a new Tier 4 lockdown across the South East and limiting Christmas to one day elsewhere as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sir Patrick Vallance told a No 10 briefing that the new variant , which is highly infectious but not considered to be more dangerous , was already spreading .
It originated in the South East of England but has been found in every part of the country , apart from Northern Ireland .
Regional health chiefs urged visitors from Tier 4 areas and Wales to assume they had the new strain and self-isolate .
Boris Johnson is facing questions over whether his Tiers system is doing enough to do curb the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a week .
There were 33,364 new coronavirus cases on Monday , while a further 215 people died .
In London , the infection rate has risen from 243 cases per 100,000 people on 9 December to 528 on 16 December .
Sir Patrick warned that the new variant - known as VUI- 202012/01 - had already spread all around the country .
“ It ’ s localised in some places but we know there are cases everywhere , so it ’ s not as though we can stop this getting into other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already .
“ The message has been very clear and , I think I want to reinforce it , is ‘ stay local ’ .
” In response to a question from the Daily Mirror , the top scientist suggested restrictions could be further tightened across the country in the coming weeks .
“ The evidence on this virus is that it spreads easily , it ’ s more transmissible , we absolutely need to make sure we have the right level of restrictions in place , ” he said .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grow in numbers of the variant across the country and I think it ’ s likely , therefore , that measures will need to be increased in some places , in due course , not reduced .
“ I think it is the case that this will spread more.
” He predicted there would be a dramatic spike in cases after an “ inevitable period of mixing ” over Christmas .
Yet the Prime Minister , challenged over his record of over-promising during the pandemic , struck an upbeat note .
He claimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a very , very different world from Easter onwards ” .
More than 500,000 people have now received the first dose of a vaccine in the UK .
Public health chiefs are investigating a hotspot in Cumbria in the North West while the variant is also thought to be behind a surge of cases in Wales .
In the West Midlands , Lancashire and Greater Manchester they urged anybody who travelled to regions from London , the South East or Wales to self-isolate .
In Liverpool City Region new arrivals were advised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jeanelle de Gruchy , a director of Public Health in Greater Manchester , said : “ The new strain of Covid is extremely worrying .
“ It is incredibly infectious and if you come in to contact with someone with this strain you are far more likely to catch it than the original strain.
” Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner said : “ The Government is telling the public that the second Covid strain - which is more infectious - is already in every part of the country and further restrictions will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson not acted ?
We already know the Tier system does not control infections.
” And Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey added : “ People will have watched the PM ’ s press conference and be wondering whether in a few days ’ time he will be forced to announce a national lockdown and admit Dover has descended into chaos.
” Virus expert Prof Neil Ferguson , a member of Government advisory group NervTag , said : “ There ’ s evidence of a hotspot now in the North West of England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet to fully determine what ’ s going on in South Wales because there is a hint this variant may partly be responsible for the surge in cases there .
“ So it ’ s to do partly with random chance and where people travel , and where you get clusters established as well.
” Public Health England confirmed they are looking at a new outbreak of the mutant coronavirus in Cumbria .
Dr Susan Hopkins said : “ It ’ s a very small number of cases and they sequence very small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very much reliable around that estimate , but we have been speaking to the local team and asking them to investigate further.
” Prof James Naismith , of Oxford University , added : “ Whatever happens January and possibly February will be difficult months , with death tolls once again exceeding 500 per day on some days .
This is a very serious moment.
” The Office for National Statistics ’ coronavirus infection survey shows the new strain of Covid-19 was present in 28 % of samples from Wales in the second week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Welsh Government press conference that this figure was “ more than double the number in the previous week ” .
The Prime Minister held crisis talks with French President Emmanuel Macron over France ’ s ban on lorries carrying freight from the UK .
There were chaotic scenes at Dover with at least 170 lorries , and potentially hundreds more , queuing along the motorway in Kent , one of the country ’ s worst virus hotspots .
France later said it would bring in new sanitary checks but the chaos was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potentially beyond in the event of a no-deal Brexit .
But there were fears the travel disruption could threaten supplies of fresh goods in the run-up to Christmas Day .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps claimed that “ for the most part ” supplies would get through and there would only be problems if the blockade continued .
The Government was last night understood to be considering a deal with France to unlock the border using mass testing as talks continued .
But there was concern among officials that the system could take too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tumbled in response to the crisis and the looming prospect of a no-deal Brexit at the end of December .
More than £33 billion was wiped off the FTSE 100 within minutes of opening , although it later rallied .
Flights from more than 50 countries around the world were cancelled amid fears over the new mutant coronavirus strain .
More countries have banned arrivals from the UK with Hong Kong joining Switzerland , Germany , and Italy in suspending flights .
The travel disruption will leave passengers stranded in the run-up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University forecast that daily Covid deaths could reach almost 900 by New Year ’ s Day .
Its MCR Biostatistics Unit estimates that there are now 91,000 new infections a day in England , many of them asymptomatic .
A third of major hospital trusts in England currently have more Covid-19 patients than at the peak of the first wave of the virus , Other trusts have seen their numbers rise so rapidly that they could pass their first-wave peak within days .

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Pippa Crerar, Martin Bagot)

