thedailymirror--2020-05-03--Holly Willoughby on why she quit Celebrity Juice in emotional goodbye

Emotional Holly Willoughby has posted a touching goodbye message after confirming why she is quitting Celebrity Juice .
The telly beauty says she wants a little more family time - but vowed to be back before long .
The presenter is bowing out after 12 years of being terrorised by crude Keith Lemon on the ITV2 show .
Long-serving Holly is hanging up her captain ’ s hat , two years after fellow original captain Fearne Cotton quit the show .
She revealed all in a lengthy Instagram post , which included nine of her favourite snaps from her time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promised Juice fans have not seen the last of her .
Holly wrote : `` Thank you @ celebjuiceofficial for 12 years of fantastic chaos ...
I can ’ t quite believe what we ’ ve done and how quick that time has gone .
Thank you to you all for watching , we ’ ve always had the loudest and best audiences .
`` Also a huge thank you to @ itv2 for believing in the show in the first place and for all of your support ... Over the years the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone lucky enough to have worked on the show they will know that we really do have the best time , it ’ s never felt like work and always been to me like a night out .
`` Thank you for all your ingenious ideas and hard work ... all good things must come to an end and nothing lasts forever .
`` It ’ s time for me to hand over my team captain seat to some lucky lucky person ... whoever that is , know you are about to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working with one of comedies finest ... @ keithlemon . ''
She went on : `` Where to begin ...
I remember starting this journey with you and saying ‘ I think this might work ’ ... my goodness me it did ... three friends , you me and @ fearnecotton .
`` That is what is at the heart of it.. friendship ...
I love the bones of you Lemon !
`` Thank you for making me laugh for twelve years .
`` I ’ ll be back as a guest and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you in check ... if I don ’ t see you through a week or next week or the week after ... know you are always in my heart . ''
Keith paid tribute to Holly with an f-bomb video clip that he shared on Instagram just hours before news of her quitting his show broke .
A short clip showed Keith – who is the alter ego of 47-year-old comedian Leigh Francis – reacting in shock as Holly screamed “ F*** !
” at the camera .
He captioned the moment : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incredible sport .
Always willing to get her hands dirty and join in .
One of the boys but all woman .
“ A wicked sense of humour and very easy to look at .
Don ’ t look into her eyes though , cos she can make you do anything .
What a lady !
” He added : `` The one and only @ hollywilloughby face of an angel but can have the potty mouth of ... well me I guess . ''

Holly was an original team captain when the madcap show first launched way back in 2008 – but now the star is saying goodbye to Keith Lemon after 12 years
Emotional Holly Willoughby has posted a touching goodbye message after confirming why she is quitting Celebrity Juice.
The telly beauty says she wants a little more family time - but vowed to be back before long.
The presenter is bowing out after 12 years of being terrorised by crude Keith Lemon on the ITV2 show.
Long-serving Holly is hanging up her captain’s hat, two years after fellow original captain Fearne Cotton quit the show.
She revealed all in a lengthy Instagram post, which included nine of her favourite snaps from her time on the show.
The star then promised Juice fans have not seen the last of her.
Holly wrote: "Thank you @celebjuiceofficial for 12 years of fantastic chaos... I can’t quite believe what we’ve done and how quick that time has gone. Thank you to you all for watching, we’ve always had the loudest and best audiences.
"Also a huge thank you to @itv2 for believing in the show in the first place and for all of your support...Over the years the production team has changed, however to anyone lucky enough to have worked on the show they will know that we really do have the best time, it’s never felt like work and always been to me like a night out.
"Thank you for all your ingenious ideas and hard work... all good things must come to an end and nothing lasts forever.
"It’s time for me to hand over my team captain seat to some lucky lucky person... whoever that is, know you are about to get one of the best jobs in telly working with one of comedies finest... @keithlemon."
She went on: "Where to begin... I remember starting this journey with you and saying ‘I think this might work’... my goodness me it did... three friends, you me and @fearnecotton.
"That is what is at the heart of it.. friendship... I love the bones of you Lemon!
"Thank you for making me laugh for twelve years.
"I’ll be back as a guest and just to make sure someone is keeping you in check... if I don’t see you through a week or next week or the week after... know you are always in my heart."
Keith paid tribute to Holly with an f-bomb video clip that he shared on Instagram just hours before news of her quitting his show broke.
A short clip showed Keith – who is the alter ego of 47-year-old comedian Leigh Francis – reacting in shock as Holly screamed “F***!” at the camera.
He captioned the moment: “Love this woman. What an incredible sport. Always willing to get her hands dirty and join in. One of the boys but all woman.
“A wicked sense of humour and very easy to look at. Don’t look into her eyes though, cos she can make you do anything. What a lady!”
He added: "The one and only @hollywilloughby face of an angel but can have the potty mouth of... well me I guess."


thedailymirror--2020-05-03--Year 6 may return to school first in Wales - hinting at UK-wide coronavirus plan

Year 6 pupils could be the first to return to primary schools from as early as June 1 under plans being considered by the Welsh government .
First Minister Mark Drakeford said those in the top year of primary school could be the first to return , to prepare for the `` rite of passage '' of moving up to secondary school in the autumn .
He is also looking at prioritising pupils with special educational needs and those who learn in Welsh .
While the ideas are only for Wales , it hints at the path that could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has confirmed schools will return in a `` phased '' way - and is looking at sending back some year groups before others .
And Boris Johnson today emphasised he wants primary pupils to return `` as fast as we can '' .
Meanwhile , Mr Drakeford has emphasised he wants to take the same actions at the same time as the rest of the UK .
School heads say June 1 is the earliest date they can reopen , and they will need around three weeks ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will give plenty of notice - which means early June is the earliest possible reopening date if notice is given this week .
Boris Johnson is expected to discuss schools when he outlines a `` roadmap '' for adjusting the UK lockdown later in the week .
Wales ’ First Minister Mark Drakeford confirmed he is “ talking about the beginning of June ” as the first possible date for schools to reopen .
He said advice from unions and councils is that three weeks ’ notice would be needed “ as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ we are talking about the beginning of June there , ” he told the BBC ’ s Andrew Marr Show .
He said it “ could be ” that children in Year 6 - who have the “ rite of passage ” of ending school - return earlier than younger primary pupils .
While the Welsh government is responsible for Welsh schools , he stressed his “ strong preference ” is to follow the same plan for the whole of the UK .
“ I want to do it on a UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s something we can achieve , ” he said .
He added : `` We are thinking about ways in which we can bring young people with special educational needs back into education .
“ We ’ re thinking about particular year groups , Year 6 children in primary schools , children going up to secondary school .
“ We know that ’ s a rite of passage , you do it with your classmates , and yet you won ’ t have seen those friends for some weeks now .
“ So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to school earlier than others .
“ We ’ ve got bilingual education system here in Wales .
Children who are learning through the medium of Welsh and may not have Welsh spoken at home - so we need to those children back into education sooner .
“ Those are the sort of things we are working on at the moment.
” He said that distancing was needed for public health reasons - and to reassure parents schools are safe .
Mr Drakeford added : “ You certainly can ’ t have schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing .
”

Year 6 children could be the first to return to school says Welsh First Minister
Year 6 children could be the first to return to school says Welsh First Minister
Wales' First Minister said he is looking at Year 6, special needs and children who learn in Welsh as among the first to return to schools from June onwards when lockdown measures are eased
Year 6 pupils may return to school first in Wales - hinting at UK coronavirus plan
Year 6 pupils could be the first to return to primary schools from as early as June 1 under plans being considered by the Welsh government.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said those in the top year of primary school could be the first to return, to prepare for the "rite of passage" of moving up to secondary school in the autumn.
He is also looking at prioritising pupils with special educational needs and those who learn in Welsh.
While the ideas are only for Wales, it hints at the path that could be taken throughout the rest of the UK.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has confirmed schools will return in a "phased" way - and is looking at sending back some year groups before others.
Image: PA) PA)
And Boris Johnson today emphasised he wants primary pupils to return "as fast as we can".
Meanwhile, Mr Drakeford has emphasised he wants to take the same actions at the same time as the rest of the UK.
School heads say June 1 is the earliest date they can reopen, and they will need around three weeks' notice.
UK ministers have said they will give plenty of notice - which means early June is the earliest possible reopening date if notice is given this week.
Boris Johnson is expected to discuss schools when he outlines a "roadmap" for adjusting the UK lockdown later in the week.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
Wales’ First Minister Mark Drakeford confirmed he is “talking about the beginning of June” as the first possible date for schools to reopen.
He said advice from unions and councils is that three weeks’ notice would be needed “as a minimum” to reopen classrooms.
So “we are talking about the beginning of June there,” he told the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show.
He said it “could be” that children in Year 6 - who have the “rite of passage” of ending school - return earlier than younger primary pupils.
While the Welsh government is responsible for Welsh schools, he stressed his “strong preference” is to follow the same plan for the whole of the UK.
“I want to do it on a UK basis and I still think that’s something we can achieve,” he said.
He added: "We are thinking about ways in which we can bring young people with special educational needs back into education.
“We’re thinking about particular year groups, Year 6 children in primary schools, children going up to secondary school.
“We know that’s a rite of passage, you do it with your classmates, and yet you won’t have seen those friends for some weeks now.
“So it could be bringing those children back to school earlier than others.
“We’ve got bilingual education system here in Wales. Children who are learning through the medium of Welsh and may not have Welsh spoken at home - so we need to those children back into education sooner.
“Those are the sort of things we are working on at the moment.”
He said that distancing was needed for public health reasons - and to reassure parents schools are safe.
Mr Drakeford added: “You certainly can’t have schools reopen as they did before and sustain social distancing.”


thedailymirror--2020-05-03--Premier League club informs players they can 'opt out' of Project Restart

