themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-08--Foreign Office advises against 'all but essential travel' to northern Italy over coronavirus

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has advised against 'all but essential travel ' to northern Italy over the continuing spread of coronavirus .
In an updated statement , the FCO stressed British nationals in Italy will be able to depart without restriction .
The country remains on lockdown with the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 now passing the 7,000 mark .
There have been 366 deaths so far across Italy .
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said the travel advice covered cities including Milan , Bergamo and Como and a number of provinces .
Museums in Italy and cultural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public gatherings 'suspended ' , even social events at pubs , nightclubs and games halls , the FCO said .
Schools and universities in Italy will be closed until March 15 .
The FCO statement said : `` The Foreign and Commonwealth Office ( FCO ) advise against all but essential travel to the following areas in northern Italy , due to an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus ( Covid-19 ) and various control and isolation measures imposed by the Italian authorities on 8 March : '' Lombardy region ( which includes the cities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the provinces of Modena , Parma , Piacenza , Reggio Emilia and Rimini ( all in Emilia Romagna ) ; Pesaro e Urbino ( in Marche ) ; Alessandria , Asti , Novara , Verbano-Cusio-Ossola and Vercelli ( all in Piemonte ) ; Padova .
Treviso and Venice ( in Veneto ) .
`` British nationals remain able to depart Italy without restriction .
`` Residents of other parts of Italy are permitted to leave the isolation areas to return home .
`` Otherwise entry into and exit from these areas is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of strict necessity ; the authorities have confirmed to us that this will be granted for reasons such as medical need or work requirements .
`` Travellers should check flight details with airlines .
Additional restrictions include the closure of museums , cultural institutions and the suspension of all public gatherings , social events including pubs , nightclubs and games halls .
Religious ceremonies and funerals are suspended .
Ski facilities in the affected mountain areas are closed .
Restaurants and bars remain open from 06.00 to 18.00 .
`` Across the whole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are closed and all sporting fixtures must be played behind closed doors .
`` Childcare facilities , schools and universities are closed until 15 March .
`` Public and social gatherings should be avoided with cinemas , pubs and clubs closed .
Restaurants and bars remain open with reduced seating . ''
In Greater Manchester today , a second case of coronavirus was confirmed in Bolton , bringing the total number of patients diagnosed in Greater Manchester up to 20 .
The news was confirmed by Public Health England .
As of 9am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK had been diagnosed with Covid-19 - an increase of 67 from the 206 cases confirmed at 7am on Saturday .
It represents the largest day-on-day increase in diagnoses .
More than 23,500 people have been tested for the virus here , with two patients with Covid-19 having died .
Supermarkets have started placing restrictions on items including pasta , anti-bacterial wipes and hand soap in a bid to prevent shoppers from stockpiling .

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The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has advised against 'all but essential travel' to northern Italy over the continuing spread of coronavirus.
In an updated statement, the FCO stressed British nationals in Italy will be able to depart without restriction.
The country remains on lockdown with the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 now passing the 7,000 mark.
There have been 366 deaths so far across Italy.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said the travel advice covered cities including Milan, Bergamo and Como and a number of provinces.
Museums in Italy and cultural institutions have been closed, with all public gatherings 'suspended', even social events at pubs, nightclubs and games halls, the FCO said.
Schools and universities in Italy will be closed until March 15.
(Image: Getty Images)
The FCO statement said: "The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all but essential travel to the following areas in northern Italy, due to an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus (Covid-19) and various control and isolation measures imposed by the Italian authorities on 8 March:
"Lombardy region (which includes the cities of Milan, Bergamo, Como) and the provinces of Modena, Parma, Piacenza, Reggio Emilia and Rimini (all in Emilia Romagna); Pesaro e Urbino (in Marche); Alessandria, Asti, Novara, Verbano-Cusio-Ossola and Vercelli (all in Piemonte); Padova. Treviso and Venice (in Veneto).
"British nationals remain able to depart Italy without restriction.
"Residents of other parts of Italy are permitted to leave the isolation areas to return home.
"Otherwise entry into and exit from these areas is forbidden without official permission on the grounds of strict necessity; the authorities have confirmed to us that this will be granted for reasons such as medical need or work requirements.
(Image: AP)
"Travellers should check flight details with airlines. Additional restrictions include the closure of museums, cultural institutions and the suspension of all public gatherings, social events including pubs, nightclubs and games halls. Religious ceremonies and funerals are suspended. Ski facilities in the affected mountain areas are closed. Restaurants and bars remain open from 06.00 to 18.00.
"Across the whole of Italy, museums and cultural institutions are closed and all sporting fixtures must be played behind closed doors.
"Childcare facilities, schools and universities are closed until 15 March.
"Public and social gatherings should be avoided with cinemas, pubs and clubs closed. Restaurants and bars remain open with reduced seating."
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
In Greater Manchester today, a second case of coronavirus was confirmed in Bolton, bringing the total number of patients diagnosed in Greater Manchester up to 20.
The news was confirmed by Public Health England.
As of 9am on Sunday, 273 people in the UK had been diagnosed with Covid-19 - an increase of 67 from the 206 cases confirmed at 7am on Saturday.
It represents the largest day-on-day increase in diagnoses.
More than 23,500 people have been tested for the virus here, with two patients with Covid-19 having died.
Supermarkets have started placing restrictions on items including pasta, anti-bacterial wipes and hand soap in a bid to prevent shoppers from stockpiling.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-08--John Barrowman in tears and Jayne Torvill unable to speak following Libby Clegg's performance on Dan

John Barrowman in tears and Jayne Torvill unable to speak following Libby Clegg's performance on Dancing On Ice

There were tears from nearly everyone following Libby Clegg 's performance on Dancing On Ice .
The Paralympian is competing in the final of the ITV skating contest alongside TV presenter Joe Swash and Diversity star Perri Keily .
And following her first performance of the night , emotions were high .
Libby , who has made history as the first ever blind contestant on Dancing On Ice , and professional skating partner Mark Henretty performed a patriotic routine , paying tribute to her sporting achievements .
Following the end of the dance , Libby told hosts Holly Willoughby and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be honest , I have been holding this in all week .
`` I am so privileged and honoured that Chris and Jayne did this for me . ''
Holly responded : `` Libby , honestly it 's truly an honour and privilege to watch you skate it .
Trust me . ''
Going to the judges for their comments , ice dancing legend Jayne Torvill was unable to speak after being overcome with emotion with Phillip announcing : `` She 's done '' before leaving it to Christopher Dean to kick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Fellow judge John Barrowman was also emotional and had tears streaming down his face .
He said to Libby : `` That was stunning to watch you live your life like that .
You 're a woman who never gives up . ''
`` Brilliant from Libby .
Made me strangely emotional # dancingonice , '' said one .
Another added : `` Well deserved standing ovation from all four judges .
@ LibbyClegg is the most amazing and badass skater ! ''
`` Don ’ t mind me , just me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what an inspiration # DancingOnIce , '' a third said .
While another said : `` Libby 's performance was quite emosh , i couldnt even skate without holding the barrier on the way round and I 've got full vision and she 's up there doing all that !
Good for her !
# dancingonice . ''

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There were tears from nearly everyone following Libby Clegg's performance on Dancing On Ice.
The Paralympian is competing in the final of the ITV skating contest alongside TV presenter Joe Swash and Diversity star Perri Keily.
And following her first performance of the night, emotions were high.
Libby, who has made history as the first ever blind contestant on Dancing On Ice, and professional skating partner Mark Henretty performed a patriotic routine, paying tribute to her sporting achievements.
Following the end of the dance, Libby told hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield: "I'm going to be honest, I have been holding this in all week.
"I am so privileged and honoured that Chris and Jayne did this for me."
(Image: ITV)
Holly responded: "Libby, honestly it's truly an honour and privilege to watch you skate it. Trust me."
Going to the judges for their comments, ice dancing legend Jayne Torvill was unable to speak after being overcome with emotion with Phillip announcing: "She's done" before leaving it to Christopher Dean to kick off the praise for the sports star.
Fellow judge John Barrowman was also emotional and had tears streaming down his face.
(Image: ITV)
He said to Libby: "That was stunning to watch you live your life like that. You're a woman who never gives up."
"Brilliant from Libby. Made me strangely emotional #dancingonice," said one.
Another added: "Well deserved standing ovation from all four judges. @LibbyClegg is the most amazing and badass skater!"
"Don’t mind me, just me crying at Libby’s performance... what an inspiration #DancingOnIce," a third said.
While another said: "Libby's performance was quite emosh, i couldnt even skate without holding the barrier on the way round and I've got full vision and she's up there doing all that! Good for her! #dancingonice."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-08--Six Manchester United players praised after win vs Man City