Matt Hancock: The new variant is out of control
Matt Hancock: The new variant is out of control
Sir Patrick Vallance, the Government’s top scientific advisor, warned that large swathes of the country were heading for tougher restrictions as the new highly infectious variant was spreading
The new mutant strain of Covid-19 is heading North with new cases found “everywhere” across England, health chiefs have admitted.
The Government’s top scientific advisor warned that large swathes of the country were heading for tougher Tier 4 restrictions.
Travel chaos was expected for a second day as the French lorry blockade continued and more than 50 countries cancelled flights to the UK amid fears over the new strain.
It follows Boris Johnson bringing in a new Tier 4 lockdown across the South East and limiting Christmas to one day elsewhere as cases soared to the highest levels yet.
Sir Patrick Vallance told a No 10 briefing that the new variant, which is highly infectious but not considered to be more dangerous, was already spreading.
Image: PA) PA)
It originated in the South East of England but has been found in every part of the country, apart from Northern Ireland.
Regional health chiefs urged visitors from Tier 4 areas and Wales to assume they had the new strain and self-isolate.
Boris Johnson is facing questions over whether his Tiers system is doing enough to do curb the spread of the disease after it soared in a week.
There were 33,364 new coronavirus cases on Monday, while a further 215 people died.
In London, the infection rate has risen from 243 cases per 100,000 people on 9 December to 528 on 16 December.
Sir Patrick warned that the new variant - known as VUI- 202012/01 - had already spread all around the country.
Image: PA) PA)
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“It’s localised in some places but we know there are cases everywhere, so it’s not as though we can stop this getting into other places, there’s some there already.
“The message has been very clear and, I think I want to reinforce it, is ‘stay local’.”
In response to a question from the Daily Mirror, the top scientist suggested restrictions could be further tightened across the country in the coming weeks.
“The evidence on this virus is that it spreads easily, it’s more transmissible, we absolutely need to make sure we have the right level of restrictions in place,” he said.
“I think it is likely that this will grow in numbers of the variant across the country and I think it’s likely, therefore, that measures will need to be increased in some places, in due course, not reduced.
“I think it is the case that this will spread more.”
Image: Grant Falvey/LNP) Grant Falvey/LNP)
He predicted there would be a dramatic spike in cases after an “inevitable period of mixing” over Christmas.
Yet the Prime Minister, challenged over his record of over-promising during the pandemic, struck an upbeat note.
He claimed: “We can certainly look forward to a very, very different world from Easter onwards”.
More than 500,000 people have now received the first dose of a vaccine in the UK.
Public health chiefs are investigating a hotspot in Cumbria in the North West while the variant is also thought to be behind a surge of cases in Wales.
In the West Midlands, Lancashire and Greater Manchester they urged anybody who travelled to regions from London, the South East or Wales to self-isolate.
Image: Steve Reigate) Steve Reigate)
In Liverpool City Region new arrivals were advised to get a coronavirus test.
Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy, a director of Public Health in Greater Manchester, said: “The new strain of Covid is extremely worrying.
“It is incredibly infectious and if you come in to contact with someone with this strain you are far more likely to catch it than the original strain.”
Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner said: “The Government is telling the public that the second Covid strain - which is more infectious - is already in every part of the country and further restrictions will be needed.
“So why has Boris Johnson not acted? We already know the Tier system does not control infections.”
And Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey added: “People will have watched the PM’s press conference and be wondering whether in a few days’ time he will be forced to announce a national lockdown and admit Dover has descended into chaos.”
Image: Daily Star, Daily Mirror, Daily Express) Daily Star, Daily Mirror, Daily Express)
Virus expert Prof Neil Ferguson, a member of Government advisory group NervTag, said: “There’s evidence of a hotspot now in the North West of England for this virus.
“We have yet to fully determine what’s going on in South Wales because there is a hint this variant may partly be responsible for the surge in cases there.
“So it’s to do partly with random chance and where people travel, and where you get clusters established as well.”
Public Health England confirmed they are looking at a new outbreak of the mutant coronavirus in Cumbria.
Dr Susan Hopkins said: “It’s a very small number of cases and they sequence very small amounts, so there’s not very much reliable around that estimate, but we have been speaking to the local team and asking them to investigate further.”
Prof James Naismith, of Oxford University, added: “Whatever happens January and possibly February will be difficult months, with death tolls once again exceeding 500 per day on some days. This is a very serious moment.”
Image: Pippa Fowles / No10 Downing Street) Pippa Fowles / No10 Downing Street)
The Office for National Statistics’ coronavirus infection survey shows the new strain of Covid-19 was present in 28% of samples from Wales in the second week of December.
Professor Chris Jones told a Welsh Government press conference that this figure was “more than double the number in the previous week”.
The Prime Minister held crisis talks with French President Emmanuel Macron over France’s ban on lorries carrying freight from the UK.
There were chaotic scenes at Dover with at least 170 lorries, and potentially hundreds more, queuing along the motorway in Kent, one of the country’s worst virus hotspots.
France later said it would bring in new sanitary checks but the chaos was set to continue until Christmas - and potentially beyond in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
But there were fears the travel disruption could threaten supplies of fresh goods in the run-up to Christmas Day.
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Transport Secretary Grant Shapps claimed that “for the most part” supplies would get through and there would only be problems if the blockade continued.
The Government was last night understood to be considering a deal with France to unlock the border using mass testing as talks continued.
But there was concern among officials that the system could take too long to set up.
The markets tumbled in response to the crisis and the looming prospect of a no-deal Brexit at the end of December.
More than £33 billion was wiped off the FTSE 100 within minutes of opening, although it later rallied.
Flights from more than 50 countries around the world were cancelled amid fears over the new mutant coronavirus strain.
More countries have banned arrivals from the UK with Hong Kong joining Switzerland, Germany, and Italy in suspending flights.
The travel disruption will leave passengers stranded in the run-up to Christmas.
Alarmingly, experts at Cambridge University forecast that daily Covid deaths could reach almost 900 by New Year’s Day.
Its MCR Biostatistics Unit estimates that there are now 91,000 new infections a day in England, many of them asymptomatic.
A third of major hospital trusts in England currently have more Covid-19 patients than at the peak of the first wave of the virus,
Other trusts have seen their numbers rise so rapidly that they could pass their first-wave peak within days.


thedailymirror--2020-12-21--Strictly's Maisie Smith 'could have eye-watering payday if she quits EastEnders'

Maisie Smith could earn mega cash if she quits her acting job on EastEnders , according to reports .
It 's believed the eye-watering sum could make her a millionaire within two years of quitting the soap .
The Strictly Come Dancing finalist , 19 , narrowly missed out on the Glitter Ball trophy while Bill Bailey won first place .
Yet it seems the soap star could be on her way to even bigger stardom if she leaves behind Albert Square .
Many deals stacked up for the star following the Strictly finale .
However , she can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the set of EastEnders .
A pal told The Sun : `` Her success on Strictly has shown her another world and she 's a hugely ambitious young woman .
“ She ’ s happy on EastEnders but is aware of the lucrative offers , including a £50,000 offer from a make-up brand .
“ Maisie could be a millionaire in two years if she walked away from EastEnders.
” It 's believed she earns a five figure sum for EastEnders , the newspaper reported .
She shot to fame as Tiffany Butcher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role from 2008 until 2014 .
The soap star returned to Albert Square temporarily in 2016 before making her full-time comeback in 2018 .
Maisie was delighted to be reunited with her dog after starring on the dancing competition .
To take part , she had to leave her parents ' home and live alone to join the Strictly Come Dancing bubble .
Changes were made to ensure the show could go ahead amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The Mirror has reached out to Maisie Smith 's representative for further comment .

STRICTLY'S MAISIE SMITH SHARES GRIM REALITY OF GRUELLING DANCE TRAINING WITH PICS OF MANGLED FEET
STRICTLY'S MAISIE SMITH SHARES GRIM REALITY OF GRUELLING DANCE TRAINING WITH PICS OF MANGLED FEET
The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
It's believed Maisie Smith could rake in an eye-watering sum which would make her a millionaire - if she quit EastEnders
Strictly's Maisie Smith 'could have eye-watering payday if she quits EastEnders'
Maisie Smith could earn mega cash if she quits her acting job on EastEnders, according to reports.
It's believed the eye-watering sum could make her a millionaire within two years of quitting the soap.
The Strictly Come Dancing finalist, 19, narrowly missed out on the Glitter Ball trophy while Bill Bailey won first place.
Yet it seems the soap star could be on her way to even bigger stardom if she leaves behind Albert Square.
Many deals stacked up for the star following the Strictly finale.
Image: Maisie Smith/Instagram) Maisie Smith/Instagram)
However, she cannot accept lucrative brand deals while working on the set of EastEnders.
A pal told The Sun : "Her success on Strictly has shown her another world and she's a hugely ambitious young woman.
“She’s happy on EastEnders but is aware of the lucrative offers, including a £50,000 offer from a make-up brand.
Image: PA) PA)
“Maisie could be a millionaire in two years if she walked away from EastEnders.”
It's believed she earns a five figure sum for EastEnders, the newspaper reported.
She shot to fame as Tiffany Butcher on EastEnders.
First she played the role from 2008 until 2014.
Image: BBC / Jack Barnes) BBC / Jack Barnes)
The soap star returned to Albert Square temporarily in 2016 before making her full-time comeback in 2018.
Maisie was delighted to be reunited with her dog after starring on the dancing competition.
To take part, she had to leave her parents' home and live alone to join the Strictly Come Dancing bubble.
Changes were made to ensure the show could go ahead amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The Mirror has reached out to Maisie Smith's representative for further comment.


thedailymirror--2020-12-21--Janet Street-Porter wins first ever Celebrity MasterChef Christmas special