One Premier League club has reportedly informed its players that they have the right to turn down Project Restart - the plan to resume top-flight football in England .
Players at rival sides are outraged that they have not received the same offer from their own clubs , according to The Sun , after hearing about the opt out option via a WhatsApp group .
The group was initially set up for the captains of the 20 Premier League clubs , but now has over 100 members .
The unnamed squad has been told that they may opt out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - and the move could prompt other clubs to do the same .
Project Restart aims to resume football on 12 June but could face disruption due to health and safety concerns , with some players feeling they are being told to return to action before it is safe to do so .
However , only one club has so far informed its players that they are free to not play a game , or even the remainder of the season , if they do not feel comfortable .
If you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here .
This has left stars at other clubs questioning why they have not been extended similar blanket offers amid concerns that players who choose not to play will be criticised individually rather than as a united front .
After teams returned to training in Germany , three people at Bundesliga club Cologne tested positive for coronavirus , heightening fears among players in other leagues who are set to return to action .
Some players feel like their voice is not being heard , which was echoed by Chelsea manager Frank Lampard after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The things I welcomed were the fact player and staff safety will come first and the fact that they are going to have conversations with players and managers , '' Lampard told BT Sport .
`` That hasn ’ t really happened , to be honest .
”

The English top-flight had been edging closer to a restart amid the coronavirus pandemic - but players at one club may refuse to return over health and safety fears
Premier League club inform players they can 'opt out' of return over health and safety fears
One Premier League club has reportedly informed its players that they have the right to turn down Project Restart - the plan to resume top-flight football in England.
Players at rival sides are outraged that they have not received the same offer from their own clubs, according to The Sun, after hearing about the opt out option via a WhatsApp group.
The group was initially set up for the captains of the 20 Premier League clubs, but now has over 100 members.
The unnamed squad has been told that they may opt out of the initiative over health and safety concerns - and the move could prompt other clubs to do the same.
Image: Action Images via Reuters) Action Images via Reuters)
Project Restart aims to resume football on 12 June but could face disruption due to health and safety concerns, with some players feeling they are being told to return to action before it is safe to do so.
However, only one club has so far informed its players that they are free to not play a game, or even the remainder of the season, if they do not feel comfortable.
If you’re unable to see the survey, click here.
This has left stars at other clubs questioning why they have not been extended similar blanket offers amid concerns that players who choose not to play will be criticised individually rather than as a united front.
After teams returned to training in Germany, three people at Bundesliga club Cologne tested positive for coronavirus, heightening fears among players in other leagues who are set to return to action.
Some players feel like their voice is not being heard, which was echoed by Chelsea manager Frank Lampard after Friday's meeting between Premier League chiefs.
“The things I welcomed were the fact player and staff safety will come first and the fact that they are going to have conversations with players and managers," Lampard told BT Sport.
"That hasn’t really happened, to be honest.”


thedailymirror--2020-05-03--Lydia Bright forced to defend drinking when looking after baby after attack

Shocked Lydia Bright bit back at a vicious troll who said it was `` child abuse '' to enjoy a glass of wine after her baby went to bed .
The former TOWIE star is angry when a fan hi-jacked an Instagram Q & A after she put little Loretta down for the night .
The 30-year-old was taking questions but one follower was n't impressed she was putting her feet up with a drink on Saturday night .
She shared a message which was sent to her saying : `` Pic of your baby ?
Is there something wrong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be drinking while looking after your baby .
That 's abuse you know .
`` Hangover ?
It 's just you and your baby - wise to be getting drunk is it ? ''
Lydia did n't take the accusation that she was being a bad mum lying down .
`` After a year of no alcohol , I had my first glass of wine last week , '' she responded .
`` Last night I had a couple of glasses .
I was n't drunk and Loretta was in bed .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already lifting because my body is n't used to alcohol after such a long time . ''
The new mum then posted a message from a fan saying : `` You had a drink of wine last night , so what ?
I for one hope you enjoyed it . ''
The reality star went on to share another post which read : 'There is no such thing as a perfect parent .
So just be a real one . '
Other agreed with her , saying a glass or two does n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day .
Lydia told Hello about the feeling of welcoming Loretta into the world in late February .
`` I 'm still on a massive high at the moment .
I 'm not even struggling with the sleep !
I 'm loving the night feeds , '' she said .
`` That 's my favourite time .
I sit there breastfeeding and I just stare at her .
I definitely feel like I 've been blessed with a dream child . ''

The mum was trolled for enjoying a drink after putting two-month-old Loretta down for the night - and her fans backed her up after being told it was 'abuse' to have booze with a baby in the house
Lydia Bright forced to defend drinking wine when looking after baby daughter after trolls attack
Shocked Lydia Bright bit back at a vicious troll who said it was "child abuse" to enjoy a glass of wine after her baby went to bed.
The former TOWIE star is angry when a fan hi-jacked an Instagram Q&A after she put little Loretta down for the night.
The 30-year-old was taking questions but one follower wasn't impressed she was putting her feet up with a drink on Saturday night.
She shared a message which was sent to her saying: "Pic of your baby? Is there something wrong with her?
"You shouldn't be drinking while looking after your baby. That's abuse you know.
Image: instagram) instagram)
"Hangover? It's just you and your baby - wise to be getting drunk is it?"
Lydia didn't take the accusation that she was being a bad mum lying down.
"After a year of no alcohol, I had my first glass of wine last week," she responded. "Last night I had a couple of glasses. I wasn't drunk and Loretta was in bed.
"I have a small hangover which is already lifting because my body isn't used to alcohol after such a long time."
Image: instagram) instagram) Image: instagram) instagram)
She added: "Give a girl a break!"
The new mum then posted a message from a fan saying: "You had a drink of wine last night, so what? I for one hope you enjoyed it."
The reality star went on to share another post which read: 'There is no such thing as a perfect parent. So just be a real one.'
Other agreed with her, saying a glass or two doesn't hurt as she relaxed after a tiring day.
Image: instagram) instagram)
Lydia told Hello about the feeling of welcoming Loretta into the world in late February.
"I'm still on a massive high at the moment. I'm not even struggling with the sleep! I'm loving the night feeds," she said.
"That's my favourite time. I sit there breastfeeding and I just stare at her. I definitely feel like I've been blessed with a dream child."


thedailymirror--2020-05-03--Photos of unprotected Wuhan scientists taking bat swabs mysteriously vanish

Photos showing seemingly lax safety standards at the laboratory at the centre of international coronavirus suspicion have been deleted from its official website .
A photograph of scientists entering a cave to take swabs of bats potentially carrying the coronavirus while wearing no protective gear has been removed from the Institute of Virology 's website .
The Wuhan based lab has also deleted reference to a visit science and technology expert Rick Switzer made from the US embassy in Beijing back in 2018 .
Those trips led him to warn the US State Department that the lab had a shortage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operate this high-containment laboratory '' , the Mail on Sunday reported .
We have launched a unique nationwide survey to find out what lockdown is like for people across the country .
Click here to take part .
The Institute of Virology has fallen under the international spotlight in the past week .
On Thursday US President Donald Trump suggested that the coronavirus outbreak may have originated from the facility .
“ We ’ re going to see where it comes from , ” Trump said during a White House press conference .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ very , very strongly .
Scientific people , intelligence people , and others .
`` We ’ re going to put it all together .
I think we will have a very good answer eventually .
And China might even tell us.
” Pressed to explain what evidence he had seen that the virus originated in a Chinese lab , Trump responded , “ I can ’ t tell you that .
I ’ m not allowed to tell you that.
” Vice President Mike Pence then claimed that the US had demanded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its director to rule out any possibility that the virus originated there .
On Friday leaked security documents emerged claiming that China deliberately suppressed or destroyed evidence about the coronavirus outbreak and hampered efforts to develop a vaccine .
They also showed that two scientists who worked at the lab were being scrutinised by western spies .
Zhou Peng , head of Wuhan 's Bat Virus Infection and Immunity Project , was part of a study which involved transporting bats from Queensland to the lab in Geelong , Victoria .
There they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , using funds from the Australian and Chinese governments .
The other scientists whose work was being looked into is Shi Zhengli , who studies bat faeces in caves .
The two researchers wrote a paper together in January suggested the virus probably originated in bats .
In March Zhengli told Scientific America during an interview that she wondered : `` Could they ( coronavirus ) come from out lab ? ''
Both the US and the Australian governments have called for an investigation into the origins of the disease .
The Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerned and firmly opposed '' to the idea of such an enquiry .
In the two weeks after China notified the World Health Organisation of the coronavirus outbreak , it had claimed that exposure to the disease originated from Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan .
Descriptions of the first cases recorded by a large group of Chinese researchers in The Lancet on January 24 questioned these claims .
They found that only 13 of the first 41 patients had contact with the market .

Photographs of researchers from the Institute of Virology in Wuhan, China have been deleted from its website at the end of a week in which intense scrutiny has been directed towards the facility
Photos showing seemingly lax safety standards at the laboratory at the centre of international coronavirus suspicion have been deleted from its official website.
A photograph of scientists entering a cave to take swabs of bats potentially carrying the coronavirus while wearing no protective gear has been removed from the Institute of Virology's website.
The Wuhan based lab has also deleted reference to a visit science and technology expert Rick Switzer made from the US embassy in Beijing back in 2018.
Those trips led him to warn the US State Department that the lab had a shortage of trained technicians "needed to safely operate this high-containment laboratory", the Mail on Sunday reported.
We have launched a unique nationwide survey to find out what lockdown is like for people across the country. Click here to take part.
The Institute of Virology has fallen under the international spotlight in the past week.
On Thursday US President Donald Trump suggested that the coronavirus outbreak may have originated from the facility.
“We’re going to see where it comes from,” Trump said during a White House press conference.
“We have people looking at it very, very strongly. Scientific people, intelligence people, and others.
"We’re going to put it all together. I think we will have a very good answer eventually. And China might even tell us.”
Pressed to explain what evidence he had seen that the virus originated in a Chinese lab, Trump responded, “I can’t tell you that. I’m not allowed to tell you that.”
Vice President Mike Pence then claimed that the US had demanded access to the facility, only for its director to rule out any possibility that the virus originated there.
Access was not granted.
On Friday leaked security documents emerged claiming that China deliberately suppressed or destroyed evidence about the coronavirus outbreak and hampered efforts to develop a vaccine.
They also showed that two scientists who worked at the lab were being scrutinised by western spies.
Zhou Peng, head of Wuhan's Bat Virus Infection and Immunity Project, was part of a study which involved transporting bats from Queensland to the lab in Geelong, Victoria.
There they were dissected and their bodies studied for viruses, using funds from the Australian and Chinese governments.
Image: EcoHealth Alliance) EcoHealth Alliance)
The other scientists whose work was being looked into is Shi Zhengli, who studies bat faeces in caves.
The two researchers wrote a paper together in January suggested the virus probably originated in bats.
In March Zhengli told Scientific America during an interview that she wondered: "Could they (coronavirus) come from out lab?"
Both the US and the Australian governments have called for an investigation into the origins of the disease.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said it was "seriously concerned and firmly opposed" to the idea of such an enquiry.
In the two weeks after China notified the World Health Organisation of the coronavirus outbreak, it had claimed that exposure to the disease originated from Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan.
Descriptions of the first cases recorded by a large group of Chinese researchers in The Lancet on January 24 questioned these claims.
They found that only 13 of the first 41 patients had contact with the market.