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer lavished praise on his Manchester United defenders after they recorded an eighth clean sheet in the last 10 games to help beat Manchester City .
United defeated City 2-0 in their third derby win of the season to claim a first Manchester derby double in the Premier League since 2009-10 .
Solskjaer reverted to a back three against City with Luke Shaw at left centre-back alongside Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof , with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Brandon Williams at right and left wing-back .
United used the formation in the 1-0 win at City in the League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it twice at Chelsea in the League Cup and the league .
Williams , 19 , had not started in over two weeks but lined up in both of the January derbies , while Maguire ( ankle ) and Wan-Bissaka ( back ) recovered from injuries to make the XI .
The only goals United have conceded in their last 10 fixtures were Club Brugge 's opener in their Europa League round-of-16 first leg and from Dominic Calvert-Lewin 's block on a David de Gea goal kick at Everton .
`` Eight in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Solskjaer said .
`` One should n't have been given - because the ball 's rolling ; VAR 's there , Europa League .
And David ’ s we know , so we 're getting there , we 're getting better .
It 's a foundation to play from .
`` I 've got good players : Harry and Victor [ Lindelof ] and David have been excellent .
Eric [ Bailly ] 's come in and given us a challenge , Luke Shaw has been absolutely top class .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today and Brandon , the kid , is not fazed by anything .
It 's just continuing work on the field , especially with Kieran [ McKenna ] and Michael [ Carrick ] , the coaches have helped them a lot .
`` Luke was voted player of the year last season by the players , but he is improving and he is a top boy that we want to give absolutely every opportunity to become the best he can be .
`` For me he is potentially the best left-back in England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got faith in him [ at left centre-back ] , definitely , and he still provides crosses and overlapping runs from there .
I think he has been excellent there . ''
Despite adding more feathers to his cap of big-game conquests by beating Guardiola three times in as many months , Solskjaer was humble in accepting the acclaim .
`` I haven ’ t beaten Pep three times , it is my players that have .
`` I believe in my capability of improving this club as much as I can .
@

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer lavished praise on his Manchester United defenders after they recorded an eighth clean sheet in the last 10 games to help beat Manchester City.
United defeated City 2-0 in their third derby win of the season to claim a first Manchester derby double in the Premier League since 2009-10.
Solskjaer reverted to a back three against City with Luke Shaw at left centre-back alongside Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Brandon Williams at right and left wing-back. United used the formation in the 1-0 win at City in the League Cup in January and were successful using it twice at Chelsea in the League Cup and the league.
Williams, 19, had not started in over two weeks but lined up in both of the January derbies, while Maguire (ankle) and Wan-Bissaka (back) recovered from injuries to make the XI. The only goals United have conceded in their last 10 fixtures were Club Brugge's opener in their Europa League round-of-16 first leg and from Dominic Calvert-Lewin's block on a David de Gea goal kick at Everton.
"Eight in 10 and the two goals we conceded," Solskjaer said. "One shouldn't have been given - because the ball's rolling; VAR's there, Europa League. And David’s we know, so we're getting there, we're getting better. It's a foundation to play from.
"I've got good players: Harry and Victor [Lindelof] and David have been excellent. Eric [Bailly]'s come in and given us a challenge, Luke Shaw has been absolutely top class.
"Aaron... you can see his performance today and Brandon, the kid, is not fazed by anything. It's just continuing work on the field, especially with Kieran [McKenna] and Michael [Carrick], the coaches have helped them a lot.
"Luke was voted player of the year last season by the players, but he is improving and he is a top boy that we want to give absolutely every opportunity to become the best he can be.
"For me he is potentially the best left-back in England and maybe even more. I have got faith in him [at left centre-back], definitely, and he still provides crosses and overlapping runs from there. I think he has been excellent there."
Despite adding more feathers to his cap of big-game conquests by beating Guardiola three times in as many months, Solskjaer was humble in accepting the acclaim. "I haven’t beaten Pep three times, it is my players that have.
"I believe in my capability of improving this club as much as I can."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-08--Latest on the coronavirus impact, what it means for Manchester United and Man City

All Premier League matches could be ordered to be played behind closed doors by the end of this month , it has emerged .
This decision could soon become inevitable from the government , according to the Mirror ’ s David Maddock , as they look to try and consider every possible option to halt the spread of the fast-growing coronavirus , which is sweeping its way across the world right now .
And cases of the illness in the UK are rising by the day , with 273 people having been struck down by the illness as of 18:00 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showing little sign of slowing down , it seems almost certain that the government may be forced into taking serious action in regards to sporting events .
In Italy , who have been impacted most in Europe , all Serie A matches are to be played behind closed doors up until , at the very least , April 3 , with the northern area of the country being plunged into lockdown , as 16million people have been placed into quarantine .
Similar steps could be taken in France , where a government meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saint-Germain ’ s Champions League tie against Borussia Dortmund will go ahead - or whether fans from affected areas will be told to stay at home .
Now , it appears as though the Premier League is going to follow in Serie A ’ s footsteps , with the government ready to make a decision to stop fans attending Premier League matches .
And one base of supporters that could suffer the most by this impending decision would be Liverpool ’ s , as they could miss out on the opportunity to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 30 years .
Currently , the Reds are 25 points clear at the top of the table and are on the cusp of mathematically securing their aim .
Following Manchester City ’ s 2-0 defeat to cross-city rivals Manchester United on Sunday , Liverpool now require just two more league wins to get their hands on the title .
With that in mind , if Liverpool beat Merseyside rivals Everton next Monday night and then see off Crystal Palace at Anfield , Jurgen Klopp ’ s team could lift the title on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prove to be in time for their supporters to see it .
But if Liverpool drop points at Goodison Park next Monday night , they would be forced to wait that little while longer to get their hands on the prize , with their next opportunity being on April 5 , a date that sees them travel to the Etihad Stadium to face City .
If they lose to City , Liverpool ’ s next possible opportunity to secure the title once and for all would be on April 12 when they host @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though , the government may have thrashed out their plans to put a banning order on supporters attending Premier League matches due to the outbreak of the disease .
And it ’ s not just Liverpool that might be affected , as fans of the clubs chasing European football and fighting to avoid relegation to the Championship could be unable to attend for crucial matches in the closing stages of the campaign .

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All Premier League matches could be ordered to be played behind closed doors by the end of this month, it has emerged.
This decision could soon become inevitable from the government, according to the Mirror’s David Maddock , as they look to try and consider every possible option to halt the spread of the fast-growing coronavirus, which is sweeping its way across the world right now.
And cases of the illness in the UK are rising by the day, with 273 people having been struck down by the illness as of 18:00 on Sunday evening.
With the virus showing little sign of slowing down, it seems almost certain that the government may be forced into taking serious action in regards to sporting events.
In Italy, who have been impacted most in Europe, all Serie A matches are to be played behind closed doors up until, at the very least, April 3, with the northern area of the country being plunged into lockdown, as 16million people have been placed into quarantine.
Similar steps could be taken in France, where a government meeting on Sunday evening will decide whether Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League tie against Borussia Dortmund will go ahead - or whether fans from affected areas will be told to stay at home.
Now, it appears as though the Premier League is going to follow in Serie A’s footsteps, with the government ready to make a decision to stop fans attending Premier League matches.
And one base of supporters that could suffer the most by this impending decision would be Liverpool’s, as they could miss out on the opportunity to see their team lift their first league title in 30 years.
Currently, the Reds are 25 points clear at the top of the table and are on the cusp of mathematically securing their aim.
Following Manchester City’s 2-0 defeat to cross-city rivals Manchester United on Sunday, Liverpool now require just two more league wins to get their hands on the title.
With that in mind, if Liverpool beat Merseyside rivals Everton next Monday night and then see off Crystal Palace at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp’s team could lift the title on March 21, meaning that could just prove to be in time for their supporters to see it.
But if Liverpool drop points at Goodison Park next Monday night, they would be forced to wait that little while longer to get their hands on the prize, with their next opportunity being on April 5, a date that sees them travel to the Etihad Stadium to face City.
If they lose to City, Liverpool’s next possible opportunity to secure the title once and for all would be on April 12 when they host Aston Villa.
By that point, though, the government may have thrashed out their plans to put a banning order on supporters attending Premier League matches due to the outbreak of the disease.
And it’s not just Liverpool that might be affected, as fans of the clubs chasing European football and fighting to avoid relegation to the Championship could be unable to attend for crucial matches in the closing stages of the campaign.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-08--Harry Maguire explains what Bruno Fernandes has brought to Manchester United