Janet Street-Porter was crowned the first ever Celebrity MasterChef Christmas special champion this evening - and she promptly dedicated it to `` all the pensioners '' .
The Loose Women panelist , 73 , returned to the kitchen tonight after her appearance on the show seven years ago .
But unlike her first stint in 2013 , she managed to become the clinch the title .
Following the shock of her win , Janet said : `` No , I don ’ t believe it , I can ’ t believe it .
I am really , really thrilled .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I loved the cooking part .
This is one for the pensioners !
” Janet had been joined by Christopher Biggins , Dev Griffin and Vicky Pattison in a bid to become the first ever festive champion .
But Janet managed to delight judges Gregg Wallace and John Torode with a venison and damson Christmas pudding with seared chicory , caramelised carrot and butternut squash , brussel sprouts and gravy .
She also managed to wow with her intriguing mincemeat dish during the Invention Test .
Speaking after Janet 's win , Gregg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fun .
I think Janet ’ s pie was really clever and I loved the damson jam and venison inside .
`` It was absolutely stunning , brilliantly clever and showed the touch of a really , really good cook.
” Meanwhile , John added : `` This has been a fantastic celebration , we wanted a festive feast and that ’ s what all of the celebrities delivered .
`` Janet ’ s food didn ’ t just taste great but it looked great ; it was care , it was attention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delicious !
” *Celebrity MasterChef Christmas special is available on BBC iPlayer

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
Loose Women panelist Janet, 73, returned to the kitchen tonight after her appearance on the show seven years ago
Janet Street-Porter was crowned the first ever Celebrity MasterChef Christmas special champion this evening - and she promptly dedicated it to "all the pensioners".
The Loose Women panelist, 73, returned to the kitchen tonight after her appearance on the show seven years ago.
But unlike her first stint in 2013, she managed to become the clinch the title.
Following the shock of her win, Janet said: "No, I don’t believe it, I can’t believe it. I am really, really thrilled. I did a lot of moaning but I loved the cooking part. This is one for the pensioners!”
Image: BBC) BBC)
Janet had been joined by Christopher Biggins, Dev Griffin and Vicky Pattison in a bid to become the first ever festive champion.
But Janet managed to delight judges Gregg Wallace and John Torode with a venison and damson Christmas pudding with seared chicory, caramelised carrot and butternut squash, brussel sprouts and gravy.
Image: BBC/Shine TV) BBC/Shine TV)
She also managed to wow with her intriguing mincemeat dish during the Invention Test.
Speaking after Janet's win, Gregg said: "This has been brilliant fun. I think Janet’s pie was really clever and I loved the damson jam and venison inside.
"It was absolutely stunning, brilliantly clever and showed the touch of a really, really good cook.”
Meanwhile, John added: "This has been a fantastic celebration, we wanted a festive feast and that’s what all of the celebrities delivered.
"Janet’s food didn’t just taste great but it looked great; it was care, it was attention, it was detailed, it was delicious!”
*Celebrity MasterChef Christmas special is available on BBC iPlayer


thedailymirror--2020-12-21--Five talking points as Silva and Abraham give Chelsea winning feeling

Chelsea put their recent defeats behind them as Thiago Silva and Tammy Abraham both scored to see off the Hammers .
The Blues had threatened to fall away following losses at Everton and then Wolves .
Frank Lampard 's side certainly had the look of a side who had been dealt a reality check and West Ham will feel aggrieved by the end scoreline .
They posed the Blues plenty of problems but were on the back foot within 10 minutes as Thiago Silva was allowed a clear run to head home .
West Ham though continued to come as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authority on the game .
But Tammy Abraham scored two in the space of three minutes to take the game away from the visitors and ensure that an indifferent performance was not punsihed .
Here are five talking points from the London clash at Stamford Bridge .
Had Chelsea lost a third straight league game a blip would 've threatened to become something more .
As it is they returned to winning ways to stay in touch with the leading pack .
We 've seen courtesy of Tottenham 's disaster week how quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admittedly dropping points but two lacklustre games can allow a rival to steal six points on you .
Six points that could prove crucial at the end of the season .
Chelsea though were far from their vintage best and certainly showed why they lost twice in four days .
There was a definite nervousness about them when the Hammers were threatening .
Abraham 's quick fire brace then could not have been better timed with the hosts quickly ending any hopes of a comeback .
Moyes will head back across the capital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking .
It always seems to be the way when an up and coming team plays an established one .
The Hammers were not without their opportunities as they found themselves in good positions in the final third .
But the lack of a final ball or a lack of clear thinking undermined their ambition .
It was a similar scenario when they played Manchester United at the London Stadium .
A game they lost 3-1 Again they shipped three with the hosts taking advantage of one defensive lapse to take the lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game .
West Ham showed enough to prove that they are in the ascendancy they just do n't have the points to back it up .
The Blues boss had been keen to quash any talk of the title and based on this performance he is absolutely right .
Lampard knew his side would face `` tough moments '' and does not believe they are yet the sort of team who can go and string huge winning runs together .
The difficulty is , whilst the west Londoners are a young team still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heavily in the summer .
Some sort of return is expected .
Lampard has emphasised the lack of shared experience within his squad , yes they have winners in their team , but they also have players who do n't yet know that winning feeling .
Liverpool and Manchester City did n't conquer all in their first years together , there was a pause before they pushed on .
Chelsea look like they need at last another year before they can talk about being champions .
I can confirm that this Werner we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ played for RB Leipzig last season .
That may be tough to comprehend , I appreciate that .
The German 's scoreless run stretches to nine games with his blank against West Ham and his confidence seems to be low .
Even basic mistakes , like a simple first touch , are beginning to creep in .
A first-half chance went begging , one you feel he would 've buried were he in full flow , before he smashed the bar late on .
Werner admitted this week that the Premier League is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but he retains the faith of his manager .
Lampard spent big on two Germans in the summer , he will be hoping one begins firing sooner rather than later .
Chelsea and West Ham have been the two most prolific Premier League teams when it comes to scoring from set pieces .
So it was hardly surprising that Silva got the games opener from a Blues corner .
It is n't the first time the Brazilian has converted from a set piece , but the fact it came against the Hammers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has got his team incredibly well drilled and perhaps deserves more plaudits than he is getting .
So much so that West Ham had n't conceded a single set piece goal before Silva headed home .
Hard to believe in a way given how the Chelsea defender was allowed to waltz into the box unchallenged before scoring - zonal marking not covering itself in glory there .