thedailymirror--2020-05-03--Kim Jong-un 'did not have surgery' says South Korea as absence mystery deepens

Kim Jong-un did not have surgery , according to South Korea , as mystery around his healthcare and absence deepens .
An unidentified Governmental official from South Korea 's presidential team has claims the dictator did not have surgery .
Speculation has circulated about the North Korean supreme leader 's whereabouts , after he disappeared from the public eye for more than two weeks , only to finally make a public appearance on Friday .
He missed the birth anniversary celebrations of state founder Kim Il Sung on April 15 .
This led to speculation over his health , before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 days on Friday , according to North Korean state media .
Some sources in the communist country said Kim had died while others reported he was in a vegetative state following heart surgery .
According to a report from news outlet Yonhap , the leader did not have any such surgery .
Citing an unidentified senior official at presidential Blue House , the outlet said reports discussing some difference to his walk following a surgery were `` speculative '' .
`` We have reasons to believe that there was no surgery , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Last night , US President Donald Trump , who has met Kim and boasted of his good relationship with him , said he was `` glad to see him back and well '' .
However , state media released footage of the 38-year-old riding an electric cart around a factory with a new , mysterious mark on his right wrist .
Speaking to NK News , a US medical professional said the small mark might signal a 'recent cardiovascular procedure , possibly a right , radial artery puncture ' .
Eariler today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ KCNA said leader Kim Jong-un attended the completion of a fertilizer plant in a region north of the capital , Pyongyang , but reuters could not independently verify the KCNA report .
KCNA reported that Kim cut a ribbon at the ceremony on Friday and those attending the event `` burst into thunderous cheers of 'hurrah ! '
for the Supreme Leader who is commanding the all-people general march for accomplishing the great cause of prosperity . ''
Donald Trump has said he is `` glad to see '' Kim Jong-un back in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to his health and mortality .
Responding on Twitter to reports that Kim attended the opening of a fertilizer plant on Friday , the US President declared that `` I , for one , am glad to see he is back , and well ! ''
Trump 's comments were met with criticism , with many urging caution in praising the leader of one of the world 's most secretive and repressive states .
North Korea has continued to insist not to have had any cases of coronavirus , despite the outbreak originating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and South Korea badly .

Rumours circulated about the supreme leader Kim Jong-un's health after a period in which he stayed out of the public eye in North Korea, with some even suggesting he had died
Kim Jong-un 'did not have surgery' says South Korea as absence mystery deepens
Kim Jong-un did not have surgery, according to South Korea, as mystery around his healthcare and absence deepens.
An unidentified Governmental official from South Korea's presidential team has claims the dictator did not have surgery.
Speculation has circulated about the North Korean supreme leader's whereabouts, after he disappeared from the public eye for more than two weeks, only to finally make a public appearance on Friday.
He missed the birth anniversary celebrations of state founder Kim Il Sung on April 15.
This led to speculation over his health, before he made his first public appearance in 20 days on Friday, according to North Korean state media.
Image: Twitter) Twitter)
Some sources in the communist country said Kim had died while others reported he was in a vegetative state following heart surgery.
According to a report from news outlet Yonhap, the leader did not have any such surgery.
Citing an unidentified senior official at presidential Blue House, the outlet said reports discussing some difference to his walk following a surgery were "speculative".
"We have reasons to believe that there was no surgery, but cannot disclose such details."
Last night, US President Donald Trump, who has met Kim and boasted of his good relationship with him, said he was "glad to see him back and well".
However, state media released footage of the 38-year-old riding an electric cart around a factory with a new, mysterious mark on his right wrist.
Image: Getty) Getty)
Speaking to NK News, a US medical professional said the small mark might signal a 'recent cardiovascular procedure, possibly a right, radial artery puncture'.
Eariler today, North Korea's state news agency KCNA said leader Kim Jong-un attended the completion of a fertilizer plant in a region north of the capital, Pyongyang, but reuters could not independently verify the KCNA report.
KCNA reported that Kim cut a ribbon at the ceremony on Friday and those attending the event "burst into thunderous cheers of 'hurrah!' for the Supreme Leader who is commanding the all-people general march for accomplishing the great cause of prosperity."
Donald Trump has said he is "glad to see" Kim Jong-un back in public following the raft of rumours relating to his health and mortality.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
Responding on Twitter to reports that Kim attended the opening of a fertilizer plant on Friday, the US President declared that "I, for one, am glad to see he is back, and well!"
Trump's comments were met with criticism, with many urging caution in praising the leader of one of the world's most secretive and repressive states.
North Korea has continued to insist not to have had any cases of coronavirus, despite the outbreak originating in neighbouring China, and hitting Russia and South Korea badly.


thedailymirror--2020-05-03--Gary Neville claims PL and clubs are 'frightened' to back plan to restart season

Gary Neville has slammed the Premier League and its clubs for failing to make the case for a return to action during the coronavirus pandemic .
The former Manchester United and England star accused them of being `` frightened to death '' to publicly back plans to restart the season for fear of being held liable should something go wrong .
Premier League clubs met on Friday to reaffirm their commitment to resuming the campaign and are understood to have earmarked June 8 as a best-case scenario to return following the coronavirus suspension .
But Neville feels there has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public declarations .
Neville wrote on Twitter : `` The PL are having a CV nightmare .
They keep spouting Health First but then brief constantly `` We have to Re-Start '' .
I 'd respect them more if they said `` We accept the increase in Health Risk but it 's one we are willing to take '' .
They wo n't as they are frightened to death ! ''
When Neville was asked by a Twitter user what would happen if someone died as a result of the restart , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have n't heard one single prominent CEO / Chairman / Owner or Executive open his mouth to back the re-start !
Brief / Brief / Brief !
Scared to death of the liability and blame . ''
Before making an exception for Brighton as the `` only club willing to take a stand '' , Neville added : `` It would be good for them to speak at least once .
Any of them !
Clubs included .
They are bottling this virus on comms .
Very Happy to tell us when they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Premier League announced on Friday that clubs had again confirmed their commitment to finishing the season .
A statement added : `` The League and clubs are considering the first tentative moves forward and will only return to training and playing with Government guidance , under expert medical advice and after consultation with players and managers .
`` The League welcomed the creation of the Government medical working group for a return of elite sport , which met for the first time this morning .
`` No decisions were taken at today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ views on the information provided regarding 'Project Restart ' . ''
Brighton have held virtual press conferences during the shutdown and chief executive Paul Barber voiced opposition to the idea of finishing the season at neutral venues on his club 's official website on Saturday .
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady revealed more details about the plans in a newspaper column on Saturday and Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish made the case for returning to action in a Sunday Times column .
Parish claimed the return of football , if considered appropriate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , lift the nation 's mental health and could help provide a blueprint for other industries to define a `` new normal '' amid the pandemic .
Neville later praised Parish for speaking out after being alerted to the article by the Palace chairman but reiterated his general point .
The TV pundit wrote : `` Steve I want football to return .
I also understand the complexities .
However it 's depressing that the PL and clubs seem to be in hiding , scared to death of communicating .
No-one wants to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in case the unthinkable happens . ''

Neville has accused football chiefs of being "frightened to death" to publicly back plans to restart the season for fear of being held liable should something go wrong
Gary Neville has slammed the Premier League and its clubs for failing to make the case for a return to action during the coronavirus pandemic.
The former Manchester United and England star accused them of being "frightened to death" to publicly back plans to restart the season for fear of being held liable should something go wrong.
Premier League clubs met on Friday to reaffirm their commitment to resuming the campaign and are understood to have earmarked June 8 as a best-case scenario to return following the coronavirus suspension.
But Neville feels there has been too much anonymous briefing and not enough public declarations.
Image: EMPICS Sport) EMPICS Sport)
Neville wrote on Twitter : "The PL are having a CV nightmare. They keep spouting Health First but then brief constantly "We have to Re-Start". I'd respect them more if they said "We accept the increase in Health Risk but it's one we are willing to take". They won't as they are frightened to death!"
When Neville was asked by a Twitter user what would happen if someone died as a result of the restart, he said: "That's why we haven't heard one single prominent CEO / Chairman / Owner or Executive open his mouth to back the re-start ! Brief / Brief / Brief ! Scared to death of the liability and blame."
Before making an exception for Brighton as the "only club willing to take a stand", Neville added: "It would be good for them to speak at least once. Any of them! Clubs included. They are bottling this virus on comms. Very Happy to tell us when they are delivering food parcels though."
The Premier League announced on Friday that clubs had again confirmed their commitment to finishing the season.
Image: REUTERS) REUTERS)
A statement added: "The League and clubs are considering the first tentative moves forward and will only return to training and playing with Government guidance, under expert medical advice and after consultation with players and managers.
"The League welcomed the creation of the Government medical working group for a return of elite sport, which met for the first time this morning.
"No decisions were taken at today's shareholders' meeting and clubs exchanged views on the information provided regarding 'Project Restart'."
Brighton have held virtual press conferences during the shutdown and chief executive Paul Barber voiced opposition to the idea of finishing the season at neutral venues on his club's official website on Saturday.
Image: EMPICS Sport) EMPICS Sport)
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady revealed more details about the plans in a newspaper column on Saturday and Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish made the case for returning to action in a Sunday Times column.
Parish claimed the return of football, if considered appropriate, would be a boost to the taxpayer, lift the nation's mental health and could help provide a blueprint for other industries to define a "new normal" amid the pandemic.
Neville later praised Parish for speaking out after being alerted to the article by the Palace chairman but reiterated his general point.
The TV pundit wrote: "Steve I want football to return. I also understand the complexities. However it's depressing that the PL and clubs seem to be in hiding, scared to death of communicating. No-one wants to be responsible for this one! Just in case the unthinkable happens."