Harry Maguire believes Bruno Fernandes has an aura that is inspiring his Manchester United teammates to perform better .
United 's form has drastically improved since Fernandes ' January arrival from Sporting Lisbon , with the new signing providing the assist for Anthony Martial 's opening goal in the 2-0 derby win over Man City .
It means Fernandes has three goals and three assists in his first six starts for United .
Maguire believes United can keep getting better all over the pitch , particularly in possession , but could not help lauding Fernandes ' transformative impact at Old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fellow new boy Odion Ighalo performed well in the triumph over Pep Guardiola 's side .
`` Defensively we were solid and it should have been more than 1-0 in the first half , '' Maguire told Sky Sports after the game , reflecting on the derby win .
`` In the second half we dug in deep , defended well as a team and deserved the three points . ''
He was then asked about the turnaround in United 's fortunes , which has seen them embark upon a 10-match unbeaten run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maguire and his defensive teammates , who have recorded eight clean sheets in his previous 10 appearances .
But he was quick to lavish Fernandes with more praise .
`` We believe we can push on from this .
With the ball we can do better .
`` You can see what Bruno has brought since he has come in .
He has a big personality and he has an aura about him . ''

Harry Maguire believes Bruno Fernandes has an aura that is inspiring his Manchester United teammates to perform better.
United's form has drastically improved since Fernandes' January arrival from Sporting Lisbon, with the new signing providing the assist for Anthony Martial's opening goal in the 2-0 derby win over Man City.
It means Fernandes has three goals and three assists in his first six starts for United.
Maguire believes United can keep getting better all over the pitch, particularly in possession, but could not help lauding Fernandes' transformative impact at Old Trafford. Both the Portuguese playmaker and fellow new boy Odion Ighalo performed well in the triumph over Pep Guardiola's side.
"Defensively we were solid and it should have been more than 1-0 in the first half," Maguire told Sky Sports after the game, reflecting on the derby win.
"In the second half we dug in deep, defended well as a team and deserved the three points."
He was then asked about the turnaround in United's fortunes, which has seen them embark upon a 10-match unbeaten run.
The hot streak owes plenty to Maguire and his defensive teammates, who have recorded eight clean sheets in his previous 10 appearances. But he was quick to lavish Fernandes with more praise.
"Winning games brings belief," added the United captain.
"We believe we can push on from this. With the ball we can do better.
"You can see what Bruno has brought since he has come in. He has a big personality and he has an aura about him."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-08--Man City midfielder Phil Foden gives reason for derby defeat to Manchester United

Phil Foden has revealed that a lack of concentration in a crucial moment is what led to Manchester City 's defeat in the Manchester derby .
City have lost to local rivals Manchester United for the third time this season after falling to a 2-0 loss at Old Trafford through goals from Anthony Martial and Scott McTominay .
The opening goal came as a result of a clever free-kick from Bruno Fernandes , as his scooped pass caught the City back-line unaware which gave Martial the space to fire a volley under Ederson .
Despite their dominance of the ball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a way back into the game and the result was sealed when McTominay latched on to Ederson 's wayward throw to fire in from 40 yards in the final moments , but Foden believes the lack of concentration for the opener is what cost them .
`` When you play quality players like they have you ca n't switch off for a second , '' Foden told beIn Sports .
`` It was a set-piece and we switched off and unfortunately it cost us the game .
There 's a lot of things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to learn from our mistakes . ''
Despite the defeat , which came with great pain for the boyhood City fan , Foden is remaining positive and urging his teammates to keep composed as they still compete to win two other trophies .
`` Maybe it hurts more for me but no of course the lads are hurting as well , to lose a derby .
No one wants to lose a derby , it 's the biggest day , we 're really gutted but we have to keep motivated for the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We focus on every game even still the league , I would n't say the focus is still there but obviously we still have two competitions left and if we win them it 'll be a successful year .
We just have to try our hardest and see what happens . ''

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Phil Foden has revealed that a lack of concentration in a crucial moment is what led to Manchester City's defeat in the Manchester derby.
City have lost to local rivals Manchester United for the third time this season after falling to a 2-0 loss at Old Trafford through goals from Anthony Martial and Scott McTominay.
The opening goal came as a result of a clever free-kick from Bruno Fernandes, as his scooped pass caught the City back-line unaware which gave Martial the space to fire a volley under Ederson.
Despite their dominance of the ball, the Blues were unable to find a way back into the game and the result was sealed when McTominay latched on to Ederson's wayward throw to fire in from 40 yards in the final moments, but Foden believes the lack of concentration for the opener is what cost them.
"When you play quality players like they have you can't switch off for a second," Foden told beIn Sports.
"It was a set-piece and we switched off and unfortunately it cost us the game. There's a lot of things to learn from and we've got to learn from our mistakes."
Despite the defeat, which came with great pain for the boyhood City fan, Foden is remaining positive and urging his teammates to keep composed as they still compete to win two other trophies.
"Maybe it hurts more for me but no of course the lads are hurting as well, to lose a derby. No one wants to lose a derby, it's the biggest day, we're really gutted but we have to keep motivated for the next games coming up and keep our heads.
"We focus on every game even still the league, I wouldn't say the focus is still there but obviously we still have two competitions left and if we win them it'll be a successful year. We just have to try our hardest and see what happens."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-08--Manchester United pleased with Bruno Fernandes reaction to Pep Guardiola

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Bruno Fernandes has lifted Manchester United as a club and praised his 'character ' in dealing with Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola .
Fernandes ' fabulous form continued with the assist for Anthony Martial 's winner in the 2-0 Manchester derby win over City and he now has three goals and three assists in six starts for United .
The 25-year-old was involved in an exchange with Guardiola in the closing stages when the City coach appeared to try and rile Fernandes by throwing the ball away .
Fernandes responded by pressing his index finger against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gesture ' .
Fernandes joined for an initial fee of £46.6million in a deal rising to £68m after reports linking him with a summer move 'irritated ' United .
Fernandes has gone from a source of irritation to inspiration for Solskjaer .
`` The whole club [ has been lifted ] .
Because he has everything I spoke about .
`` He works hard , he is humble enough , he 's got the desire and commitment , but he 's also got the X-factor .
He is a risk-taker , he 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you make enough mistakes it 'll be corrected into fantastic assists or goals .
`` You need a character here , you need character at this club , but this team they have got that .
They have learned through some hard times this season , because we have been a young team and we have started something we believe in and Bruno has helped that . ''
`` We work on everything , '' Solskjaer said of Fernandes 's free-kick .
`` But , of course , Bruno has been practising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practising on free-kicks and set-plays .
You have a couple of different options .
I expected him to maybe cross that one because we do have superiority in the air , but they found a connection , them two . ''
United captain Harry Maguire was a doubt for the game and absent when the squad arrived at The Lowry Hotel on Saturday night , yet rendezvoused with teammates on Sunday morning .
United have kept eight clean sheets in their last 10 and Maguire has started every Premier League game this season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it should have been more than 1-0 in the first-half , '' he told Sky Sports .
`` In the second half we dug in deep , defended well as a team and deserved the three points .
`` Winning games brings belief .
We believe we can push on from this .
With the ball we can do better .
You can see what Bruno has brought since he has come in .
He has a big personality and he has an aura about him . ''

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Bruno Fernandes has lifted Manchester United as a club and praised his 'character' in dealing with Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola.
Fernandes' fabulous form continued with the assist for Anthony Martial's winner in the 2-0 Manchester derby win over City and he now has three goals and three assists in six starts for United.
The 25-year-old was involved in an exchange with Guardiola in the closing stages when the City coach appeared to try and rile Fernandes by throwing the ball away. Fernandes responded by pressing his index finger against his lips to make a 'shhh' gesture'.
Fernandes joined for an initial fee of £46.6million in a deal rising to £68m after reports linking him with a summer move 'irritated' United. Fernandes has gone from a source of irritation to inspiration for Solskjaer. "The whole club [has been lifted]. Because he has everything I spoke about.
"He works hard, he is humble enough, he's got the desire and commitment, but he's also got the X-factor. He is a risk-taker, he's got the courage to make mistakes and if you make enough mistakes it'll be corrected into fantastic assists or goals.
"You need a character here, you need character at this club, but this team they have got that. They have learned through some hard times this season, because we have been a young team and we have started something we believe in and Bruno has helped that."
"We work on everything," Solskjaer said of Fernandes's free-kick. "But, of course, Bruno has been practising and Antho, they've all been practising on free-kicks and set-plays. You have a couple of different options. I expected him to maybe cross that one because we do have superiority in the air, but they found a connection, them two."
United captain Harry Maguire was a doubt for the game and absent when the squad arrived at The Lowry Hotel on Saturday night, yet rendezvoused with teammates on Sunday morning. United have kept eight clean sheets in their last 10 and Maguire has started every Premier League game this season.
"Defensively we were solid and it should have been more than 1-0 in the first-half," he told Sky Sports. "In the second half we dug in deep, defended well as a team and deserved the three points.
"Winning games brings belief. We believe we can push on from this. With the ball we can do better. You can see what Bruno has brought since he has come in. He has a big personality and he has an aura about him."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-08--Dancing On Ice fans have a massive issue with the live final