Chelsea rediscovered that winning feeling as they saw off West Ham at Stamford Bridge with Thiago Silva and Tammy Abraham both getting on the score sheet
Chelsea put their recent defeats behind them as Thiago Silva and Tammy Abraham both scored to see off the Hammers.
The Blues had threatened to fall away following losses at Everton and then Wolves.
Frank Lampard's side certainly had the look of a side who had been dealt a reality check and West Ham will feel aggrieved by the end scoreline.
They posed the Blues plenty of problems but were on the back foot within 10 minutes as Thiago Silva was allowed a clear run to head home.
West Ham though continued to come as the error-strewn hosts failed to assert their authority on the game.
But Tammy Abraham scored two in the space of three minutes to take the game away from the visitors and ensure that an indifferent performance was not punsihed.
Here are five talking points from the London clash at Stamford Bridge.
Image: Clive Rose/POOL/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock) Clive Rose/POOL/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)
Blues bounce back
Had Chelsea lost a third straight league game a blip would've threatened to become something more.
As it is they returned to winning ways to stay in touch with the leading pack.
We've seen courtesy of Tottenham's disaster week how quickly things can change.
Every team is admittedly dropping points but two lacklustre games can allow a rival to steal six points on you. Six points that could prove crucial at the end of the season.
Chelsea though were far from their vintage best and certainly showed why they lost twice in four days.
There was a definite nervousness about them when the Hammers were threatening.
Abraham's quick fire brace then could not have been better timed with the hosts quickly ending any hopes of a comeback.
Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images) POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Hammers frustration
Moyes will head back across the capital knowing that points were there for the taking.
It always seems to be the way when an up and coming team plays an established one.
The Hammers were not without their opportunities as they found themselves in good positions in the final third.
But the lack of a final ball or a lack of clear thinking undermined their ambition.
It was a similar scenario when they played Manchester United at the London Stadium. A game they lost 3-1
Again they shipped three with the hosts taking advantage of one defensive lapse to take the lead which then left the visitors chasing the game.
West Ham showed enough to prove that they are in the ascendancy they just don't have the points to back it up.
Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images) POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Lampard on the money
The Blues boss had been keen to quash any talk of the title and based on this performance he is absolutely right.
Lampard knew his side would face "tough moments" and does not believe they are yet the sort of team who can go and string huge winning runs together.
The difficulty is, whilst the west Londoners are a young team still find their way, Roman Abramovich invested heavily in the summer. Some sort of return is expected.
Lampard has emphasised the lack of shared experience within his squad, yes they have winners in their team, but they also have players who don't yet know that winning feeling.
Liverpool and Manchester City didn't conquer all in their first years together, there was a pause before they pushed on.
Chelsea look like they need at last another year before they can talk about being champions.
Image: Clive Rose/POOL/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock) Clive Rose/POOL/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)
Werner's woes continue
I can confirm that this Werner we are watching is the same one who played for RB Leipzig last season.
That may be tough to comprehend, I appreciate that.
The German's scoreless run stretches to nine games with his blank against West Ham and his confidence seems to be low.
Even basic mistakes, like a simple first touch, are beginning to creep in.
A first-half chance went begging, one you feel he would've buried were he in full flow, before he smashed the bar late on.
Werner admitted this week that the Premier League is a tougher proposition that he had envisaged, but he retains the faith of his manager.
Lampard spent big on two Germans in the summer, he will be hoping one begins firing sooner rather than later.
Set piece maestros
Chelsea and West Ham have been the two most prolific Premier League teams when it comes to scoring from set pieces.
So it was hardly surprising that Silva got the games opener from a Blues corner.
It isn't the first time the Brazilian has converted from a set piece, but the fact it came against the Hammers is something of a surprise.
Moyes has got his team incredibly well drilled and perhaps deserves more plaudits than he is getting.
So much so that West Ham hadn't conceded a single set piece goal before Silva headed home.
Hard to believe in a way given how the Chelsea defender was allowed to waltz into the box unchallenged before scoring - zonal marking not covering itself in glory there.


thedailymirror--2020-12-22--Sam Twiston-Davies hoping for Clan Des Obeaux King George hat-trick

Sam Twiston-Davies is hoping `` stronger '' Clan Des Obeaux can land the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase hat-trick .
The bookmakers ' slight favourite over stablemate Cyrname arrives at Kempton on the back of a fine second in last month 's Betfair Chase at Haydock .
For a moment in the straight , it looked as though he was about to overhaul course specialist Bristol De Mai , but it was n't to be .
William Hill ambassador Twiston-Davies believes there were positives to take from the performance of his 2019 Boxing Day hero .
`` He jumped beautifully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was coming there to win the race , '' he told his blog for the bookmakers .
`` Something I ’ d say is that the heavy ground at Haydock suited Bristol de Mai .
That race is his Kempton so I take a lot of positives out of that race for Clan .
`` He has his own kind of way of jumping – you leave him to it and he is very good .
He ’ s very economical , efficient and , at the same time , he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s grown up and , physically , he ’ s probably a little bit stronger this year hence he can deal with heavy ground better than he used to .
You could say he ’ s more complete now .
`` I went to see him in the week and I ’ m looking forward to Kempton .
From a jockey ’ s point of view , it ’ s just about trying your best and enjoying it .
`` I just hope he can do something similar to last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now and Boxing Day it ’ s just a case of holding on tight , that ’ s the long and short of it ! ''
Clan Des Obeaux is a general 7-4 shot for the Grade 1 highlight , as he bids to confirm last year 's form with Cyrname .
Santini was a late addition to the field , after Nicky Henderson confirmed he had been supplemented yesterday .

Paul Nicholls' previous winner is up against stablemate Cyrname and the likes of Santini and Lostintranslation in the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase
Sam Twiston-Davies is hoping "stronger" Clan Des Obeaux can land the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase hat-trick.
The bookmakers' slight favourite over stablemate Cyrname arrives at Kempton on the back of a fine second in last month's Betfair Chase at Haydock.
For a moment in the straight, it looked as though he was about to overhaul course specialist Bristol De Mai, but it wasn't to be.
William Hill ambassador Twiston-Davies believes there were positives to take from the performance of his 2019 Boxing Day hero.
"He jumped beautifully, travelled great and he felt like he was coming there to win the race," he told his blog for the bookmakers.
"Something I’d say is that the heavy ground at Haydock suited Bristol de Mai. That race is his Kempton so I take a lot of positives out of that race for Clan.
"He has his own kind of way of jumping – you leave him to it and he is very good. He’s very economical, efficient and, at the same time, he has plenty of scope.
Image: Getty) Getty)
"I guess he’s grown up and, physically, he’s probably a little bit stronger this year hence he can deal with heavy ground better than he used to. You could say he’s more complete now.
"I went to see him in the week and I’m looking forward to Kempton. From a jockey’s point of view, it’s just about trying your best and enjoying it.
"I just hope he can do something similar to last year. That would be nice. Between now and Boxing Day it’s just a case of holding on tight, that’s the long and short of it!"
Clan Des Obeaux is a general 7-4 shot for the Grade 1 highlight, as he bids to confirm last year's form with Cyrname.
Santini was a late addition to the field, after Nicky Henderson confirmed he had been supplemented yesterday.


thedailymirror--2020-12-22--Arsenal summer transfer comes back to haunt them amid midfield crisis

Arsenal ’ s lack of creativity is threatening to derail Mikel Arteta ’ s tenure at the Emirates .
In 14 Premier League games , the Gunners have netted just 12 goals , with only three clubs with a poorer record .
And it isn ’ t just scoring that has been an issue , with all of their attacking metrics towards the bottom of the Premier League .
Much of the attention has been directed towards Mesut Ozil ’ s omission from Arteta ’ s squads at the start of the season .
But away from the World Cup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make headlines away from north London .
Henrikh Mkhitaryan didn ’ t play a single game under Arteta after his predecessor Unai Emery deemed him surplus to requirements .
Emery allowed the attacking midfielder to join Roma on a season-long loan , where he impressed , scoring nine goals and creating a further five in Serie A .
After replacing Emery , Arteta hinted that there could still be a place for the former Manchester United star .
`` He is the kind of player who can fit in any team when he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arsenal boss said earlier this year .
He needs to do it consistently and here he had moments and that ’ s what we need to assess.
” However , Arsenal opted to cancel the 31-year-old ’ s contract , allowing him to rejoin the Italians on a permanent deal .
And although Mkhitaryan clearly was pushing for a move , he did reveal that any final decision would come from the club themselves .
`` Of course I would like to be at Roma next season , not only next season [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said this summer .
`` But I still have a contract with Arsenal and it ’ s not up to me .
It ’ s up to Arsenal and Roma if they will agree terms of the transfer fee .
`` Of course , if I ’ m not going to stay at Roma I have to go back to Arsenal.
” And while Arsenal ’ s midfield continue with their desperate attacking output , Mkhitaryan continues to impress for Roma , with 13 goal involvements in the league – more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ altogether .
`` We know the player he ’ s been , we know his past , and we need to have all the information to make the right decision , ” Arteta said .
Arteta is set to be handed a transfer 'warchest ' in the January window , with a creative midfielder at the top of his wishlist .
But it could be argued that they had the perfect option already at their disposal .
Will Mikel Arteta finish the season as Arsenal manager ?
Have your say here .
* @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here