thedailymirror--2020-05-03--Katie Price confesses she's been 'off the rails and a mess for ten years'

Katie Price has admitted she has been slowly going off the rails for just over ten years , confessing she has been `` a mess '' at times .
Yummy mummy Katie , 41 , who has publicly battled drink and drug problems , kidnap attempts , marriage splits and cancer , confessed she knows she will need therapy for life after her hellish decade .
Fans of the mum-of-five wo n't be able to help date her breakdown timeline to her very public split from first husband Peter Andre in 2009 , they divorced in September that year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to marry cage fighter Alex Reid in 2010 which ended in less than a year , and sex cheat Kieran Hayler in 2013 , says she is finally ready to face her demons as she films her Quest Red TV show .
In a clip released on Saturday night , the star confesses : `` I 've been slowly going off the rails for just over ten years at times I have been a mess .
`` Four weeks in hospital and some intensive therapy that will continue for the rest of my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and back but I am starting to feel like me again . ''
Katie has always said she did n't want to split from first husband Pete , who went on to marry doctor Emily MacDonagh and have two children , Theo and Amelia .
She said she would always feel regrets over her split with her first husband , speaking last year Katie confessed : `` And with Pete , I probably wouldn ’ t have done so much stuff in the media because I reckon we still would be together if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 % . ''
As early as this year Katie 's ex caretaker Charlie Farthing painted a bleak picture of Katie 's life in her old 11 bedroom pile - revealing piles of dog poo everywhere , the stench of cat pee from her hairless moggy and gales whipping through the mansion after son Harvey smashed in windows .
But Charlie , who worked for the mum of five for four months , also worryingly tells how the star would come stumbling home after club nights with cash spilling out of her bag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the discovery of empty packets of drugs under a solitary mattress Katie slept on in the annexe of her West Sussex home .
Charlie told The Sun : “ I was tidying up the annexe and I was moving the bed about and there were a couple of little bags , empty wraps that looked like they used to have coke in them so I suspected she ’ d used them at some point .
“ I didn ’ t see her drink that much in the house , or take drugs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nights out she was clearly off her head , so I knew she was on something .
”

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Lucy  Buckland)

Reality star Katie Price made the shock confession on her Quest Red TV show after being an impatient at The Priory for four weeks
Katie Price confesses she's been 'off the rails for more than ten years' and 'a mess'
Katie Price has admitted she has been slowly going off the rails for just over ten years, confessing she has been "a mess" at times.
Yummy mummy Katie, 41, who has publicly battled drink and drug problems, kidnap attempts, marriage splits and cancer, confessed she knows she will need therapy for life after her hellish decade.
Fans of the mum-of-five won't be able to help date her breakdown timeline to her very public split from first husband Peter Andre in 2009, they divorced in September that year.
Now brunette Katie, who went on to marry cage fighter Alex Reid in 2010 which ended in less than a year, and sex cheat Kieran Hayler in 2013, says she is finally ready to face her demons as she films her Quest Red TV show.
Image: INSTAGRAM) INSTAGRAM)
Image: INSTAGRAM) INSTAGRAM) Image: Facebook/Siobhan Jones) Facebook/Siobhan Jones)
In a clip released on Saturday night, the star confesses: "I've been slowly going off the rails for just over ten years at times I have been a mess.
"Four weeks in hospital and some intensive therapy that will continue for the rest of my life. I've been to hell and back but I am starting to feel like me again."
Katie has always said she didn't want to split from first husband Pete, who went on to marry doctor Emily MacDonagh and have two children, Theo and Amelia.
She said she would always feel regrets over her split with her first husband, speaking last year Katie confessed: "And with Pete, I probably wouldn’t have done so much stuff in the media because I reckon we still would be together if certain people hadn’t been involved 100%."
Image: Facebook) Facebook) Image: INSTAGRAM) INSTAGRAM)
As early as this year Katie's ex caretaker Charlie Farthing painted a bleak picture of Katie's life in her old 11 bedroom pile - revealing piles of dog poo everywhere, the stench of cat pee from her hairless moggy and gales whipping through the mansion after son Harvey smashed in windows.
But Charlie, who worked for the mum of five for four months, also worryingly tells how the star would come stumbling home after club nights with cash spilling out of her bag.
And, even more concerning, was the discovery of empty packets of drugs under a solitary mattress Katie slept on in the annexe of her West Sussex home.
Image: QUEST RED) QUEST RED)
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
Charlie told The Sun : “I was tidying up the annexe and I was moving the bed about and there were a couple of little bags, empty wraps that looked like they used to have coke in them so I suspected she’d used them at some point.
“I didn’t see her drink that much in the house, or take drugs, but when she came back from nights out she was clearly off her head, so I knew she was on something.”


thedailymirror--2020-05-03--Government 'actively' looking at quarantining people who fly into UK

The government is `` actively looking at '' quarantining people who arrive into the UK once lockdown begins to ease , a Cabinet minister confirmed today .
Grant Shapps , the Transport Secretary , said he would need to ensure the UK is not `` importing '' coronavirus once the infection rate here begins to come down .
Reports suggest people will be asked to isolate themselves for two weeks after arriving in the UK .
Airline groups have sounded the alarm over the proposed rule which they say would `` kill '' international travel .
Asked if those arriving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go into quarantine , Mr Shapps told the BBC 's Andrew Marr Show : `` I think it ’ s important as we ’ re seeing the numbers decrease and the R rate we hope decrease… that we do ensure that the sacrifices in the sense of social distancing that we ’ re asking the British people to make are matched by anybody who comes to this country .
`` So I am actively looking at these issues right now .
`` So that when we have infection rates within the country under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Mr Shapps defended the decision not to carry out temperature checks or quarantine on thousands who flew into the UK at the start of the outbreak .
He claimed advice from the Chief Medical Officer at the time was that closing the borders would have only delayed the arrival of the virus by up to five days .
And he said such a move would have prevented stranded Brits from returning home .
UK government sources have repeatedly insisted checking passengers ' temperatures - a move widely adopted in other countries - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said temperature checks do not flag up asymptomatic people or those who are incubating the virus and will fall ill a few days later .
Even now , with more than 25,000 deaths , who arrive in the UK are still not being told to go into quarantine .
But Mr Shapps said that was because most are returning Brits and those who arrive are currently going into lockdown anyway .
The UK has one of the worst international rates of coronavirus , though ministers have warned it is too early to compare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a week ago that travellers could be advised to quarantine for two weeks after arrival .
That would scupper holidays and business trips to the UK and deter Brits from going abroad , due to restrictions when they come back .
Boris Johnson will set out a `` roadmap '' for easing lockdown this week - but officials have made clear it could strengthen in some areas while being slackened in others .
Mr Shapps said Britain will not return to `` business as usual '' .
He told Sky 's Sophy Ridge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think we should expect us to go from this situation that we have at the moment of social distancing back to where we were in February .
`` That 's clearly not going to happen and I do n't think anyone imagines that for one moment .
`` The most important thing is that the absolute focus of what the Prime Minister will be announcing later in the week is that what we do do going forward does n't undo the brilliant work people have been doing to get that R number below @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't come back up because that 's when we 'd see a second spike .
`` So no I 'm afraid it is definitely not going to be business as usual but we do want to make sure that people understand where the routemap lies . ''

Government "actively looking at" quarantining people who fly into the UK
Government "actively looking at" quarantining people who fly into the UK
New arrivals into the UK could be asked to go into quarantine, the Transport Secretary confirmed - but he defended not introducing the move sooner
The government is "actively looking at" quarantining people who arrive into the UK once lockdown begins to ease, a Cabinet minister confirmed today.
Grant Shapps, the Transport Secretary, said he would need to ensure the UK is not "importing" coronavirus once the infection rate here begins to come down.
Reports suggest people will be asked to isolate themselves for two weeks after arriving in the UK.
Airline groups have sounded the alarm over the proposed rule which they say would "kill" international travel.
Asked if those arriving in the UK will be asked to go into quarantine, Mr Shapps told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show: "I think it’s important as we’re seeing the numbers decrease and the R rate we hope decrease… that we do ensure that the sacrifices in the sense of social distancing that we’re asking the British people to make are matched by anybody who comes to this country.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
"So I am actively looking at these issues right now.
"So that when we have infection rates within the country under control, we're not importing."
Mr Shapps defended the decision not to carry out temperature checks or quarantine on thousands who flew into the UK at the start of the outbreak.
He claimed advice from the Chief Medical Officer at the time was that closing the borders would have only delayed the arrival of the virus by up to five days.
And he said such a move would have prevented stranded Brits from returning home.
UK government sources have repeatedly insisted checking passengers' temperatures - a move widely adopted in other countries - would not have worked.
Officials said said temperature checks do not flag up asymptomatic people or those who are incubating the virus and will fall ill a few days later.
Even now, with more than 25,000 deaths, who arrive in the UK are still not being told to go into quarantine.
But Mr Shapps said that was because most are returning Brits and those who arrive are currently going into lockdown anyway.
The UK has one of the worst international rates of coronavirus, though ministers have warned it is too early to compare Britain to other countries.
Reports emerged a week ago that travellers could be advised to quarantine for two weeks after arrival.
That would scupper holidays and business trips to the UK and deter Brits from going abroad, due to restrictions when they come back.
Boris Johnson will set out a "roadmap" for easing lockdown this week - but officials have made clear it could strengthen in some areas while being slackened in others.
Mr Shapps said Britain will not return to "business as usual".
He told Sky's Sophy Ridge On Sunday: "I don't think we should expect us to go from this situation that we have at the moment of social distancing back to where we were in February.
"That's clearly not going to happen and I don't think anyone imagines that for one moment.
"The most important thing is that the absolute focus of what the Prime Minister will be announcing later in the week is that what we do do going forward doesn't undo the brilliant work people have been doing to get that R number below 1 - the all-critical reproduction rate doesn't come back up because that's when we'd see a second spike.
"So no I'm afraid it is definitely not going to be business as usual but we do want to make sure that people understand where the routemap lies."