But this series of Dancing On Ice has got off pretty scot-free - until now .
During Sunday night 's sparkling grand finale , Paralympian Libby Clegg , TV presenter Joe Swash and Diversity star Perri Keily battled it out to be crowned the ITV skating competition 's 2020 champion .
However , as the first lot of performances got underway viewers had a huge issue with one thing in particular .
All three dancing pairs scored the top scores of 40 for their routines but fans of the show had a theory that it 's just because it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being handed out .
And of course they took to social media to talk about it .
One said : `` Here 's an idea , why do n't we just not score at all in the final if you 're just going to be silly about it , yes Strictly I 'm looking at you too # dancingonice . ''
`` Nah , as good as the skating has been tonight there ’ s no way all performances have been worthy of a score of 40 # dancingonice , '' another commented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get that the Judge ’ s scores don ’ t count in the final but is anyone else finding it wile boring watching every skater get four 10 ’ s for every routine ?
# DancingOnIce . ''
`` The judges were only provided with 10 buttons tonight then .
# dancingonice , '' suggested a fourth .
While another said : `` # DancingOnIce Is n't it a bit silly if they give everybody 10 ? ''
There has been a little controversy over the scoring during the series .
Some complaints @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scoring during the semi-final which saw magician Ben Hanlin fall at the final hurdle .

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Live telly competitions rarely pass without controversy.
But this series of Dancing On Ice has got off pretty scot-free - until now.
During Sunday night's sparkling grand finale, Paralympian Libby Clegg, TV presenter Joe Swash and Diversity star Perri Keily battled it out to be crowned the ITV skating competition's 2020 champion.
However, as the first lot of performances got underway viewers had a huge issue with one thing in particular.
The scoring.
(Image: ITV)
All three dancing pairs scored the top scores of 40 for their routines but fans of the show had a theory that it's just because it's the final that the biggest scores are being handed out.
And of course they took to social media to talk about it.
One said: "Here's an idea, why don't we just not score at all in the final if you're just going to be silly about it, yes Strictly I'm looking at you too #dancingonice."
"Nah, as good as the skating has been tonight there’s no way all performances have been worthy of a score of 40 #dancingonice," another commented.
(Image: ITV)
A third added: "I get that the Judge’s scores don’t count in the final but is anyone else finding it wile boring watching every skater get four 10’s for every routine? #DancingOnIce."
"The judges were only provided with 10 buttons tonight then. #dancingonice," suggested a fourth.
While another said: "#DancingOnIce Isn't it a bit silly if they give everybody 10?"
There has been a little controversy over the scoring during the series.
Some complaints were made to broadcasting watchdog Ofcom about the scoring during the semi-final which saw magician Ben Hanlin fall at the final hurdle.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-08--Holly Willoughby wows viewers in Dancing On Ice final

It 's the big Dancing On Ice final and Holly Willoughby definitely saved the best until last in the wardrobe stakes .
Holly took her place rink side alongside co-host Phillip Schofield for the ITV skating contest .
But while some eyes were on the ice , others were on what the This Morning star would wear for the grand final after getting plenty of compliments from viewers throughout the series .
Yet again , the 39-year-old was flooded with comments about her stunning sparkling plunging dress by designer Lee Petra Grebenau teamed with Sophia Webster shoes .
`` She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said one .
Another commented : `` Dress of dreams , looking like Cinderella ready to go the ball . ''
`` You look straight out of a fairytale , '' gushed a third .
While another added : `` Most people look forward to the skating , others look forward to people falling over - I look forward to Holly Willoughby ’ s dresses every week .
# DancingOnIce . ''
The telly star is famed for daytime fashion , but has upped the glamour stakes away from This Morning .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost and means we ca n't run out to the shops to pick up our own .
Holly has been wearing designs by designers including Celia Kritharioti , Dana Harel Design , Sassi Holford and three from Iris Serban , all priced around £1,000 .
We can dream though , right ?

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It's the big Dancing On Ice final and Holly Willoughby definitely saved the best until last in the wardrobe stakes.
Holly took her place rink side alongside co-host Phillip Schofield for the ITV skating contest.
But while some eyes were on the ice, others were on what the This Morning star would wear for the grand final after getting plenty of compliments from viewers throughout the series.
Yet again, the 39-year-old was flooded with comments about her stunning sparkling plunging dress by designer Lee Petra Grebenau teamed with Sophia Webster shoes.
"She definitely saved the best till last," said one.
Another commented: "Dress of dreams, looking like Cinderella ready to go the ball."
"You look straight out of a fairytale," gushed a third.
While another added: "Most people look forward to the skating, others look forward to people falling over - I look forward to Holly Willoughby’s dresses every week. #DancingOnIce."
The telly star is famed for daytime fashion, but has upped the glamour stakes away from This Morning.
(Image: Holly Willoughby Instagram)
But it comes at a pretty hefty cost and means we can't run out to the shops to pick up our own.
Holly has been wearing designs by designers including Celia Kritharioti, Dana Harel Design, Sassi Holford and three from Iris Serban, all priced around £1,000.
We can dream though, right?


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-08--Pep Guardiola verdict on Ederson display after Man City keeper handed victory to Manchester United

Pep Guardiola hailed Ederson as “ an extraordinary keeper ” despite his Manchester derby horror show .
The Manchester City goalkeeper made two horrendous errors to hand Manchester United their first home league victory over their local rivals in nearly five years .
The Brazil stopper allowed an Anthony Martial shot to sneak under his hand for the first and then , late in the game , threw the ball straight to Scott McTominay , who fired it back past him to seal the three points .
Ederson was brought in because he combined good shot-stopping with exceptional footwork , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Blues team , as he often becomes an 11 outfield player .
Both aspects of his game were questioned in the defeat – but Guardiola wrote it off as part of the game .
“ He is an extraordinary keeper .
Next time he is going to be better , ” said the City manager .
And he made it plain that the keeper retains his faith , with an Etihad Stadium showdown with Real Madrid in the Champions League just nine days away .
“ He is an extraordinary player @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sometimes it happens .
He saved one or two.
” His defence of the keeper was reminiscent of his backing for Claudio Bravo , when the Chile keeper marked his debut by dropping the ball at the feet of Zlatan Ibrahimovic as City won at Old Trafford in 2016 .
On that day , he described Bravo ’ s debut as one of the best he had seen , even though the Chile keeper had also been lucky to avoid a red card for a rash challenge on Wayne Rooney .

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Pep Guardiola hailed Ederson as “an extraordinary keeper” despite his Manchester derby horror show.
The Manchester City goalkeeper made two horrendous errors to hand Manchester United their first home league victory over their local rivals in nearly five years.
The Brazil stopper allowed an Anthony Martial shot to sneak under his hand for the first and then, late in the game, threw the ball straight to Scott McTominay , who fired it back past him to seal the three points.
Ederson was brought in because he combined good shot-stopping with exceptional footwork, making him an excellent fit for Guardiola’s Blues team, as he often becomes an 11 outfield player.
Both aspects of his game were questioned in the defeat – but Guardiola wrote it off as part of the game.
“He is an extraordinary keeper. Next time he is going to be better,” said the City manager.
And he made it plain that the keeper retains his faith, with an Etihad Stadium showdown with Real Madrid in the Champions League just nine days away.
“He is an extraordinary player in the build-up, the saves ... sometimes it happens. He saved one or two.”
His defence of the keeper was reminiscent of his backing for Claudio Bravo, when the Chile keeper marked his debut by dropping the ball at the feet of Zlatan Ibrahimovic as City won at Old Trafford in 2016.
On that day, he described Bravo’s debut as one of the best he had seen, even though the Chile keeper had also been lucky to avoid a red card for a rash challenge on Wayne Rooney.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-08--Anthony Martial shares brutal injury pictures after Manchester United win vs Man City

Anthony Martial could be fairly satisfied with his day 's work on Sunday afternoon , scoring a goal and winning Man Of The Match as Manchester United beat Man City 2-0 .
But it was n't all easy for the Frenchman , who took to social media to share images of the wounds he picked up during the high octane derby .
Martial was struck down injured in the second half when he collided with the woodwork after pressing City goalkeeper Ederson .
He ended up in the net and needed treatment from United 's medical staff .
He initially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 78-minute mark by Scott McTominay — who then scored the second and match-sealing goal from long range .
Former United player and Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville gave Martial the Man Of The Match award for a penetrative display up front .
But it came at a cost , with Martial suffering deep cuts to both shins in that collision with the post , as he revealed on Instagram .
White the cuts look bad , it does n't appear to be too serious a problem .
Martial used a 'pained ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Instagram story post .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will hope Martial is fit to keep his place in the side , despite substitute Odion Ighalo having an excellent impact against City — as he has in many games since his January arrival .
United still have forward Marcus Rashford out injured with a double stress fracture in his back .
Martial is likely to be fine and ready to feature as United travel to Austrian side LASK on Thursday night for the first leg of their Europa League last 16 tie .