Mikel Arteta's side have managed just 12 goals in 14 Premier League matches, with serious question marks about the creativity of his midfield
Arsenal’s lack of creativity is threatening to derail Mikel Arteta’s tenure at the Emirates.
In 14 Premier League games, the Gunners have netted just 12 goals, with only three clubs with a poorer record.
And it isn’t just scoring that has been an issue, with all of their attacking metrics towards the bottom of the Premier League.
Much of the attention has been directed towards Mesut Ozil’s omission from Arteta’s squads at the start of the season.
Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images) Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
But away from the World Cup winner, another midfield outcast continues to make headlines away from north London.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan didn’t play a single game under Arteta after his predecessor Unai Emery deemed him surplus to requirements.
Emery allowed the attacking midfielder to join Roma on a season-long loan, where he impressed, scoring nine goals and creating a further five in Serie A.
After replacing Emery, Arteta hinted that there could still be a place for the former Manchester United star.
"He is the kind of player who can fit in any team when he is at his best," the Arsenal boss said earlier this year.
Image: Pool via REUTERS) Pool via REUTERS)
He needs to do it consistently and here he had moments and that’s what we need to assess.”
However, Arsenal opted to cancel the 31-year-old’s contract, allowing him to rejoin the Italians on a permanent deal.
And although Mkhitaryan clearly was pushing for a move, he did reveal that any final decision would come from the club themselves.
"Of course I would like to be at Roma next season, not only next season [but] for another few years," he said this summer.
"But I still have a contract with Arsenal and it’s not up to me. It’s up to Arsenal and Roma if they will agree terms of the transfer fee.
"Of course, if I’m not going to stay at Roma I have to go back to Arsenal.”
And while Arsenal’s midfield continue with their desperate attacking output, Mkhitaryan continues to impress for Roma, with 13 goal involvements in the league – more than his old side’s total altogether.
"We know the player he’s been, we know his past, and we need to have all the information to make the right decision,” Arteta said.
Arteta is set to be handed a transfer 'warchest' in the January window, with a creative midfielder at the top of his wishlist. But it could be argued that they had the perfect option already at their disposal.
Will Mikel Arteta finish the season as Arsenal manager? Have your say here.
* Sign up for the Mirror Football newsletter here


thedailymirror--2020-12-22--Owner shows adorable way her deaf dog 'barks' and it's leaving people in tears

A dog owner has posted an adorable video showing how her deaf dog 'barks ' - and it 's gone viral after melting the hearts of viewers online .
TikTok user @ Lind_saymyname uploaded the clip with the caption : `` Sound on or off .
Doesn ’ t really matter '' as the sweet exchange racked up more than 600,000 views .
Her dog is sitting on a mat by the door as she attempts to bark but produces nothing more than a whisper as her owner asks : `` Trying to bark ?
You barking ?
Ohh , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` My dog is deaf .
She 's seen other dogs do this but does n't know she 's supposed to make noise . ''
It was shared to Reddit , where one viewer commented to say : `` She is barking and no one will tell the precious baby any thing other than that . ''
A second wrote : `` I love how she looks at the camera like 'did i do it mom ? '
'' .
Another praised Lindsay for making a fuss over her dog for her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love how she uses her 'talking to an animal ' voice , even though she ca n't hear her .
I 'd like to believe she always does . ''
Someone else pointed out : `` It 's super interesting that she would n't innately know to bark .
I guess that implies that hearing oneself is critical to even recognising the ability to vocally communicate ? ''
And another dog owner joked : `` My deaf dog is never this calm , barks like we 're deaf . ''
Lindsay updated her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video of her pet fast asleep as she became a viral star - as she demonstrated her ability to make noise as she loudly snored away .
Her owner said : `` My deaf dog sleeping through her TikTok blowing up .
It 's actually really hard to wake her without scaring her . ''

Owner shows adorable way her deaf dog 'barks' when she needs something
Owner shows adorable way her deaf dog 'barks' when she needs something
TikTok user Lindsay Kelly uploaded a video of her deaf dog trying to bark having seen other dogs do the same and the adorable clip has racked up more than 600,000 views
Owner shows adorable way her deaf dog 'barks' and it's leaving people in tears
A dog owner has posted an adorable video showing how her deaf dog 'barks' - and it's gone viral after melting the hearts of viewers online.
TikTok user @Lind_saymyname uploaded the clip with the caption: "Sound on or off. Doesn’t really matter", as the sweet exchange racked up more than 600,000 views.
Her dog is sitting on a mat by the door as she repeatedly attempts to bark but produces nothing more than a whisper as her owner asks: "Trying to bark? You barking? Ohh, good bark."
Owner Lindsay explains: "My dog is deaf. She's seen other dogs do this but doesn't know she's supposed to make noise."
Image: lind_saymyname/TikTok) lind_saymyname/TikTok)
It was shared to Reddit, where one viewer commented to say: "She is barking and no one will tell the precious baby anything other than that."
A second wrote: "I love how she looks at the camera like 'did I do it mom?'".
Another praised Lindsay for making a fuss over her dog for her adorable efforts, saying: "I love how she uses her 'talking to an animal' voice, even though she can't hear her. I'd like to believe she always does."
Someone else pointed out: "It's super interesting that she wouldn't innately know to bark. I guess that implies that hearing oneself is critical to even recognising the ability to vocally communicate?"
And another dog owner joked: "My deaf dog is never this calm, barks like we're deaf."
Lindsay updated her dog's newest fans with a second video of her pet sleeping through her rise to internet stardom - as she demonstrated her ability to make noise by loudly snoring away.
Her owner said: "My deaf dog sleeping through her TikTok blowing up. It's actually really hard to wake her without scaring her."


thedailymirror--2020-12-22--UK coronavirus hospital death toll soars by 488 in major increase

The UK 's coronavirus death toll has risen by 488 in the biggest Tuesday increase in eight months .
The last time the hospital toll was that high on a Tuesday was April 28 .
The figure is more than double yesterday 's rise , although there has typically been a deaths reporting lag following weekends throughout the pandemic .
The toll included 405 who died in England , 43 in Scotland , 24 in Wales , and 16 in Northern Ireland in the 24 hours to Tuesday .
The confirmed UK death toll from the pandemic is currently 33,364 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be much higher with many deaths in spring not counted due to a lack of testing capacity .
The latest figures come as the government grapples with a crisis over the Dover to Calais crossing , two nights after France shut down the border to manned transport .
Hundreds of lorries are either queuing on the motorway or parked up at a nearby airport as officials work desperately with their French counterparts to get freight moving again .
And the Government 's chief scientific adviser warned that tougher restrictions will be needed across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strain appearing `` everywhere '' .
The Tier 4 lockdown was announced for London and parts of southern and eastern England at the weekend after existing Tier 3 measures proved unable to control the spread of the more infections variant .
Sir Patrick indicated a lockdown may be needed in wider areas of England , particularly as Christmas mixing may result in an increased spread of cases .
The Prime Minister refused to guarantee that schools in England will reopen after Christmas , saying `` we want , if we possibly can , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way at the beginning of January '' but `` the commonsensical thing to do is to follow the path of the epidemic '' .
Scotland has already announced a lockdown from Boxing Day while Wales ' tough restrictions will only be eased for Christmas Day before being reimposed .
At a Downing Street news conference Sir Patrick said : `` The evidence on this virus is that it spreads easily , it 's more transmissible , we absolutely need to make sure we have the right level of restrictions in place .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will grow in numbers of the variant across the country and I think it 's likely , therefore , that measures will need to be increased in some places , in due course , not reduced . ''
The New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group ( Nervtag ) met again on Monday to consider the new variant and while it does not appear to alter the course of the disease it does spread more easily .
`` That again reinforces the point that it 's important to get ahead of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system is adequate to stop things going , and not to watch it and react in retrospect , '' Sir Patrick said .
Given the `` inevitable mixing '' over Christmas `` I think there will be some increases in numbers over the next few weeks '' .
Regional public health directors in Manchester and the West Midlands urged anyone who travelled from a Tier 4 area or Wales to self isolate upon their arrival and `` assume '' they have the new Covid-19 variant .
But Professor Neil Ferguson , a member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that the virus will decline over the next two weeks for both the variant and non-variant .
He explained : `` Contact rates tend to be lower over Christmas with the tightening of Christmas measures and Tier 4 for in place in the highest areas . ''

