Australia have been sent in to bat by South Africa captain Temba Bavuma at Lord's in the World Test Championship final.
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Australia to bat first in WTC final after losing toss
Tasmanians will go to polls again on July 19 after no confidence motion in Premier Jeremy Rockliff
Tasmanians will go to polls for the fourth time in seven years on July 19, after a no-confidence motion in Premier Jeremy Rockliff left the state in limbo for a week.
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Wes Nelson reveals secret battle with career-threatening health condition ahead of music comeback
MUSIC star and Love Island legend Wes Nelson has been quietly undergoing treatment to save his voice.
The talented 27-year-old has spent the past five years working relentlessly on his music, writing hundreds of songs and performing countless shows.
However, his voice box paid the price for his work ethic and he was diagnosed with muscle tension dysphonia.
The condition, which is often caused by excessive muscle tension, can alter the sound of the voice, making it tire quicker and high notes more difficult to reach as well as causing pain in the neck and while speaking.
Fortunately, Wes has worked with doctors to get back to a place he can perform to a live audience and this Friday he makes his official comeback at Battersea Power Station for a gig to celebrate Lipton’s Kombucha.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun, Wes said: “I had muscle tension dysphonia, which is not great, and can really mess up some people’s careers but I’ve got it, I manage it and it works and it’s fine now.
“I’ve been going through vocal therapy so my voice has been up and down in terms of vocal health and I’ve really been focusing on music.
“It’s got so much better over this past year where I’ve been seeing different experts having a cameras up my nose and down my throat, it’s a lot of depth and it has been tough to say the least, but we’re back now.
“It was a scary time. It just had to be addressed when I did so it didn’t get out of control.”
Prior to his diagnosis, Wes felt blessed to be able to sing on command with little prep work needed to be performance ready.
But his relaxed approach to his craft eventually caught up with him after a gruelling run on the road.
“I think it initially started from doing like three tours in one year,” he said. “Which was a lot of singing, and then I was recording hundreds of songs in that year as well so it was just overuse and not necessarily warming up and doing the right things.
“People forget that some people can just get up and sing and I was one of the people who used to get up and sing and it didn’t really matter and I sort of neglected that and abused that ability really because then you start to take a toll on your voice.”
However, he’s smiling and raring to go once again with a summer anthem designed to get people up on their feet.
Kombucha-cha is a conscious effort to get shy Gen-Zers moving after a new study found 68 percent didn’t feel confident enough to get up and have boogie.
And for Wes, his tie to Lipton’s is personal. He has fond memories of stopping off at a chippy in Newcastle in his schooldays to pick up food and a refreshing Lipton’s Ice Tea.
He said: “I don’t think people are dancing enough now. What’s more summer dance than a cha-cha-cha? I did it in a villa. I do it every night. I do it on stage.
“For me, this is summer in a bottle. So, I wanted to replicate that and get people dancing and moving with the track.”
Wes’s moves saw him finish as runner-up on Dancing On Ice in 2019 and though reality TV hasn’t been on his radar since 2022’s The Games, he’s willing to make a return for Strictly Come Dancing.
He told us: “I have thought about it because I honestly think my hips don’t lie and I do want to inspire people.
“If the opportunity ever arose to go on Strictly and do some bits like that I’m sure I’d seriously, seriously consider it. Give me some shiny shoes and I’m all over it.”
I married a convicted killer in prison ceremony…his MUM tried to cancel wedding & trolls say he’ll kill me when he’s out
DRESSED in a frilly white gown, jewelled headband and satin heels, bride Carla Ward felt like a princess as she reached the gates of her wedding venue.
But she wasn’t about to say ‘I do’ inside a church or registry office.
She was heading into a prison – to marry a convicted killer.
Last month the 27-year-old tied the knot with inmate Joseph Ward, 42, in a jailhouse ceremony in Louisiana, US.
Despite Ward currently serving an 100-year sentence for shooting and killing a woman, Carla vowed to commit herself to him.
Yet not everyone was happy with their marriage.
On the morning of their nuptials, her mother-in-law-to-be phoned the prison to call it off – objecting to the union due to the couple’s 15-year age gap.
But the vows still went ahead as planned, with just the prison staff and warden as witnesses.
Twice-divorced Carla, from Tennessee, insists it was the “happiest day of her life”, adding: “I’ve been married before but this time felt 100 per cent natural.