Anthony Martial could be fairly satisfied with his day's work on Sunday afternoon, scoring a goal and winning Man Of The Match as Manchester United beat Man City 2-0.
But it wasn't all easy for the Frenchman, who took to social media to share images of the wounds he picked up during the high octane derby.
Martial was struck down injured in the second half when he collided with the woodwork after pressing City goalkeeper Ederson. He ended up in the net and needed treatment from United's medical staff.
He initially played on but was eventually replaced on the 78-minute mark by Scott McTominay — who then scored the second and match-sealing goal from long range.
Former United player and Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville gave Martial the Man Of The Match award for a penetrative display up front. But it came at a cost, with Martial suffering deep cuts to both shins in that collision with the post, as he revealed on Instagram.
White the cuts look bad, it doesn't appear to be too serious a problem. Martial used a 'pained' and a 'laughing' emoji alongside his Instagram story post.
(Image: Anthony Martial Instagram)
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will hope Martial is fit to keep his place in the side, despite substitute Odion Ighalo having an excellent impact against City — as he has in many games since his January arrival.
United still have forward Marcus Rashford out injured with a double stress fracture in his back. Martial is likely to be fine and ready to feature as United travel to Austrian side LASK on Thursday night for the first leg of their Europa League last 16 tie.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-08--Pep Guardiola disagrees with Bernardo Silva over Man City loss to Manchester United

Pep Guardiola defended the performance of his Manchester City players ... after Bernardo Silva had called it unacceptable .
The Blues bossed the ball at Old Trafford but did n't do enough with it and were caught out in the first half when a quick free-kick from Bruno Fernandes was turned home by Anthony Martial .
Having failed to get themselves back into the game , City suffered further disappointment in injury time as Ederson threw the ball straight to Scott McTominay , who added a second goal for the home team .
Speaking immediately after the game , Bernardo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that could be accepted by the players .
`` It was a bad game for us .
Not acceptable .
We didn ’ t start badly and were playing quite well until we conceded , '' he said .
`` We know how good the Manchester United players are on the counter-attack , very aggressive .
So our performance was not acceptable .
`` We will have to watch the game back and listen to what Pep has to say .
But a team like ours can not lose this many games .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not going right and try not to make so many mistakes . ''
The City manager spent several questions in his post-match press conference defending the performance of his team and insisting both that they played well and that they are not far off the performance level that saw them win consecutive Premier League titles with the two highest points tallies ever seen in the competition .
`` Unacceptable ?
I do n't agree with Bernardo , '' he said when the player 's words were put to him .
`` Over 90 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first half we need to be a little bit more aggressive in the final third.. [ Ilkay ] Gundo [ gan ] and Bernardo needed more aggression in their position but in the second half we did it a little bit better .
`` In general we played well and congratulations United on the victory . ''

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Pep Guardiola defended the performance of his Manchester City players...after Bernardo Silva had called it unacceptable.
The Blues bossed the ball at Old Trafford but didn't do enough with it and were caught out in the first half when a quick free-kick from Bruno Fernandes was turned home by Anthony Martial.
Having failed to get themselves back into the game, City suffered further disappointment in injury time as Ederson threw the ball straight to Scott McTominay, who added a second goal for the home team.
Speaking immediately after the game, Bernardo Silva said the performance was not one that could be accepted by the players.
"It was a bad game for us. Not acceptable. We didn’t start badly and were playing quite well until we conceded," he said.
"We know how good the Manchester United players are on the counter-attack, very aggressive. So our performance was not acceptable.
"We will have to watch the game back and listen to what Pep has to say. But a team like ours cannot lose this many games. We need to check what’s not going right and try not to make so many mistakes."
Guardiola disagreed with that verdict.
The City manager spent several questions in his post-match press conference defending the performance of his team and insisting both that they played well and that they are not far off the performance level that saw them win consecutive Premier League titles with the two highest points tallies ever seen in the competition.
"Unacceptable? I don't agree with Bernardo," he said when the player's words were put to him.
"Over 90 minutes we played really well. In the first half we need to be a little bit more aggressive in the final third.. [Ilkay] Gundo[gan] and Bernardo needed more aggression in their position but in the second half we did it a little bit better.
"In general we played well and congratulations United on the victory."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-08--Teacher's hilarious take on how TikTok is taking over the classroom

A teacher 's tongue in cheek video of how TikTok is taking over the classroom has gone viral .
If you have children of a certain age , or teach children of a certain age , then you 'll be more than aware of how young fans of the app are well known for their erratic dance moves .
With routines including the arm-flinging Renegade , they 'll randomly break into a dance at any time of the day - usually when you 're least expecting it .
And it 's something that 's causing much amusement for Mr P @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lee Parkinson .
Mr P has become somewhat of an internet hit with his videos about school life , including his amusing take on the Biff and Chip books , and his latest one about how the TikTok craze is taking over classrooms has gone down a storm .
In his video , which has been viewed more than 500k times in just four days , he says : `` Surely this is n't just me , but are you finding that your pupils have to turn absolutely every task that they do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ routine ? ''
He says it 's become 'pretty much impossible ' for his class to walk down the corridor without dancing , adding : `` I do n't believe any of them can just put their hands up anymore , they use it as a way of just doing a quick little [ dance ] .
`` It 's doing my head in now because most of them are just doing these little dance sequences that makes me think they 've got a question to ask . ''
He says what can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of the corner of his eye ' , is simply a child flinging their arms around for a dance routine .
Referring to the popularity of his video , shared on his ICT with Mr P Facebook page under the title 'When TikTok means your class ca n't do anything normally ' , Lee said : `` It seems to have really resonated , not just teachers but parents too . ''
As for whether it 's causing any real damage to lessons , he does n't have too many concerns .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s causing any harm , it ’ s just another one of those trends like bottle flipping and flossing , '' said Lee , who lives in Urmston with his wife Claire , their nine-year-old triplets and his stepson .
`` It ’ s probably irritating for some teachers , but I find it hilarious because some pupils aren ’ t even aware they are doing it .
I keep trying to get my daughter to teacher me but she ’ s too embarrassed to teach her ‘ uncool ’ dad .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the school , Lee also visits schools across the country with his own training consultancy helping teachers make the most of technology .
As well as his Facebook page , you can visit his website here , or follow @ ict_mrp on Instagram and Twitter .

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A teacher's tongue in cheek video of how TikTok is taking over the classroom has gone viral.
If you have children of a certain age, or teach children of a certain age, then you'll be more than aware of how young fans of the app are well known for their erratic dance moves.
With routines including the arm-flinging Renegade, they'll randomly break into a dance at any time of the day - usually when you're least expecting it.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
And it's something that's causing much amusement for Mr P, otherwise known as Davyhulme Primary teacher Lee Parkinson.
Mr P has become somewhat of an internet hit with his videos about school life, including his amusing take on the Biff and Chip books, and his latest one about how the TikTok craze is taking over classrooms has gone down a storm.
In his video, which has been viewed more than 500k times in just four days, he says: "Surely this isn't just me, but are you finding that your pupils have to turn absolutely every task that they do in class into some sort of dance routine?"
Manchester Family We have a dedicated Facebook page bringing you all the latest on family events in Greater Manchester, as well as news, reviews, and advice. Please feel free to join here. And you can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram to keep up to date with all the family events happening.
He says it's become 'pretty much impossible' for his class to walk down the corridor without dancing, adding: "I don't believe any of them can just put their hands up anymore, they use it as a way of just doing a quick little [dance].
"It's doing my head in now because most of them are just doing these little dance sequences that makes me think they've got a question to ask."
He says what can often appear to 'a wasp attack out of the corner of his eye', is simply a child flinging their arms around for a dance routine.
Referring to the popularity of his video, shared on his ICT with Mr P Facebook page under the title 'When TikTok means your class can't do anything normally', Lee said: "It seems to have really resonated, not just teachers but parents too."
As for whether it's causing any real damage to lessons, he doesn't have too many concerns.
"I don’t think it’s causing any harm, it’s just another one of those trends like bottle flipping and flossing," said Lee, who lives in Urmston with his wife Claire, their nine-year-old triplets and his stepson.
"It’s probably irritating for some teachers, but I find it hilarious because some pupils aren’t even aware they are doing it. I keep trying to get my daughter to teacher me but she’s too embarrassed to teach her ‘uncool’ dad."
As well as working part time at the school, Lee also visits schools across the country with his own training consultancy helping teachers make the most of technology.
As well as his Facebook page, you can visit his website here, or follow @ict_mrp on Instagram and Twitter.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-08--Roy Keane and Gary Neville explain what Manchester United win vs Man City means for Solskjaer