Experts believe Tier 4 measures -meaning 'stay at home orders' will be required over more parts of England to get the mutant strain of Covid under control
The UK's coronavirus death toll has risen by 488 in the biggest Tuesday increase in eight months.
The last time the hospital toll was that high on a Tuesday was April 28.
The figure is more than double yesterday's rise, although there has typically been a deaths reporting lag following weekends throughout the pandemic.
The toll included 405 who died in England, 43 in Scotland, 24 in Wales, and 16 in Northern Ireland in the 24 hours to Tuesday.
The confirmed UK death toll from the pandemic is currently 33,364 but the real figure is thought to be much higher with many deaths in spring not counted due to a lack of testing capacity.
The latest figures come as the government grapples with a crisis over the Dover to Calais crossing, two nights after France shut down the border to manned transport.
Hundreds of lorries are either queuing on the motorway or parked up at a nearby airport as officials work desperately with their French counterparts to get freight moving again.
And the Government's chief scientific adviser warned that tougher restrictions will be needed across the country with cases of the mutant strain appearing "everywhere".
The Tier 4 lockdown was announced for London and parts of southern and eastern England at the weekend after existing Tier 3 measures proved unable to control the spread of the more infections variant.
Sir Patrick indicated a lockdown may be needed in wider areas of England, particularly as Christmas mixing may result in an increased spread of cases.
The Prime Minister refused to guarantee that schools in England will reopen after Christmas, saying "we want, if we possibly can, to get schools back in a staggered way at the beginning of January" but "the commonsensical thing to do is to follow the path of the epidemic".
Scotland has already announced a lockdown from Boxing Day while Wales' tough restrictions will only be eased for Christmas Day before being reimposed.
At a Downing Street news conference Sir Patrick said: "The evidence on this virus is that it spreads easily, it's more transmissible, we absolutely need to make sure we have the right level of restrictions in place.
"I think it is likely that this will grow in numbers of the variant across the country and I think it's likely, therefore, that measures will need to be increased in some places, in due course, not reduced."
The New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (Nervtag) met again on Monday to consider the new variant and while it does not appear to alter the course of the disease it does spread more easily.
"That again reinforces the point that it's important to get ahead of this and to make sure that the tiering system is adequate to stop things going, and not to watch it and react in retrospect," Sir Patrick said.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
Given the "inevitable mixing" over Christmas "I think there will be some increases in numbers over the next few weeks".
Regional public health directors in Manchester and the West Midlands urged anyone who travelled from a Tier 4 area or Wales to self isolate upon their arrival and "assume" they have the new Covid-19 variant.
But Professor Neil Ferguson, a member of Nervtag, said his best assessment is that the virus will decline over the next two weeks for both the variant and non-variant.
He explained: "Contact rates tend to be lower over Christmas with the tightening of Christmas measures and Tier 4 for in place in the highest areas."


thedailymirror--2020-12-22--Jessica Hayes 'isn't ready to forget baby boy' after miscarriage heartbreak

Jessica Hayes has addressed her miscarriage heartbreak , insisting she 's `` not ready to forget '' her second son .
The Love Island star recently shared her devastation after suffering a miscarriage at 19 weeks pregnant .
She 'd named the boy Teddy , and penned an emotional note apologising to him for `` not keeping you safe a little while longer . ''
Now Jessica , who already shares one-year-old Presley with fiancé Dan Lawry , shared a compilation of photographs and videos from her second pregnancy .
She wrote : `` Should I post this probably not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warning probably ...
Your probably sick of me sharing this and this song but it ’ s our song ... '' But this was my journey and I longed to share my bump and scan photos like any other mother .
He was with me here and I 'm not ready to forget him ...
The happiness I felt during these moments ...
So here I am sharing it all because why should n't I ... '' Jessica continued : `` I want to show it off like any mother does at any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ... '' But this is my journey I know life might seem a lot right now but to anyone else going through this that feels it was such a short journey I ’ m with you , I hear you and it does matter .
`` There is no pain possibly like this but I wanted to share my journey like I would of before because it matters to me and it 's something I 'll never get to share again .
`` I love him as much as I love my p @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with our angel babies we can dream of them always . ''
Jessica recently penned a tribute to Presley , branding the tot her `` reason for carrying on . ''
`` Never have I been so grateful to have this sweet boy of mine , he 's given me a reason to be strong a reason to carry on , '' she shared .
`` I 've told him all about his little brother and how he will watch over and look after him .
`` I will make sure I make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Association ( 01924 200 799 ) miscarriageassociation.org.uk supports women affected by miscarriage , ectopic and molar pregnancies .
If you ’ re worried about a loved one you can also call the helpline which is manned Monday to Friday , 9am-4pm , or email info @ miscarriageassociation.org.uk

WARNING: DISTRESSING DETAILS. Love Island star Jessica Hayes and her fiancé Dan Lawry suffered a devastating blow when they lost their second son at 19 weeks
Jessica Hayes has addressed her miscarriage heartbreak, insisting she's "not ready to forget" her second son.
The Love Island star recently shared her devastation after suffering a miscarriage at 19 weeks pregnant.
She'd named the boy Teddy, and penned an emotional note apologising to him for "not keeping you safe a little while longer."
Now Jessica, who already shares one-year-old Presley with fiancé Dan Lawry, shared a compilation of photographs and videos from her second pregnancy.
She wrote: "Should I post this probably not...Should it come with a trigger warning probably...Your probably sick of me sharing this and this song but it’s our song...
Image: Instagram) Instagram)
"But this was my journey and I longed to share my bump and scan photos like any other mother. He was with me here and I'm not ready to forget him...The happiness I felt during these moments...So here I am sharing it all because why shouldn't I..."
Jessica continued: "I want to show it off like any mother does at any stage of pregnancy and there new baby...
"But this is my journey I know life might seem a lot right now but to anyone else going through this that feels it was such a short journey I’m with you, I hear you and it does matter.
"There is no pain possibly like this but I wanted to share my journey like I would of before because it matters to me and it's something I'll never get to share again.
Image: Instagram) Instagram) Image: Instagram) Instagram)
"I love him as much as I love my p...Those moments we long to have with our angel babies we can dream of them always."
Jessica recently penned a tribute to Presley, branding the tot her "reason for carrying on."
"Never have I been so grateful to have this sweet boy of mine, he's given me a reason to be strong a reason to carry on," she shared.
Image: Instagram) Instagram)
"I've told him all about his little brother and how he will watch over and look after him.
"I will make sure I make them both proud."
*The Miscarriage Association (01924 200 799) miscarriageassociation.org.uk supports women affected by miscarriage, ectopic and molar pregnancies. If you’re worried about a loved one you can also call the helpline which is manned Monday to Friday, 9am-4pm, or email info@miscarriageassociation.org.uk


thedailymirror--2020-12-22--Jess Wright close to tears as she's forced to cancel New Year holiday to Dubai