thedailymirror--2020-05-03--Tribute paid to 'larger than life' 11-year-old boy who passed away in his sleep

The heartbroken family of an 11-year-old boy who died in his sleep are paying tribute to his `` larger than life '' character and loving nature .
Gareth Crosby , known as Gazza to his friends and family , died overnight on Wednesday , April 22 at his home in Graig-y-Rhacca , Caerphilly .
He lived there with his mother , Bethan Jones , 32 , and 12-year-old sister , Ella , Wales Online reported .
Gareth was diagnosed at a young age with complex epilepsy and a learning disability .
Following a post-mortem exam , his medical cause of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in epilepsy and his family wanted to make clear his death was not related to coronavirus .
We have launched a unique nationwide survey to find out what lockdown is like for people across the country .
Click here to take part .
Gareth 's heartbroken family have paid tribute , describing him as a `` larger than life character '' who loved sport and his family .
They said : `` [ Gareth was ] a cheeky , mischievous boy , always happy and had a smile on his face .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Gareth loved football and rugby and would shout 'come on boys ' at every Wales rugby match .
He was a larger-than-life character , met once , never forgotten .
`` He would hug everyone and demanded a kiss before people left - he always wanted to show love .
He loved times with his big sister dressing up and dancing .
He adored music , snap cards and making music videos with his sister and cousins . ''
Gareth had seizures most weeks as part of his complex epilepsy but his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him from being the happy boy he was '' .
They said : `` His mother was religious with his epilepsy care needs and he was supported by multiple epilepsy professionals .
Gareth would have seizures most weeks and they would often come in clusters where he was prescribed rescue medication . ''
Gareth ’ s father passed away from cancer six years ago and Gareth would say “ I miss my daddy ” every day .
Miss Jones said the only comfort she has is knowing that her son is now with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` When he attended Tyn-y-Wern , at the Friday assembly Gazza would put his hand up to say it was his birthday .
Every Friday all the children and teachers would sing happy birthday to him without fail . ''
They said the support from the community has been `` amazing '' and a group was set up on social media called “ Lighting the way for Gazza ” .
In Gareth 's memory , people in Graig-y-Rhacca , Bedwas and Trethomas have lit candles and played his favourite song , Life is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cars .
His family say they are also very thankful to generous people in the local community who have shown `` so much support '' to them by donating food parcels , gifts and started collections .
Blue bows in his honour are also being sold and are being placed on people ’ s houses and cars .
The family said : `` We are overwhelmed with the community support especially at this difficult time due to coronavirus .
Gareth touched so many people ’ s lives and how well he was liked @

Gareth has been described as someone who "always wanted to show love", and adored sports and his family
Tributes flow for 'larger than life' boy who died from complication of epilepsy
The heartbroken family of an 11-year-old boy who died in his sleep are paying tribute to his "larger than life" character and loving nature.
Gareth Crosby, known as Gazza to his friends and family, died overnight on Wednesday, April 22 at his home in Graig-y-Rhacca, Caerphilly.
He lived there with his mother, Bethan Jones, 32, and 12-year-old sister, Ella, Wales Online reported.
Gareth was diagnosed at a young age with complex epilepsy and a learning disability.
Following a post-mortem exam, his medical cause of death was given as sudden unexpected death in epilepsy and his family wanted to make clear his death was not related to coronavirus.
We have launched a unique nationwide survey to find out what lockdown is like for people across the country. Click here to take part.
Gareth's heartbroken family have paid tribute, describing him as a "larger than life character" who loved sport and his family.
They said: "[Gareth was] a cheeky, mischievous boy, always happy and had a smile on his face. He had a wicked sense of humour.
"Gareth loved football and rugby and would shout 'come on boys' at every Wales rugby match. He was a larger-than-life character, met once, never forgotten.
"He would hug everyone and demanded a kiss before people left - he always wanted to show love. He loved times with his big sister dressing up and dancing. He adored music, snap cards and making music videos with his sister and cousins."
Gareth had seizures most weeks as part of his complex epilepsy but his family said this "did not keep him from being the happy boy he was".
They said: "His mother was religious with his epilepsy care needs and he was supported by multiple epilepsy professionals. Gareth would have seizures most weeks and they would often come in clusters where he was prescribed rescue medication."
Gareth’s father passed away from cancer six years ago and Gareth would say “I miss my daddy” every day.
Miss Jones said the only comfort she has is knowing that her son is now with his dad.
Gareth attended Tyn-y-Wern Primary School and St James Primary School.
His family said: "When he attended Tyn-y-Wern, at the Friday assembly Gazza would put his hand up to say it was his birthday. Every Friday all the children and teachers would sing happy birthday to him without fail."
They said the support from the community has been "amazing" and a group was set up on social media called “Lighting the way for Gazza”.
In Gareth's memory, people in Graig-y-Rhacca, Bedwas and Trethomas have lit candles and played his favourite song, Life is a Highway, from his favourite film Cars.
His family say they are also very thankful to generous people in the local community who have shown "so much support" to them by donating food parcels, gifts and started collections.
Blue bows in his honour are also being sold and are being placed on people’s houses and cars.
The family said: "We are overwhelmed with the community support especially at this difficult time due to coronavirus. Gareth touched so many people’s lives and how well he was liked.


thedailymirror--2020-05-04--Liam Gallagher quit Oasis’ 1996 US tour ‘to avoid fight with American rock star’

Liam Gallagher went running home to the UK during an Oasis tour of the USA over fears of being forced to fight a member of their support band , according to a rival rocker .
The 47-year-old Wonderwall singer has a hard man image and is famed for his famous spats with fellow musicians like Damon Albarn , Robbie Williams , and his own brother , Noel .
However it seems the Mancunian singer 's tough exterior might hide a cowardly interior as it has been claimed he once fled America to avoid a planned fight with Screaming Trees frontman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and his band supported Oasis during their 1996 ( What 's the Story ) Morning Glory ?
Tour – which was cut short while the band were in America .
Now Mark is lifting the lid on a feud that he claims erupted when Liam tried to stomp his authority over the Screaming Trees .
The Sun reports Mark writing in his memoir about an early encounter with Liam turning sour when the Oasis star mocked his own band and acted in a “ bullying ” manner .
Liam is then said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenged him to a physical fight when the two groups were due to reunite in Florida – but Oasis aborted their tour before reaching the Sunshine State .
Mark writes : “ Liam Gallagher was an obvious poser , a playground bully .
Like all bullies , he was also a total p***y .
“ He had quit and bailed before I could have a go at him before his promised playground battle royale in Miami .
“ Typical , I thought .
That phoney motherf***er had p***ed his pants and gone home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to blow this whole thing up myself.
” Mark claims he stuck up for his band when Liam sarcastically referred to them as the “ Howling Branches ” – with the Oasis star “ lunging ” towards him when he stuck up for his group .
Describing a scene where Liam allegedly launched into a “ half-dance ” half lunge , while “ gesticulating crazily ” , Mark said : “ He intended for it to look intimidating .
He looked f***ing pathetic.
” More recently , Liam has looked unrecognisable after sporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coat .

Liam Gallagher keeps himself occupied at home in unusual way
Liam Gallagher keeps himself occupied at home in unusual way
Screaming Trees frontman, Mark Lanegan, has been sharing some curious tales of planned fights and cowardly retreats relating to Liam from when the group supported Oasis on tour in 1996
Liam Gallagher went running home to the UK during an Oasis tour of the USA over fears of being forced to fight a member of their support band, according to a rival rocker.
The 47-year-old Wonderwall singer has a hard man image and is famed for his famous spats with fellow musicians like Damon Albarn, Robbie Williams, and his own brother, Noel.
However it seems the Mancunian singer's tough exterior might hide a cowardly interior as it has been claimed he once fled America to avoid a planned fight with Screaming Trees frontman, Mark Lanegan.
Mark, 55, and his band supported Oasis during their 1996 (What's the Story) Morning Glory? Tour – which was cut short while the band were in America.
Image: Daily Mirror) Daily Mirror)
Now Mark is lifting the lid on a feud that he claims erupted when Liam tried to stomp his authority over the Screaming Trees.
The Sun reports Mark writing in his memoir about an early encounter with Liam turning sour when the Oasis star mocked his own band and acted in a “bullying” manner.
Liam is then said to have gone running scared when Mark challenged him to a physical fight when the two groups were due to reunite in Florida – but Oasis aborted their tour before reaching the Sunshine State.
Image: Redferns) Redferns)
Mark writes: “Liam Gallagher was an obvious poser, a playground bully. Like all bullies, he was also a total p***y.
“He had quit and bailed before I could have a go at him before his promised playground battle royale in Miami.
“Typical, I thought. That phoney motherf***er had p***ed his pants and gone home to mama before I had a chance to blow this whole thing up myself.”
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
Mark claims he stuck up for his band when Liam sarcastically referred to them as the “Howling Branches” – with the Oasis star “lunging” towards him when he stuck up for his group.
Describing a scene where Liam allegedly launched into a “half-dance” half lunge, while “gesticulating crazily”, Mark said: “He intended for it to look intimidating. He looked f***ing pathetic.”
More recently, Liam has looked unrecognisable after sporting a scraggly beard and hiding under a coat.


thedailymirror--2020-05-04--Erling Haaland sends message to Virgil van Dijk and addresses transfer future