Manchester United greats Roy Keane and Gary Neville have explained what the 2-0 win over Manchester City means for the club and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer .
The Norwegian manager has endured some tough times since he took over from Jose Mourinho in December 2018 but both Keane and Neville believe the victory at Old Trafford is a huge one for the United boss .
Anthony Martial scored the opening goal for United in the first half after Bruno Fernandes ' free-kick as the ball went underneath Ederson , before Scott McTominay took advantage of another mistake from the City goalkeeper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post-match and discussed how important the result is .
`` Not many times over these last few years have I seen the stadium , '' Neville told Sky Sports .
`` They needed it .
It still does n't give them what they wanted .
They are more confident and positive about what they are doing .
`` This type of win buys him ( Solskjaer ) more time .
I 'm glad they supported him in the transfer window . ''
Keane added : `` Brilliant .
Ole needed it and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a brilliant performance but it was dogged .
It was a really good performance .
I really enjoyed it .
`` I have n't seen the atmosphere like this for a long time .
I felt it was more of a derby for United today than City .
`` They have been under a lot of pressure .
They have done well today .
It is a big boost for Ole .
`` You have to win big games at home .
When you get a big win , you have to follow @ @ @ @

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Manchester United greats Roy Keane and Gary Neville have explained what the 2-0 win over Manchester City means for the club and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Norwegian manager has endured some tough times since he took over from Jose Mourinho in December 2018 but both Keane and Neville believe the victory at Old Trafford is a huge one for the United boss.
Anthony Martial scored the opening goal for United in the first half after Bruno Fernandes' free-kick as the ball went underneath Ederson, before Scott McTominay took advantage of another mistake from the City goalkeeper.
Keane and Neville hailed the win post-match and discussed how important the result is.
"Not many times over these last few years have I seen the stadium," Neville told Sky Sports. "They needed it. It still doesn't give them what they wanted. They are more confident and positive about what they are doing.
"This type of win buys him (Solskjaer) more time. I'm glad they supported him in the transfer window."
Keane added: "Brilliant. Ole needed it and the club needed it. It wasn't a brilliant performance but it was dogged. It was a really good performance. I really enjoyed it.
"I haven't seen the atmosphere like this for a long time. I felt it was more of a derby for United today than City.
"They have been under a lot of pressure. They have done well today. It is a big boost for Ole.
"You have to win big games at home. When you get a big win, you have to follow it up."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-08--Influencer who fought back from her face catching fire is celebrated by PrettyLittleThing

It was just like any other performance .
Fire breather Sophie Lee stepped onto the stage to perform her adrenaline-fuelled routine to a cheering crowd at a charity event in America .
For five years the 24-year-old commanded stages across the world and wowed with her incredible talent for manipulating flames .
But on April 1 , 2018 , that all changed .
After rousing her Chicago audience , Sophie ’ s world came crashing down after a freak accident left her with severe , life changing burns .
As she blew the fire out , the venue ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and blew it back into her face .
For someone who had spent her life in a world where image is everything , it was especially hard to come to terms with what happened .
Sophie , from Manchester , has opened up about the shocking moment in our ‘ Helen Wood chats to ... ’ podcast , which is available now .
It comes as her inspirational recovery has led to her being shortlisted for an award by fast fashion powerhouse PrettyLittleThing , alongside Strictly host Tess Daly and Little Mix star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her life changed dramatically , Sophie said : “ It was so fast .
My body went into survival mode because I was on fire .
It went into shock .
“ Even now like I feel like parts of my mind erased it , because it 's a part of my life that was so fast and drastic .
I think sometimes when things like that happen to you in life , you go numb to it .
“ The recollection that I have is more from hospital , because that 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thinking and reflection .
“ That 's where I did a lot of my growing I would say , and that 's where a lot of the pain I endured happened.
” After the accident , Sophie spent a month in hospital receiving treatment for the burns - and at first refused to let her friends and family see her .
After a time in intensive care , hooked up to machines to help her breathe , Sophie drifted in and out of consciousness as her body tried to adjust to the shock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from that time is her first shower .
Sophie explained : “ I 'm led in there , I can ’ t really breathe , all I can smell is burnt around me .
“ I kneeled and the nurse had to help me shower .
She said she was going to have to rub because I needed to get rid of all this burn .
“ The water was n't even hot , it was lukewarm water .
“ I remember she was bringing the shower head up , up to my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was thinking , this is going to hurt .
“ The water was like acid .
It was so raw.
” During the interview , an emotional Sophie broke down as she recounted the moment , before continuing bravely .
She said : “ It was pure emotions - I 've never felt so numb in my life to my surroundings .
“ All I could see was bits of blood , bits of hair , bits of skin and burn .
And that was when it hit me - I can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And I remember she said , we need to scrub this now .
And I literally just sat there and cried.
” It was after the shower that Sophie first saw the extent of her burns .
She said : “ When the nurse wheeled me out the room I saw myself without my bandages .
“ There were mirrors as I went in my room - I had n't seen them when I was getting wheeled out .
“ I said , just take all the mirrors down .
Please take these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ myself to look at myself in this state .
I said to her - I do n't know this person.
” Despite her horrific ordeal , Sophie managed to get herself through it with a little help from the online community .
The social media influencer - who has since had two operations to remove severe keloid scars from her neck - began documenting her journey on Instagram to show her followers that beauty is only skin deep .
“ For me that was my first real understanding of life , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand that there 's more to life than just trying to be pretty and trying to be popular or well known .
“ None of that really matters to me anymore because of this accident , and that 's why in a way I 'm very grateful for it .
“ Until that point , my career was my life .
“ That 's all I 've known - to be always looking perfect .
“ I was just in a bubble , my own bubble of being a performer , being a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted to do in terms of being successful.
” Sophie says that her time in hospital will never leave her .
“ I will never forget that time there because that is what makes me wake up every day grateful for where I am , ” she said .
“ To wake up hooked on some machine because you ca n't breathe , you ca n't even see for yourself , you ca n't do anything for yourself that you take for granted .
“ Just being able to breathe - it makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point in my life , I could n't do that for myself.
” Since her accident , Sophie has not let her scars get in the way of racking up some incredible achievements .
Last year she was chosen by Little Mix singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock as one of four brave , strong and inspiring girls to star in her empowering swimwear campaign , In ' A ' Seashell .
She is also in the running for Pretty Little Thing ’ s Inspirational Influencer of the Year at their 2020 awards ceremony .
Sophie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about it , it helps me as well as others out there because I 've come to accept it more and more .
“ Every time I talk about it , I 'm even more empowered about it .
I 'm so proud that I 'm able to sit here and talk to you and share my story.
” You can download Helen Wood chats to ... wherever you listen to your podcasts , but for exclusive , interactive , immersive content download the Entale app for iOS and Android .
This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News .
You can find out more about Laudable and its other local podcasts by following us on Twitter and Instagram .
Vote for her in the PLT awards .