Jess Wright was close to tears as she told fans she had been forced to cancel her New Year holiday to Dubai .
The reality star said `` devastated is an understatement '' as she explained she and fiance William Lee-Kemp had bought each other the flights and accommodation as their Christmas present .
With her hair scraped back into a ponytail and wearing a full face of makeup , the TOWIE star sat in her pyjamas while wrapping presents and enjoying a glass of sparkling rose .
`` Tier 4 made me do it , '' Jess told fans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her face as she said : `` Tier 4 life hunnies .
`` I mean I just can not . ''
And Jess explained : `` I was going away for New Years with my hubby to be .
`` We said that this year we were going to give each other our flights and accommodation for our holiday to Dubai as our Christmas presents to each other .
`` We aint going anywhere now though guys . ''
Clearly gutted , the 35-year-old added : `` To say devastated is an understatement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are safe and healthy that 's all that matters . ''
Jess then blinked back tears as she told herself : `` We can go another time .
Christmas is cancelled .
`` I just never thought I 'd see the day .
Gutted . ''
While Jess wo n't be flying off to the sunshine just yet , she is a regular visitor to Dubai .
Back in October she visited the UAE city with her sister Natalya and mum Carol .

Jess Wright close to tears as she's forced to cancel New Year holiday to Dubai
Jess Wright close to tears as she's forced to cancel New Year holiday to Dubai
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Towie alum Jess Wright said "devastated is an understatement" as she explained she and fiance William Lee-Kemp had bought each other the flights and accommodation as their joint Christmas present
Jess Wright close to tears as she's forced to cancel New Year holiday to Dubai
Jess Wright was close to tears as she told fans she had been forced to cancel her New Year holiday to Dubai.
The reality star said "devastated is an understatement" as she explained she and fiance William Lee-Kemp had bought each other the flights and accommodation as their Christmas present.
With her hair scraped back into a ponytail and wearing a full face of makeup, the TOWIE star sat in her pyjamas while wrapping presents and enjoying a glass of sparkling rose.
"Tier 4 made me do it," Jess told fans.
Image: Instagram) Instagram)
She then switched the lens to her face as she said: "Tier 4 life hunnies.
"I mean I just cannot."
And Jess explained: "I was going away for New Years with my hubby to be.
"We said that this year we were going to give each other our flights and accommodation for our holiday to Dubai as our Christmas presents to each other.
Image: Instagram) Instagram) Image: Instagram) Instagram)
"We aint going anywhere now though guys."
Clearly gutted, the 35-year-old added: "To say devastated is an understatement but of course so long as we are safe and healthy that's all that matters."
Jess then blinked back tears as she told herself: "We can go another time. Christmas is cancelled.
Image: jesswright77/Instagram) jesswright77/Instagram)
"I just never thought I'd see the day. Gutted."
While Jess won't be flying off to the sunshine just yet, she is a regular visitor to Dubai.
Back in October she visited the UAE city with her sister Natalya and mum Carol.


thedailymirror--2020-12-22--Man seriously injured in chemical 'explosion' as 'loud boom' heard

A man is seriously injured in hospital after he suffered chemical burns in an ‘ explosion ’ on an industrial estate this morning .
Emergency services raced to a workplace in Cadishead , Greater Manchester , shortly after 11am .
Residents reported seeing police , fire and ambulance crews while one neighbour said they heard a “ really loud boom ” coming from the scene .
The onlooker said : “ The noise was really loud like a big boom something exploding or collapsing , that 's all I can say .
Scary.
” Another local said : `` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t think much of it at first .
We thought it could be from a car .
“ It was quite soon after that , very quickly , that we saw all the police cars .
They arrived and there were fire engines too.
” North West Ambulance Service confirmed one man had been taken to hospital following the incident , the Manchester Evening News reports .
A spokesman for NWAS said : “ We called about an incident 11:07 , and we have attended with multiple resources including an ambulance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hazardous Area Response Team ( HART ) .
“ We have taken one male patient to hospital.
” Greater Manchester Police said : `` Officers were called around 11.20am today to a report a man had suffered chemical burns at a premises on Liverpool Road , Cadishead .
`` Emergency services are in attendance and an investigation is ongoing .
`` A man in his 30s has been taken to hospital in a serious condition . ''
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said : `` At 11.16 this morning , 22nd December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporting that a chemical explosion had occurred at an industrial site on Liverpool Road , Irlam .
`` One man has been seriously injured and conveyed to hospital by North West Ambulance Service with significant burn injuries .
`` Firefighters have rapidly established a cordon and made safe all other structures and hazardous materials on the site and a Hazardous Materials Officer is making an assessment of the scene .
`` Greater Manchester Police are at the incident and the Health and Safety Executive have been notified . ''

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Seamus McDonnell, Kelly-Ann Mills)

Residents reported seeing police, fire and ambulance crews at the scene in Greater Manchester while one neighbour said they heard a “really loud boom” coming from the scene
Man seriously injured in chemical 'explosion' as locals call 999 over 'loud boom'
A man is seriously injured in hospital after he suffered chemical burns in an ‘explosion’ on an industrial estate this morning.
Emergency services raced to a workplace in Cadishead, Greater Manchester, shortly after 11am.
Residents reported seeing police, fire and ambulance crews while one neighbour said they heard a “really loud boom” coming from the scene.
The onlooker said: “The noise was really loud like a big boom something exploding or collapsing, that's all I can say. Scary.”
Another local said: "We heard a big blast and we didn’t think much of it at first. We thought it could be from a car.
“It was quite soon after that, very quickly, that we saw all the police cars. They arrived and there were fire engines too.”
North West Ambulance Service confirmed one man had been taken to hospital following the incident, the Manchester Evening News reports.
Image: MEN Media) MEN Media)
A spokesman for NWAS said: “We called about an incident 11:07, and we have attended with multiple resources including an ambulance, a rapid response vehicle and members of Hazardous Area Response Team (HART).
“We have taken one male patient to hospital.”
Greater Manchester Police said a man in his 30s has been taken to hospital with serious injuries after suffering chemical burns at a premises on Liverpool Road, Cadishead.
An investigation is ongoing.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said the man has "significant burn injuries".
In a statement they added: "Firefighters have rapidly established a cordon and made safe all other structures and hazardous materials on the site and a Hazardous Materials Officer is making an assessment of the scene.
"Greater Manchester Police are at the incident and the Health and Safety Executive have been notified."


thedailymirror--2020-12-22--Best friends diagnosed with matching tumours in one-in-a-million coincidence