Erling Haaland has hailed Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk as 'incredible ' - as the Manchester United target opened up about his transfer future .
Haaland is one of the hottest properties in European football , having scored 12 goals in 11 games since joining Borussia Dortmund in January .
Before his switch to Germany , the 19-year-old striker had been on fire for Red Bull Salzburg - scoring 16 goals in 14 games in the Austrian Bundesliga , The Norwegian hotshot also scored eight goals in the Champions League for Salzburg - one of which was against Liverpool in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side at Anfield in October .
During that game , and again in a 2-0 defeat for Salzburg second group game in October , Haaland came up against defensive colossus Van Dijk - and he says the Dutchman has every quality you could hope for in a centre-half .
`` He is so good , '' said Haaland .
`` He is powerful , quick , he possesses all the qualities .
He is an incredible player . ''
Haaland was expected to join Manchester United in January following his goalscoring heroics for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top of a list of targets for Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer , but signed for Dortmund after United pulled out of talks .
However , his switch has n't stopped further speculation over Haaland 's future , with Real Madrid having been linked with making a move for the striker as early as this summer .
That appears unlikely to happen now as clubs across Europe are hit by the financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic - which could open the door for United or indeed rivals Liverpool to swoop for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward insists he is happy for the moment at Dortmund - admitting that his team 's Westfalenstadion home makes his hairs stand on end .
`` I have just arrived , '' said Haaland .
`` I am very happy here .
I want to achieve many things .
`` I am only concentrating on that .
The stadium here gives me goose bumps , and I feel well here . ''
If you ’ re unable to see the survey , click here mirror.co.uk/greatbiglockdownsurvey Meanwhile , Haaland 's former boss Jessie Marsch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to watch in the coming years '' .
The Salzburg head coach said : `` What makes Erling so special is his mentality .
`` To start with , he was in the youth World Cup , he scored nine goals in one game .
`` We gave every one of our players who had international obligations three weeks off before they were supposed to come with us .
Erling had six days off and then said 'no , I want to come to camp ' .
`` Erling came to Salzburg last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spring , so he had a lot of sitting on the bench .
`` He was so keen to start proving himself - right away I knew this kid had ambition and grind . ''
Marsch added : `` He 's fearless , he 's competitive , he 's got a drive to get better , he 's equipped with so many qualities that make him very different and special , along with the ability and pure talent .
He 'll be fun to watch in the coming years , that 's for @ @ @

Haaland hailed 'incredible' Liverpool defender Van Dijk and has given an update on his future plans, with Manchester United and Real Madrid among those monitoring his situation
Erling Haaland has hailed Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk as 'incredible' - as the Manchester United target opened up about his transfer future.
Haaland is one of the hottest properties in European football, having scored 12 goals in 11 games since joining Borussia Dortmund in January.
Before his switch to Germany, the 19-year-old striker had been on fire for Red Bull Salzburg - scoring 16 goals in 14 games in the Austrian Bundesliga,
The Norwegian hotshot also scored eight goals in the Champions League for Salzburg - one of which was against Liverpool in a 4-3 win for Jurgen Klopp's side at Anfield in October.
During that game, and again in a 2-0 defeat for Salzburg second group game in October, Haaland came up against defensive colossus Van Dijk - and he says the Dutchman has every quality you could hope for in a centre-half.
Image: SASCHA STEINBACH/EPA-EFE/REX) SASCHA STEINBACH/EPA-EFE/REX)
"He is so good," said Haaland. "He is powerful, quick, he possesses all the qualities. He is an incredible player."
Haaland was expected to join Manchester United in January following his goalscoring heroics for Salzburg before Christmas.
The teenager was top of a list of targets for Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but signed for Dortmund after United pulled out of talks.
However, his switch hasn't stopped further speculation over Haaland's future, with Real Madrid having been linked with making a move for the striker as early as this summer.
Image: PETER POWELL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock) PETER POWELL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)
That appears unlikely to happen now as clubs across Europe are hit by the financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic - which could open the door for United or indeed rivals Liverpool to swoop for Haaland next summer.
But the centre forward insists he is happy for the moment at Dortmund - admitting that his team's Westfalenstadion home makes his hairs stand on end.
"I have just arrived," said Haaland. "I am very happy here. I want to achieve many things.
"I am only concentrating on that. The stadium here gives me goose bumps, and I feel well here."
If you’re unable to see the survey, click here
mirror.co.uk/greatbiglockdownsurvey
Meanwhile, Haaland's former boss Jessie Marsch said the player will be "fun to watch in the coming years".
The Salzburg head coach said: "What makes Erling so special is his mentality.
"To start with, he was in the youth World Cup, he scored nine goals in one game.
"We gave every one of our players who had international obligations three weeks off before they were supposed to come with us. Erling had six days off and then said 'no, I want to come to camp'.
Image: Action Images via Reuters) Action Images via Reuters)
"Erling came to Salzburg last winter, he played one game in spring, so he had a lot of sitting on the bench.
"He was so keen to start proving himself - right away I knew this kid had ambition and grind."
Marsch added: "He's fearless, he's competitive, he's got a drive to get better, he's equipped with so many qualities that make him very different and special, along with the ability and pure talent. He'll be fun to watch in the coming years, that's for sure."


thedailymirror--2020-05-04--Heathrow boss warns airport social distancing 'would require 1km queues'

Post-lockdown social distancing in airport queues wo n't work because they would need to be a kilometre long , the boss of Heathrow Airport has warned .
John Holland-Kaye has called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to `` take a lead '' in agreeing a common international standard for health in air travel to `` save jobs '' .
“ Forget social distancing – it won ’ t work in aviation or any other form of public transport , and the problem is not the plane , it is the lack of space in the airport , '' he wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Just one jumbo jet would require a queue a kilometre long . ''
For updates on coronavirus , follow our live blog HERE .
The CEO said while social distancing at airports is completely impractical , a `` package of measures '' similar to Asia since the Sars crisis needs to be in place by the summer .
Mr Holland-Kaye said such an easily manageable attitude to safety is `` practical , medically proven and builds confidence '' .
He suggested a health check on entering the terminal , with passengers who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure they can fly .
He added that surgical face masks `` may become the norm '' , while contact between passengers and airport staff would need to be lessened and `` fantastic levels of hygiene '' maintained .
Mr Holland-Kaye said such a common standard could be in place by next month for the highly profitable summer season if Britain , the EU and America can push forward discussions .
He said it will `` save jobs in factories , farms and hotels , and ... prevent mass redundancies in our local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson ] can take a lead on agreeing this common international standard for health in air travel , we will take a lead in getting the economy back to full throttle , '' he added .
Mr Holland-Kaye previously said social distancing on planes would reduce capacities by more than 50 % and would mean `` prices would shoot up '' .
EasyJet has suggested it could leave the middle seats on its planes empty when flights resume .
While Ryanair chief Michael O'Leary declared `` we can keep people safe '' as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` What we will have to do , though , when we do return , will be temperature checks at people entering airport terminals and train stations , '' he told the BBC .
`` Anybody with a temperature of over 38 degrees will be refused entry . ''
The number of passengers travelling through Heathrow last month was down by around 97 % compared with April 2019 .
The west London airport expects passenger demand will `` remain weak '' until governments around the world `` deem it safe to lift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18.3 % year-on-year decline in demand to 14.6 million passengers between January and March , while earnings before tax and interest fell by 22.4 % to £315 million .
The airport insisted its financial position is `` robust '' , with £3.2 billion in liquidity , which is `` sufficient to maintain the business at least over the next 12 months , even with no passengers '' .

John Holland-Kaye has called on PM Boris Johnson to take a lead in getting a common standard of manageable airport safety measures agreed between Britain, the EU and the US by next month to save jobs
Post-lockdown social distancing in airport queues won't work because they would need to be a kilometre long, the boss of Heathrow Airport has warned.
John Holland-Kaye has called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to "take a lead" in agreeing a common international standard for health in air travel to "save jobs".
“Forget social distancing – it won’t work in aviation or any other form of public transport, and the problem is not the plane, it is the lack of space in the airport," he wrote in a Daily Telegraph column.
"Just one jumbo jet would require a queue a kilometre long."
For updates on coronavirus, follow our live blog HERE.
Image: Ilya Dmitryachev/TASS) Ilya Dmitryachev/TASS)
The CEO said while social distancing at airports is completely impractical, a "package of measures" similar to Asia since the Sars crisis needs to be in place by the summer.
Mr Holland-Kaye said such an easily manageable attitude to safety is "practical, medically proven and builds confidence".
He suggested a health check on entering the terminal, with passengers who are displaying high temperatures receiving further checks to ensure they can fly.
Image: SWNS) SWNS)
He added that surgical face masks "may become the norm", while contact between passengers and airport staff would need to be lessened and "fantastic levels of hygiene" maintained.
Mr Holland-Kaye said such a common standard could be in place by next month for the highly profitable summer season if Britain, the EU and America can push forward discussions.
He said it will "save jobs in factories, farms and hotels, and...prevent mass redundancies in our local area".
Image: 10 Downing Street/AFP via Getty) 10 Downing Street/AFP via Getty)
"If [Mr Johnson] can take a lead on agreeing this common international standard for health in air travel, we will take a lead in getting the economy back to full throttle," he added.
Mr Holland-Kaye previously said social distancing on planes would reduce capacities by more than 50% and would mean "prices would shoot up".
EasyJet has suggested it could leave the middle seats on its planes empty when flights resume.
While Ryanair chief Michael O'Leary declared "we can keep people safe" as he gave his support to temperature checks.
"What we will have to do, though, when we do return, will be temperature checks at people entering airport terminals and train stations," he told the BBC.
"Anybody with a temperature of over 38 degrees will be refused entry."
The number of passengers travelling through Heathrow last month was down by around 97% compared with April 2019.
The west London airport expects passenger demand will "remain weak" until governments around the world "deem it safe to lift travel restrictions".
It recorded an 18.3% year-on-year decline in demand to 14.6 million passengers between January and March, while earnings before tax and interest fell by 22.4% to £315 million.
The airport insisted its financial position is "robust", with £3.2 billion in liquidity, which is "sufficient to maintain the business at least over the next 12 months, even with no passengers".