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It was just like any other performance.
Fire breather Sophie Lee stepped onto the stage to perform her adrenaline-fuelled routine to a cheering crowd at a charity event in America.
For five years the 24-year-old commanded stages across the world and wowed with her incredible talent for manipulating flames.
But on April 1, 2018, that all changed.
After rousing her Chicago audience, Sophie’s world came crashing down after a freak accident left her with severe, life changing burns.
As she blew the fire out, the venue’s air conditioning fought against the flames, and blew it back into her face.
For someone who had spent her life in a world where image is everything, it was especially hard to come to terms with what happened.
Sophie, from Manchester, has opened up about the shocking moment in our ‘Helen Wood chats to...’ podcast, which is available now.
It comes as her inspirational recovery has led to her being shortlisted for an award by fast fashion powerhouse PrettyLittleThing, alongside Strictly host Tess Daly and Little Mix star Jesy Nelson.
Speaking of the moment her life changed dramatically, Sophie said: “It was so fast. My body went into survival mode because I was on fire. It went into shock.
“Even now like I feel like parts of my mind erased it, because it's a part of my life that was so fast and drastic. I think sometimes when things like that happen to you in life, you go numb to it.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
“The recollection that I have is more from hospital, because that's where I did a lot of my thinking and reflection.
“That's where I did a lot of my growing I would say, and that's where a lot of the pain I endured happened.”
(Image: Sophie Lee Instagram)
After the accident, Sophie spent a month in hospital receiving treatment for the burns - and at first refused to let her friends and family see her.
After a time in intensive care, hooked up to machines to help her breathe, Sophie drifted in and out of consciousness as her body tried to adjust to the shock.
One moment she will never forget from that time is her first shower.
Sophie explained: “I'm led in there, I can’t really breathe, all I can smell is burnt around me.
“I kneeled and the nurse had to help me shower. She said she was going to have to rub because I needed to get rid of all this burn.
“The water wasn't even hot, it was lukewarm water.
“I remember she was bringing the shower head up, up to my thigh and my knee and then I was thinking, this is going to hurt.
“The water was like acid. It was so raw.”
During the interview, an emotional Sophie broke down as she recounted the moment, before continuing bravely.
She said: “It was pure emotions - I've never felt so numb in my life to my surroundings.
(Image: Sophie Lee Instagram)
“All I could see was bits of blood, bits of hair, bits of skin and burn. And that was when it hit me - I can’t believe this has happened.
“And I remember she said, we need to scrub this now. And I literally just sat there and cried.”
It was after the shower that Sophie first saw the extent of her burns.
She said: “When the nurse wheeled me out the room I saw myself without my bandages.
“There were mirrors as I went in my room - I hadn't seen them when I was getting wheeled out.
“I said, just take all the mirrors down. Please take these mirrors down because I can't bring myself to look at myself in this state. I said to her - I don't know this person.”
(Image: Sophie Lee Instagram)
Despite her horrific ordeal, Sophie managed to get herself through it with a little help from the online community.
The social media influencer - who has since had two operations to remove severe keloid scars from her neck - began documenting her journey on Instagram to show her followers that beauty is only skin deep.
“For me that was my first real understanding of life,” said Sophie.
“It really made me understand that there's more to life than just trying to be pretty and trying to be popular or well known.
“None of that really matters to me anymore because of this accident, and that's why in a way I'm very grateful for it.
(Image: Sophie Lee Instagram)
“Until that point, my career was my life.
“That's all I've known - to be always looking perfect.
“I was just in a bubble, my own bubble of being a performer, being a dancer, and that was what I wanted to do in terms of being successful.”
Sophie says that her time in hospital will never leave her.
“I will never forget that time there because that is what makes me wake up every day grateful for where I am,” she said.
“To wake up hooked on some machine because you can't breathe, you can't even see for yourself, you can't do anything for yourself that you take for granted.
“Just being able to breathe - it makes me a bit speechless because at one point in my life, I couldn't do that for myself.”
Since her accident, Sophie has not let her scars get in the way of racking up some incredible achievements.
Last year she was chosen by Little Mix singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock as one of four brave, strong and inspiring girls to star in her empowering swimwear campaign, In 'A' Seashell.
She is also in the running for Pretty Little Thing’s Inspirational Influencer of the Year at their 2020 awards ceremony.
(Image: Sophie Lee Instagram)
Sophie added: “The more I talk about it, it helps me as well as others out there because I've come to accept it more and more.
“Every time I talk about it, I'm even more empowered about it. I'm so proud that I'm able to sit here and talk to you and share my story.”
You can download Helen Wood chats to... wherever you listen to your podcasts, but for exclusive, interactive, immersive content download the Entale app for iOS and Android.
This is a Laudable production for the Manchester Evening News. You can find out more about Laudable and its other local podcasts by following us on Twitter and Instagram.
Follow Helen Wood on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Follow Sophie Lee on Instagram .
Vote for her in the PLT awards .


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-08--Why Greater Manchester's masterplan has gone missing - and what that could mean for the green belt

Of all the many complex policy challenges the region ’ s leaders have on their to-do list , this one is probably the least-loved , from politicians to civil servants and a lot of the public .
Even , some might say , certain journalists .
The Greater Manchester Spatial Framework is as complicated , contentious and enormous as it is important .
If you ’ re reading this , you probably already know what it is .
But a recap might still be useful .
Going back to 2014 , when the region was negotiating its original devolution deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considered by many senior figures involved to be one of the most important wins .
This overarching masterplan , they believed , would allow them to define collectively how the area would develop in the next couple of decades , allocating where major housing and industrial expansion would take place across the entire conurbation .
Instead of that direction being dictated by Whitehall , this was an opportunity to show that politically difficult decisions really can be taken at local level , particularly when they mean a complicated series of trade-offs and even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So it was totemic as much as it was a tool in an armoury intended to grow the region ’ s economy .
After that deal was signed , they got to work .
By the time the all-important Labour selection process for the mayoralty was being carried out in summer 2016 , the first draft was getting ready to pounce on the public .
Fast-forward six months and it was out there .
Uproar ensued .
This was by far the biggest response to any Greater Manchester public consultation and much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most vocal concerns focused on plans to nibble away at the green belt .
As the mayoral election loomed , Andy Burnham ’ s campaign announced it would be rewritten should he win .
There would be no net loss of green belt , he promised .
But as we head into the 2020 mayoral election three years later , the spatial framework has now been missing in action for some time .
The last point any noise was made about it was at the start of 2019 , when the redrafted version @ @ @ @ @ @ @ press conference in central Manchester .
Housing numbers had been moved around to see the city centre and central Salford - both of which have plenty of brownfield land council bosses are keen to develop - soak up some of those in outlying boroughs going through green belt arguments , such as Stockport .
This document was part of a ‘ radical ’ strategy , it was announced , a ‘ bold and far-reaching ’ move .
At the time , Westminster was ‘ paralysed by Brexit ’ but by contrast , Greater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It didn ’ t meet the ‘ no net loss ’ pledge , but it did cut the amount of planned green belt development in half .
Over a year later , the rewritten plan has been out to consultation and come back in again , but nothing has materialised in public since .
One official reason for the latest of many delays is that Greater Manchester is still waiting for government to pass a specific bit of legislation , the need for which had been overlooked up until last year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at government level : ministers have still not , a year or so after it was raised with them , agreed to the move .
From the perspective of the mayor ’ s office , ministers have further trapped Greater Manchester in its current stasis .
While the latest population projections released in 2018 suggested the region didn ’ t need to plan for as many homes as originally expected , government - which is wedded to a target of 300,000 new homes a year - ordered local leaders to stick with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crux of Andy Burnham ’ s argument : you ’ re telling us to build too much .
“ Government says go higher still with our housing targets , even though we already think we ’ re above what we need , ” says a source close to the mayor , who points out that any government funding for the cleaning-up of brownfield sites is contingent on aiming for those higher numbers .
“ But government is also telling us to consult properly on the green belt .
So it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ develop brownfield - so give us the money and then we don ’ t have to do as much on the green belt .
We can ’ t just stick an extra couple of storeys on the Beetham Tower.
” This stasis has persisted and looks set to persist past the local and mayoral elections , a situation most insiders admit is no coincidence .
Alongside the mayoral vote , the districts with the most controversial sites - Bury and Stockport - are Labour-controlled and politically on a knife-edge ahead of the upcoming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on May 7 .
Meanwhile Bury has also just seen two new Tory MPs elected , one of whom in particular , James Daly , has been vocal about his opposition to Bury ’ s plans for thousands of homes on green belt .
“ These MPs took a stance on housing development , ” points out one senior official of the latest delay .
“ It ’ s not just the politics of Burnham , but being able to deliver it , because you need MP support really as well.
” As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ tweaks ’ are currently being undertaken , particularly in Bury .
Plans for major development around Simister , near the border with Manchester , are now quietly being scaled back .
There are also moves to ensure proposals for a huge expansion of housing in the green belt around Elton do not come forward until funding for new infrastructure - including a tram stop - are rock-solid .
It ’ s understood the 50pc reduction in green belt development could rise to 60pc or 65pc , with Wigan , Stockport and Oldham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So somewhere within the bowels of various town halls , and mayoral headquarters at Churchgate House , weary officials are , even now , redrawing boundaries on maps .
Those maps are not expected to materialise until July .
In the meantime , however , that has left some authorities in a difficult position .
Several have seen their own local plans - the borough-level planning documents that are meant to fit into the GMSF - expire while waiting for it to appear .
Any borough without one is left vulnerable to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , leading to a dreaded 'planning by appeal ' scenario .
Those boroughs include Salford , Bury and Trafford .
Manchester ’ s local plan is running out too .
The city recently decided to get on with it and went out to consultation on its new version , not prepared to wait for the GMSF and keen to stop developers taking advantage of the lack of a framework by simply gambling on winning through appeal .
“ If you ’ ve got neither the GMSF nor a local plan , that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” points out one official .
Salford has an up-to-date policy document in place , covering issues such as affordability , but not anything mapping out where major developments will go .
The city has been waiting for the GMSF to materialise , but eventually it will also need a full local plan if it doesn ’ t .
Meanwhile regardless of the delay , if Bury - or Stockport - changes hands or falls into no overall control in May , that potentially makes it even harder to get a plan over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t guaranteed that it ’ s going to happen , because of the political situation , ” says one council source of the overall framework .
But they believe it would be those places currently arguing about green belt that would be most adversely affected by that , since at present Manchester and Salford are absorbing some of their numbers under the current framework .
If that disappeared , they would no long be able to share those housing targets .
“ It would be catastrophic for those places , ” points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the long run those places will end up with stuff on the green belt anyway.
” Many insiders believe the political window for passing the framework lies in between this May 's elections and expected all-out elections in 2022 , assuming it can get through town halls in various states of control .
But increasingly , says one planning consultant , developers are thinking the GMSF won ’ t happen at all .
“ They ’ ve been working for quite a while on the basis that it won ’ t be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worth thinking about , ” they say .
“ Developers normally want certainty .
But it ’ s been knocking around for that long that I think they 've just given up waiting.
” In the absence of the GMSF , developers looking at green field sites are pushing on , they note , on the basis that they can just take any rejection to appeal further down the line , particularly in places that haven ’ t sorted out their local plans .
“ This is particularly the case with volume housebuilders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes on green sites , ” they add .
“ Their view is just to carry on , expecting to win by appeal.
” In the meantime , the GMSF lurks in filing cabinets across Greater Manchester .
At some stage , it will resurface for another moment in the limelight .
Whether it ever gets the green light is another matter , but the region certainly has n't heard the last of its green belt debate .
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here .
And you can follow us on Facebook here .