Two best friends have been diagnosed with matching brain tumours , within just years of one another .
Janice Johnson and Eleanor Heans-Glogowska first met in 2006 when they were working together at the summer opening of Buckingham Palace .
The two 35-year-olds instantly became best friends , and have been ever since .
In what is said to be a one-in-a-million coincidence , both women have been diagnosed with meningioma , a tumour that forms on the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord inside the skull .
Eleanor , a former English teacher , works now for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Catholic Church , was diagnosed after a routine eye examination back in 2012 .
What she originally thought was a swollen eye caused by contact lens irritation , was revealed to be a non-malignant meningioma inside her skull .
The biggest risk with meningiomas in this location is that it can push on the optic nerve , which can cause sight loss .
Since her diagnosis , she has had two surgeries to remove some of the soft tissue element of the tumour and file the skull to lessen the pressure .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ being diagnosed , '' Eleanor told Jam Press .
`` The thing I remember most is that she didn ’ t try to make it better by saying ‘ at least it ’ s the best type of tumour to get ' , she listened to all my worries and fears .
“ As my tumour is inoperable , my only option is to manage the meningioma and so in October and November 2019 , I completed a gruelling round of daily radiotherapy for six weeks , which doctors remain hopeful will mean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woke up one morning with temporary paralysis , and would later receive her devastating diagnosis in 2019 .
Her symptoms were initially overlooked by A & E doctors , but was later recognised by a neurosurgeon .
She runs a supper club tackling loneliness and social isolation through the power of communal storytelling .
To make matters worse , the news came three weeks before her 35th birthday and the young woman was told she needed emergency surgery to remove the tumour .
The supper club founder said : `` I had hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so it was a bit of a blur with emotional ups and downs .
`` I barely had any time to process it .
I was in shock and when I asked if I would live or die , they couldn ’ t tell , so I called Elly straight away while I waited for more information .
`` We had both nervously waited for the result , which she hoped was a meningioma .
When I called her back and said it was , we were actually feeling relieved .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was that we both had the same tumour , but at least we knew what that was and that it was likely to be treatable .
`` My tumour is above the motor strip on the right side of my brain .
Over time it affected my concentration , ability to process information , focus and vision .
“ I ’ ve experienced partial ( non-permanent ) paralysis , which reduced my ability to walk and a lack of balance causing regular trips and falls , which led to injuries and limping.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which manifest in a form of seizures people have when they are awake .
In a true testament to the pair 's friendship , the pair have helped each other every step of the way .
Janice said : `` We share the same values and the same sense of humour .
“ We tend to laugh at silly things together and we ’ ve had an in-joke for longer than either of us can remember about the two of us having ‘ agile minds ’ , which makes it even more bizarre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to our brains.
” Following her craniotomy on December 16th , 2019 , and also her birthday , Janice underwent six weeks of daily radiotherapy in 2020 as well as post-surgical physiotherapy to regain movement in her limbs , which she continues to this day .
Speaking of how they helped each other cope through difficult times , Eleanor said : `` Janice was never one of those people who dismissed my symptoms .
“ Instead , she listened to me , tried to understand how I felt and how to support me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really awful , how can I help you ? '
” Janice added : `` It ’ s been great to have someone who really understands that it ’ s good to be positive , but that there ’ s nothing really fine about this experience .
`` The trauma of the diagnosis alone is life-changing before you even have a chance to process anything else .
`` I would leave a radiotherapy session that ’ s left me in tears , give Elly a call and she just gets it because she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instead of trying to cheer me up she says , it ’ s terrible , really terrible and we have a chat about that.
” The women are now aiming to complete a ‘ 30 activities for £30,000 in a fundraising campaign over the next 12 months , to represent the 30 people a day diagnosed with brain tumours , which will go towards helping people like them live well with a brain tumour .

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Katabella Roberts, Kieren Williams)

Janice Johnson and Eleanor Heans-Glogowska were diagnosed with the same type of tumour and have been helping each other through their treatment
Two best friends have been diagnosed with matching brain tumours, within just years of one another.
Janice Johnson and Eleanor Heans-Glogowska first met in 2006 when they were working together at the summer opening of Buckingham Palace.
The two 35-year-olds instantly became best friends, and have been ever since.
In what is said to be a one-in-a-million coincidence, both women have been diagnosed with meningioma, a tumour that forms on the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord inside the skull.
Eleanor, a former English teacher, works now for CAFOD, an official aid agency of the Catholic Church, was diagnosed after a routine eye examination back in 2012.
Image: Jam Press) Jam Press)
What she originally thought was a swollen eye caused by contact lens irritation, was revealed to be a non-malignant meningioma inside her skull.
The biggest risk with meningiomas in this location is that it can push on the optic nerve, which can cause sight loss.
Since her diagnosis, she has had two surgeries to remove some of the soft tissue element of the tumour and file the skull to lessen the pressure.
"I told Janice not long after being diagnosed," Eleanor told Jam Press.
"The thing I remember most is that she didn’t try to make it better by saying ‘at least it’s the best type of tumour to get', she listened to all my worries and fears.
Image: Jam Press) Jam Press)
“As my tumour is inoperable, my only option is to manage the meningioma and so in October and November 2019, I completed a gruelling round of daily radiotherapy for six weeks, which doctors remain hopeful will mean the tumour stops growing.”
Then Janice woke up one morning with temporary paralysis, and would later receive her devastating diagnosis in 2019.
Her symptoms were initially overlooked by A&E doctors, but was later recognised by a neurosurgeon.
She runs a supper club tackling loneliness and social isolation through the power of communal storytelling.
To make matters worse, the news came three weeks before her 35th birthday and the young woman was told she needed emergency surgery to remove the tumour.
Image: Jam Press) Jam Press)
The supper club founder said: "I had hospital appointments and tests almost every day, so it was a bit of a blur with emotional ups and downs.
"I barely had any time to process it. I was in shock and when I asked if I would live or die, they couldn’t tell, so I called Elly straight away while I waited for more information.
"We had both nervously waited for the result, which she hoped was a meningioma. When I called her back and said it was, we were actually feeling relieved.
"We couldn’t believe how bizarre it was that we both had the same tumour, but at least we knew what that was and that it was likely to be treatable.
Image: Jam Press) Jam Press)
"My tumour is above the motor strip on the right side of my brain. Over time it affected my concentration, ability to process information, focus and vision.
“I’ve experienced partial (non-permanent) paralysis, which reduced my ability to walk and a lack of balance causing regular trips and falls, which led to injuries and limping.”
Janice also suffers from focal epilepsy, which manifest in a form of seizures people have when they are awake.
In a true testament to the pair's friendship, the pair have helped each other every step of the way.
Image: Jam Press) Jam Press)
Janice said: "We share the same values and the same sense of humour.
“We tend to laugh at silly things together and we’ve had an in-joke for longer than either of us can remember about the two of us having ‘agile minds’, which makes it even more bizarre that we both have an illness related to our brains.”
Following her craniotomy on December 16th, 2019, and also her birthday, Janice underwent six weeks of daily radiotherapy in 2020 as well as post-surgical physiotherapy to regain movement in her limbs, which she continues to this day.
Speaking of how they helped each other cope through difficult times, Eleanor said: "Janice was never one of those people who dismissed my symptoms.
Image: Jam Press) Jam Press)
“Instead, she listened to me, tried to understand how I felt and how to support me, and said 'yes, this is really awful, how can I help you?'”
Janice added: "It’s been great to have someone who really understands that it’s good to be positive, but that there’s nothing really fine about this experience.
"The trauma of the diagnosis alone is life-changing before you even have a chance to process anything else.
"I would leave a radiotherapy session that’s left me in tears, give Elly a call and she just gets it because she’s been there.
“So instead of trying to cheer me up she says, it’s terrible, really terrible and we have a chat about that.”
The women are now aiming to complete a ‘30 activities for £30,000 in a fundraising campaign over the next 12 months, to represent the 30 people a day diagnosed with brain tumours, which will go towards helping people like them live well with a brain tumour.