thedailymirror--2020-05-04--Taylor Swift showers New York nurse with gifts for joining coronavirus fight

Taylor Swift delighted a nurse fighting against the coronavirus pandemic when she sent her a handwritten letter to celebrate her birthday .
The 30-year-old chart topping star made the dreams of a fan named Whitney come true when she penned a special note to her to help her celebrate her own landmark thirtieth year .
And the small act of kindness was greatly received by Whitney not least because she has been helping in the fight against coronavirus as a nurse in New York City .
The Big Apple has been an epicentre of the spread of the deadly disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 174,000 confirmed cases of the virus and over 13,000 deaths in the city alone .
Taking to Twitter on Sunday , however , Whitney shared images of the letter she received from Taylor – as well as other goodies and merchandise that had been sent by the star ’ s staff .
Posting the snaps online , Whitney gushed : “ I need to PUBLICLY THANK TAYLOR SWIFT @ taylorswift & @ taylornation13 @ treepaine for sending me a box full of Merch & a PERSONALIZED LETTER from Taylor herself for my 30th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a nurse.
” The clearly delighted fan added : “ This was quite literally the BEST DAY OF MY LIFE.
” Taylor 's note reads : “ I wanted to send you some presents and to let you know I am so grateful for you .
“ I can ’ t thank you enough for risking your life to help people and for spreading the message loudly that people need to hear about taking this seriously .
“ Also , I saw the photo of you from my show !
Thank you for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give you a hug next time and thank you in person.
” Taylor has been in contact with other fans who are struggling financially as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak and donating thousands of dollars to to help them out .
The Lover singer sent $ 3,000 ( around £2,500 ) to a handful of people after noticing that they 'd shared posts on social media about their coronavirus-related struggles .
One fan named Samantha Jacobs , who lives in Orlando , Florida and explained that her income from her job at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the theme park shut down due to the outbreak .
Samantha took to Twitter to explain her situation – and was gobsmacked when The Swift responded .
She tweeted : `` I have no job , no income , no way to pay my bills rn .
If anyone happens to be able to donate and has it in their hearts to do so , anything really really helps with bills right now . ''
Swift then replied , writing : `` Samantha , I saw your tweet about being stressed about bills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What 's the best way I can gift you $ 3000 ?
Do you have PayPal ?
Love , Taylor . ''

A fan named Whitney was left thrilled when chart-topping star Taylor send her a handwritten note and a box full of gifts to help her celebrate her 30th birthday
Taylor Swift delighted a nurse fighting against the coronavirus pandemic when she sent her a handwritten letter to celebrate her birthday.
The 30-year-old chart topping star made the dreams of a fan named Whitney come true when she penned a special note to her to help her celebrate her own landmark thirtieth year.
And the small act of kindness was greatly received by Whitney not least because she has been helping in the fight against coronavirus as a nurse in New York City.
The Big Apple has been an epicentre of the spread of the deadly disease in the USA, with more than 174,000 confirmed cases of the virus and over 13,000 deaths in the city alone.
Image: Getty Images for dcp) Getty Images for dcp)
Taking to Twitter on Sunday, however, Whitney shared images of the letter she received from Taylor – as well as other goodies and merchandise that had been sent by the star’s staff.
Posting the snaps online, Whitney gushed: “I need to PUBLICLY THANK TAYLOR SWIFT @taylorswift & @taylornation13 @treepaine for sending me a box full of Merch & a PERSONALIZED LETTER from Taylor herself for my 30th birthday/for going to NYC to help as a nurse.”
The clearly delighted fan added: “This was quite literally the BEST DAY OF MY LIFE.”
Image: Twitter) Twitter)
Image: Twitter) Twitter)
Taylor's note reads: “I wanted to send you some presents and to let you know I am so grateful for you.
“I can’t thank you enough for risking your life to help people and for spreading the message loudly that people need to hear about taking this seriously.
“Also, I saw the photo of you from my show! Thank you for caring!! I would love to give you a hug next time and thank you in person.”
Image: Twitter) Twitter)
Taylor has been in contact with other fans who are struggling financially as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak and donating thousands of dollars to to help them out.
The Lover singer sent $3,000 (around £2,500) to a handful of people after noticing that they'd shared posts on social media about their coronavirus-related struggles.
One fan named Samantha Jacobs, who lives in Orlando, Florida and explained that her income from her job at Disneyworld had been ruined by the fact the theme park shut down due to the outbreak.
Image: Twitter) Twitter)
Samantha took to Twitter to explain her situation – and was gobsmacked when The Swift responded.
She tweeted: "I have no job, no income, no way to pay my bills rn. If anyone happens to be able to donate and has it in their hearts to do so, anything really really helps with bills right now."
Swift then replied, writing: "Samantha, I saw your tweet about being stressed about bills piling up and I want to help. What's the best way I can gift you $3000? Do you have PayPal? Love, Taylor."


thedailymirror--2020-05-03--Lehmann recalls Arsene Wenger vs Sir Alex Ferguson fight in Old Trafford tunnel

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has recalled the moment Arsene Wenger squared up to his great rival Sir Alex Ferguson after the infamous 'Battle of Old Trafford ' .
The Gunners had grabbed a hard-earned point against reigning champions Manchester United at the Theatre of Dreams - six games into the 2003/4 Premier League season which would see Wenger 's 'Invincibles ' win the title without losing a game .
Arsenal 's unbeaten record almost did n't last past the Old Trafford clash , but they were let off the hook when Ruud van Nistelrooy missed a late chance to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crossbar from the penalty spot in injury time .
After Van Nistelrooy ' miss the game descended into violence , with all 22 players involved in a brawl on the pitch at the final whistle , before a young Cesc Fabregas famously threw a pizza at legendary United boss Ferguson as the fighting continued in the tunnel .
The drama did n't there , though , as Lehmann recalls he saw Wenger and Ferguson `` almost start to fight '' .
`` I remember after that game I wasn ’ t looking into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was looking into the eyes of Arsene , ’ Lehmann told BeIN Sports .
`` He was having Alex Ferguson at a short distance like that [ clenches fist ] .
`` He grabbed him and each of them were very angry with each other and almost started to fight with each other .
`` It wasn ’ t about me or the players , it was more about the manager .
`` I came in late and I remember that there were two crowds of people confronting each other , and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , accidentally of course .
`` It was funny to watch , I wasn ’ t involved .
You always expect me to be involved but I wasn ’ t in this situation .
`` We were talking ( on the Monday at the training ground ) but we were waiting for fines to be handed out and of course to United . ''
The match between the two best sides in English football at the time had been a typically volatile one , featuring seven bookings including two for Gunners midfielder Patrick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see the survey , click here ” mirror.co.uk/greatbiglockdownsurvey Following the on-pitch brawl , Arsenal were fined £175,000 by the FA for failing to control their players , while Lauren , Martin Keown , Patrick Vieira and Ray Parlour all received bans and fines .
Ashley Cole was the other Gunners player to be fined over the incident , while United stars Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo were also hot in the pocket by the FA for their parts in the fracas .

MARCOS ROJO FLOUTS LOCKDOWN RULES AS HE PARTIES WITH FRIENDS IN ARGENTINA
MARCOS ROJO FLOUTS LOCKDOWN RULES AS HE PARTIES WITH FRIENDS IN ARGENTINA
Ex-keeper says legendary Arsenal and Manchester United managers almost began to fight after all 22 of their players were involved in infamous 'Battle of Old Trafford' brawl
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has recalled the moment Arsene Wenger squared up to his great rival Sir Alex Ferguson after the infamous 'Battle of Old Trafford'.
The Gunners had grabbed a hard-earned point against reigning champions Manchester United at the Theatre of Dreams - six games into the 2003/4 Premier League season which would see Wenger's 'Invincibles' win the title without losing a game.
Arsenal's unbeaten record almost didn't last past the Old Trafford clash, but they were let off the hook when Ruud van Nistelrooy missed a late chance to win it for United, hitting the crossbar from the penalty spot in injury time.
After Van Nistelrooy' miss the game descended into violence, with all 22 players involved in a brawl on the pitch at the final whistle, before a young Cesc Fabregas famously threw a pizza at legendary United boss Ferguson as the fighting continued in the tunnel.
The drama didn't there, though, as Lehmann recalls he saw Wenger and Ferguson "almost start to fight".
Image: PA) PA)
"I remember after that game I wasn’t looking into the eyes of my teammates, I was looking into the eyes of Arsene,’ Lehmann told BeIN Sports.
"He was having Alex Ferguson at a short distance like that [clenches fist].
"He grabbed him and each of them were very angry with each other and almost started to fight with each other.
"It wasn’t about me or the players, it was more about the manager.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
"I came in late and I remember that there were two crowds of people confronting each other, and I spilled some of my water onto them, accidentally of course.
"It was funny to watch, I wasn’t involved. You always expect me to be involved but I wasn’t in this situation.
"We were talking (on the Monday at the training ground) but we were waiting for fines to be handed out and of course to United."
The match between the two best sides in English football at the time had been a typically volatile one, featuring seven bookings including two for Gunners midfielder Patrick Vieira.
If you’re unable to see the survey, click here”
mirror.co.uk/greatbiglockdownsurvey
Following the on-pitch brawl, Arsenal were fined £175,000 by the FA for failing to control their players, while Lauren, Martin Keown, Patrick Vieira and Ray Parlour all received bans and fines.
Ashley Cole was the other Gunners player to be fined over the incident, while United stars Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo were also hot in the pocket by the FA for their parts in the fracas.


thedailymirror--2020-05-03--Louis Theroux fans baffled at how 'normal' Joe Exotic seems in BBC documentary