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Of all the many complex policy challenges the region’s leaders have on their to-do list, this one is probably the least-loved, from politicians to civil servants and a lot of the public. Even, some might say, certain journalists.
The Greater Manchester Spatial Framework is as complicated, contentious and enormous as it is important.
If you’re reading this, you probably already know what it is. But a recap might still be useful.
Going back to 2014, when the region was negotiating its original devolution deal with George Osborne, the GMSF was considered by many senior figures involved to be one of the most important wins.
This overarching masterplan, they believed, would allow them to define collectively how the area would develop in the next couple of decades, allocating where major housing and industrial expansion would take place across the entire conurbation. Instead of that direction being dictated by Whitehall, this was an opportunity to show that politically difficult decisions really can be taken at local level, particularly when they mean a complicated series of trade-offs and even when they mean reducing your green belt.
So it was totemic as much as it was a tool in an armoury intended to grow the region’s economy.
(Image: Matt Ratcliffe)
After that deal was signed, they got to work. By the time the all-important Labour selection process for the mayoralty was being carried out in summer 2016, the first draft was getting ready to pounce on the public .
Fast-forward six months and it was out there. Uproar ensued. This was by far the biggest response to any Greater Manchester public consultation and much of it was negative - with the most vocal concerns focused on plans to nibble away at the green belt.
As the mayoral election loomed, Andy Burnham’s campaign announced it would be rewritten should he win. There would be no net loss of green belt, he promised.
But as we head into the 2020 mayoral election three years later, the spatial framework has now been missing in action for some time.
The last point any noise was made about it was at the start of 2019, when the redrafted version of the original was launched at a press conference in central Manchester. Housing numbers had been moved around to see the city centre and central Salford - both of which have plenty of brownfield land council bosses are keen to develop - soak up some of those in outlying boroughs going through green belt arguments, such as Stockport.
(Image: MEN)
This document was part of a ‘radical’ strategy, it was announced, a ‘bold and far-reaching’ move. At the time, Westminster was ‘paralysed by Brexit’ but by contrast, Greater Manchester was ‘taking the initiative’.
It didn’t meet the ‘no net loss’ pledge , but it did cut the amount of planned green belt development in half.
Over a year later, the rewritten plan has been out to consultation and come back in again, but nothing has materialised in public since.
One official reason for the latest of many delays is that Greater Manchester is still waiting for government to pass a specific bit of legislation , the need for which had been overlooked up until last year. And certainly there has been a blockage at government level: ministers have still not, a year or so after it was raised with them, agreed to the move.
From the perspective of the mayor’s office, ministers have further trapped Greater Manchester in its current stasis. While the latest population projections released in 2018 suggested the region didn’t need to plan for as many homes as originally expected, government - which is wedded to a target of 300,000 new homes a year - ordered local leaders to stick with the original, higher numbers .
(Image: MEN)
This is the crux of Andy Burnham’s argument: you’re telling us to build too much.
“Government says go higher still with our housing targets, even though we already think we’re above what we need,” says a source close to the mayor, who points out that any government funding for the cleaning-up of brownfield sites is contingent on aiming for those higher numbers.
“But government is also telling us to consult properly on the green belt. So it’s a vicious circle. We want to develop brownfield - so give us the money and then we don’t have to do as much on the green belt. We can’t just stick an extra couple of storeys on the Beetham Tower.”
This stasis has persisted and looks set to persist past the local and mayoral elections, a situation most insiders admit is no coincidence.
Alongside the mayoral vote, the districts with the most controversial sites - Bury and Stockport - are Labour-controlled and politically on a knife-edge ahead of the upcoming local elections, which also take place on May 7.
Meanwhile Bury has also just seen two new Tory MPs elected, one of whom in particular, James Daly, has been vocal about his opposition to Bury’s plans for thousands of homes on green belt.
“These MPs took a stance on housing development,” points out one senior official of the latest delay.
“It’s not just the politics of Burnham, but being able to deliver it, because you need MP support really as well.”
As a result, multiple sources report that ‘tweaks’ are currently being undertaken, particularly in Bury.
Plans for major development around Simister, near the border with Manchester, are now quietly being scaled back. There are also moves to ensure proposals for a huge expansion of housing in the green belt around Elton do not come forward until funding for new infrastructure - including a tram stop - are rock-solid.
It’s understood the 50pc reduction in green belt development could rise to 60pc or 65pc, with Wigan, Stockport and Oldham all also looking to tweak their plans.
So somewhere within the bowels of various town halls, and mayoral headquarters at Churchgate House, weary officials are, even now, redrawing boundaries on maps. Those maps are not expected to materialise until July.
(Image: UGC MEN)
In the meantime, however, that has left some authorities in a difficult position. Several have seen their own local plans - the borough-level planning documents that are meant to fit into the GMSF - expire while waiting for it to appear. Any borough without one is left vulnerable to their planning decisions being challenged by developers, leading to a dreaded 'planning by appeal' scenario.
Those boroughs include Salford, Bury and Trafford. Manchester’s local plan is running out too. The city recently decided to get on with it and went out to consultation on its new version, not prepared to wait for the GMSF and keen to stop developers taking advantage of the lack of a framework by simply gambling on winning through appeal.
“If you’ve got neither the GMSF nor a local plan, that’s when you get speculative development,” points out one official.
Salford has an up-to-date policy document in place, covering issues such as affordability, but not anything mapping out where major developments will go. The city has been waiting for the GMSF to materialise, but eventually it will also need a full local plan if it doesn’t.
Meanwhile regardless of the delay, if Bury - or Stockport - changes hands or falls into no overall control in May, that potentially makes it even harder to get a plan over the line afterwards.
(Image: Joel Goodman)
“It isn’t guaranteed that it’s going to happen, because of the political situation,” says one council source of the overall framework.
But they believe it would be those places currently arguing about green belt that would be most adversely affected by that, since at present Manchester and Salford are absorbing some of their numbers under the current framework. If that disappeared, they would no long be able to share those housing targets.
“It would be catastrophic for those places,” points out one council figure elsewhere. “In the long run those places will end up with stuff on the green belt anyway.”
Many insiders believe the political window for passing the framework lies in between this May's elections and expected all-out elections in 2022, assuming it can get through town halls in various states of control.
But increasingly, says one planning consultant, developers are thinking the GMSF won’t happen at all.
“They’ve been working for quite a while on the basis that it won’t be coming forward and it’s not worth thinking about,” they say.
“Developers normally want certainty. But it’s been knocking around for that long that I think they've just given up waiting.”
In the absence of the GMSF, developers looking at green field sites are pushing on, they note, on the basis that they can just take any rejection to appeal further down the line, particularly in places that haven’t sorted out their local plans.
“This is particularly the case with volume housebuilders, looking to build 400 or 500 homes on green sites,” they add. “Their view is just to carry on, expecting to win by appeal.”
In the meantime, the GMSF lurks in filing cabinets across Greater Manchester. At some stage, it will resurface for another moment in the limelight.
Whether it ever gets the green light is another matter, but the region certainly hasn't heard the last of its green belt debate.
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device. You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here . And you can follow us on Facebook here .