Netflix documentary fans have been left astonished to see a different side to Tiger King star Joe Exotic after an earlier documentary of the big cat fanatic being interviewed by Louis Theroux resurfaced .
Earlier this year , the world was mesmerised when Netflix debuted their documentary series Tiger King : Murder , Mayhem and Madness which focused on the rise and fall of zoo owner Joe Exotic – aka 57-year-old Joseph Allen Maldonado-Passage .
However , the Netflix show was not the first time cameras followed Joe as British investigative journalist Louis , 49 , interviewed the eccentric big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : America ’ s Most Dangerous Pets in 2011 .
On Sunday night , Louis himself invited fans to join him in a re-watch of the show , while offering fresh insight and opinion about Joe via social media .
Those watching along , however , were most shocked to see that Joe appeared much less eccentric in the 2011 documentary compared to the series that aired in March this year .
Taking to Twitter , one viewer remarked : “ Watching a documentary done with Joe Exotic in 2011 .
He seemed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Why does Joe Exotic seem semi normal in the Louis Theroux documentary , ” alongside a crying-with-laughter emoji .
Others noted that the Netflix star – who is now in jail after being found guilty of 17 federal charges of animal abuse and two counts of murder for hire – seemed less eccentric than other dangerous animal owners featured in the Louis Theroux documentary .
“ Joe Exotic looks the most normal out of all them in the show , ” one viewer tweeted .
While another commented : “ I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Exotic ting and he ’ s being so normal ?
!
” For the Netflix show , camera crews followed Joe over the course of five years between 2014 and 2019 .
The documentary appeared to show Joe becoming increasingly fixated with Big Cat Rescue charity owner Carole Baskin – who he allegedly planned to have murdered , leading to his arrest and incarceration .
While the documentary also revealed that television producer Rick Kirkham had attempted to create a reality show around Joe and his tiger park in Oklahoma – although footage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ destroyed in a fire before the series ever made it to air .

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Seamus Duff, Will Twigger)

Joe Exotic has become a global fixation of fascination since Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness debuted on Netflix in March – but Louis Theroux met the big cat enthusiast back in 2011
Louis Theroux fans baffled at how 'normal' Joe Exotic seems in BBC documentary
Netflix documentary fans have been left astonished to see a different side to Tiger King star Joe Exotic after an earlier documentary of the big cat fanatic being interviewed by Louis Theroux resurfaced.
Earlier this year, the world was mesmerised when Netflix debuted their documentary series Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness which focused on the rise and fall of zoo owner Joe Exotic – aka 57-year-old Joseph Allen Maldonado-Passage.
However, the Netflix show was not the first time cameras followed Joe as British investigative journalist Louis, 49, interviewed the eccentric big cat owner for BBC documentary Louis Theroux: America’s Most Dangerous Pets in 2011.
On Sunday night, Louis himself invited fans to join him in a re-watch of the show, while offering fresh insight and opinion about Joe via social media.
Those watching along, however, were most shocked to see that Joe appeared much less eccentric in the 2011 documentary compared to the series that aired in March this year.
Taking to Twitter, one viewer remarked: “Watching a documentary done with Joe Exotic in 2011. He seemed so normal.”
Another commented: “Why does Joe Exotic seem semi normal in the Louis Theroux documentary,” alongside a crying-with-laughter emoji.
Others noted that the Netflix star – who is now in jail after being found guilty of 17 federal charges of animal abuse and two counts of murder for hire – seemed less eccentric than other dangerous animal owners featured in the Louis Theroux documentary.
“Joe Exotic looks the most normal out of all them in the show,” one viewer tweeted.
While another commented: “I’m also half watching this Louis Theroux Joe Exotic ting and he’s being so normal?!”
For the Netflix show, camera crews followed Joe over the course of five years between 2014 and 2019.
The documentary appeared to show Joe becoming increasingly fixated with Big Cat Rescue charity owner Carole Baskin – who he allegedly planned to have murdered, leading to his arrest and incarceration.
While the documentary also revealed that television producer Rick Kirkham had attempted to create a reality show around Joe and his tiger park in Oklahoma – although footage made for the proposed reality show was destroyed in a fire before the series ever made it to air.


thedailymirror--2020-05-03--Boris Johnson feared he wouldn't live to see his child born during virus battle

Boris Johnson has said he feared he would not live to see his baby son born , as he battled coronavirus in intensive care .
The Prime Minister was asked if he had ever feared he might not live to meet Wilfred , who was born on Wednesday , in an interview with The Sun .
`` Well , yes , of course , '' he replied .
`` We 've all got a lot to live for , a lot to do , and I wo n't hide it from you , I was thinking about that , yes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he was `` deeply frustrated that I could n't see the path ... the way out of the skip '' as he fought for his life at St Thomas ' Hospital in central London .
For updates on coronavirus , follow our live blog HERE .
`` But , yeah , I suppose there was some terrible , as I say , some natural buoyancy or refusal to give in or harbour negative thoughts .
`` I never really thought that I would n't come back from it .
It was more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mum Carrie Symonds posted a picture of the newborn wrapped in a blanket - who is already sporting a full head of brown hair - on Instagram .
Ms Symonds , 32 , had previously said that the baby was due in the early summer , leading to the belief that the due date was in June .
The PM was hospitalised with coronavirus and spent three days in intensive care in April .
He has said he would take a `` short period '' of paternity leave later in the year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ were preparing to announce his death as he fought coronavirus .
He said he received `` litres and litres of oxygen '' to help him fight the deadly virus , describing how a 'death of Stalin'-style scenario was prepared in case he passed away .
Mr Johnson added that his time in hospital was a `` tough old moment '' in an interview with the Sun on Sunday .
The Tory also admitted his doctors `` forced '' him to go to hospital as he was reluctant to leave Downing Street .
Later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to `` pull together '' and share their expertise as he co-hosts an international conference to drive the race for coronavirus treatments , tests and vaccines .
He will describe the challenge facing humanity as the `` most urgent shared endeavour of our lifetimes '' .
He will add : `` We are in this together and together we will prevail . ''
Monday 's online pledging conference - co-hosted by the UK and eight other countries and organisations - aims to bring in more than £6.6 billion in funding to support the @ @ @ @ @ @

The Prime Minister has admitted he was "deeply frustrated" that he couldn't see the path to survival as he fought for his life against Covid-19 in intensive care at St Thomas' Hospital last month
Boris Johnson feared he wouldn't live to see his child born during coronavirus battle
Boris Johnson has said he feared he would not live to see his baby son born, as he battled coronavirus in intensive care.
The Prime Minister was asked if he had ever feared he might not live to meet Wilfred, who was born on Wednesday, in an interview with The Sun.
"Well, yes, of course," he replied. "We've all got a lot to live for, a lot to do, and I won't hide it from you, I was thinking about that, yes."
Mr Johnson, 55, said he was "deeply frustrated that I couldn't see the path...the way out of the skip" as he fought for his life at St Thomas' Hospital in central London.
For updates on coronavirus, follow our live blog HERE.
Image: 10 Downing Street/AFP via Getty) 10 Downing Street/AFP via Getty)
"But, yeah, I suppose there was some terrible, as I say, some natural buoyancy or refusal to give in or harbour negative thoughts.
"I never really thought that I wouldn't come back from it. It was more frustration," he added.
Boris Johnson said he's seen the NHS save life and also bring new life into the world in the last month and talked of his love and admiration for the health service.
He said when he left ICU and went back to a general ward at St Thomas' Hospital it was a Thursday - and he clapped 'like crazy' for the NHS while still in his boxers on his hospital bed.
More than 130 front line staff have died since the crisis began and the Government has constantly faced questions about staff having sufficient PPE.
Last month the Mirror was told about some NHS staff having to buy their own protective kit from DIY stores as the supply scandal shaming the Government deepened.
And frontline heath workers lost out on millions of PPE from China because the government’s procurement system is a “shambles”, say the British businessmen behind the deal.
But the government, questioned almost daily about the lack of PPE during press conferences, still insists they are increasing supply.
Michael Gove today said: "On personal protective equipment for key workers, we are increasing the spread of distribution and supply.
"From February 25 to May 2 we had delivered over 1.08 billion items of PPE across the health and social care system within England."
But he admitted there is "much more to do".
This comes as Boris Johnson, in the revealing interview, said his love and admiration for the NHS was "boundless".
Image: Twitter) Twitter)
Over the weekend proud mum Carrie Symonds posted a picture of the newborn wrapped in a blanket - who is already sporting a full head of brown hair - on Instagram as the PM said he was "thrilled" about his new son.
The newborn is named Wilfred Lawrie Nicholas Johnson after Dr Nick Price and Dr Nick Hart, doctors that cared for Mr Johnson while he was recovering from the coronavirus.
A post on Ms Symonds Instagram page read: "Introducing Wilfred Lawrie Nicholas Johnson born on 29.04.20 at 9am.
"Wilfred after Boris' grandfather. Lawrie after my grandfather.
"Nicholas after Dr Nick Price and Dr Nick Hart - the two doctors that saved Boris' life last month.
"Thank you so, so much to the incredible NHS maternity team at UCLH that looked after us so well.
"I couldn't be happier. My heart is full."
Ms Symonds, 32, had previously said that the baby was due in the early summer, leading to the belief that the due date was in June.
The PM was hospitalised with coronavirus and spent three days in intensive care in April.
He has said he would take a "short period" of paternity leave later in the year.
Mr Johnson had also revealed that doctors were preparing to announce his death as he fought coronavirus.
Image: AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images)
He said he received "litres and litres of oxygen" to help him fight the deadly virus, describing how a 'death of Stalin'-style scenario was prepared in case he passed away.
The Tory admitted his doctors "forced" him to go to hospital as he was reluctant to leave Downing Street.
Mr Johnson added that his time in hospital was a "tough old moment" and spoke of his relief when he left intensive care on April 9 and back on to a general ward.
Mr Johnson said staff clapped for him but he felt it was the amazing doctors and nurses that deserved to be clapped for.
Later today, Mr Johnson will urge countries to "pull together" and share their expertise as he co-hosts an international conference to drive the race for coronavirus treatments, tests and vaccines.
He will describe the challenge facing humanity as the "most urgent shared endeavour of our lifetimes".
He will add: "We are in this together and together we will prevail."
Monday's online pledging conference - co-hosted by the UK and eight other countries and organisations - aims to bring in more than £6.6 billion in funding to support the global response to the pandemic.