“I was so shocked to learn that his mother wasn’t happy as she’d said before that she was looking forward to welcoming me to the family, so it made me sad.
“Still, we didn’t let it ruin our special day.”
On the morning of the wedding Carla arrived at the prison in her car, where it was searched by armed guards before she went through a body scanner.
She was then escorted inside to meet her groom.
“I was taken in to see Joseph,” Carla recalls. “But he was half an hour late for his own wedding as he was working.
“Eventually he arrived dressed in a blue long-sleeved shirt, jeans and his rodeo belt and cowboy boots. It was pure joy seeing him.”
The couple exchanged vows they’d written themselves at the visiting table before sharing a kiss as husband and wife.
Afterwards the prison newspaper photographer snapped some pictures of the newlyweds, before they had an hour left of their visit.
I was so shocked to learn that his mother wasn’t happy as she’d said before that she was looking forward to welcoming me to the family, so it made me sad
Carla Ward
Carla says: “It wasn’t a conventional wedding but it was beautiful to us. I’ll cherish that day forever.”
In October 2000, Ward was handed a 100-year sentence for aggravated robbery, kidnap and manslaughter, after a woman was shot and killed in Louisiana.
He faced the death penalty, so took a plea deal.
Carla, who has never had sex with her husband, says: “Most people are shocked to discover I’m married to a convicted criminal, but that’s not how I see him.
“He’s really loving and has such a kind nature. He’s really remorseful for his past actions and has had a lot of time to repent and turn his life around.
“I believe everyone deserves a second chance.”
Instant connection
In September 2023, after watching him in a prison documentary, Carla fell for Ward.
He was working as a horse trainer – a job awarded to prisoners who show exceptional behaviour.
Carla says: “He was only 17, so young at the time of his crime, I felt sorry for him, so decided to reach out and emailed him.”
The pair began talking and clicked straight away. Within a week Ward professed his love to Carla, calling her his “soulmate”.
She says: “I’ve always been attracted to older men. My last relationship was with a man 20 years my senior, so the 15 years between us wasn’t an issue.”
The following month the couple met for the first time at a rodeo event in a Louisiana prison stadium that was open to the public.
Carla says: “Joseph hugged me and introduced me as his girlfriend to his sister and mum who were visiting.
“He even told some of the guards, too.
“It felt really natural and we shared kisses throughout the day.”
I’ve always been attracted to older men. My last relationship was with a man 20 years my senior, so the 15 years between us wasn’t an issue
Carla Ward
That day Ward told her that when he was 17, in a drug-induced stupor, him and friend Robert Smith kidnapped and killed Smith’s sister Christy, 24.
According to Carla, Ward insisted he didn’t pull the trigger.
Carla says: “He regrets his actions every day and wishes he’d never been there.
“But he had a hard upbringing and was maltreated himself. He’ll have guilt forever.”
After their first date the pair continued to talk daily over the phone – and in December 2023, Carla visited her mum, 58, to confess that the man she had been dating was a convicted criminal.
She recalls: “I handed Mum my phone and told her Joseph was on the other end and wanted to talk to her.
“But then I explained how the call was being recorded because he was in prison.
“Her mouth dropped open and she couldn’t believe it, but she still spoke to him.”
During their conversation Ward asked permission to marry Carla, which her mum granted.
Carla says: “At first Mum was shocked, and obviously it isn’t an ideal union any parent would want for their child.
“But she could tell how much we were in love, so gave her blessing. I was so happy.”
Proposal
In January 2024, Ward proposed during a jail visit, and 16 months later, in May this year, Carla had a hen do with close friends in New Orleans to celebrate her up-coming wedding.
She explains: “My three best friends support us, and those that don’t agree don’t say anything rude, they just don’t understand how the relationship is functional.
“They think I’ll regret being with him and I’m crazy for having a marriage with someone behind bars.
“They worry how he’ll be when he’s released after being institutionalised.
“But I reassure them that our love is real and he’s worth waiting for.”
They think I’ll regret being with him and I’m crazy for having a marriage with someone behind bars
Carla Ward
Carla says she’s regularly trolled by strangers online for her unusual relationship choice.
She says: “If I post a picture of us together on social media, I get asked a lot if he’s a sex offender, which is horrible.
“They say our love is disgusting and that I’m throwing my life away with an older man who’s behind bars.
“Once someone said he’ll probably kill me when he gets out. It’s awful.”
Carla makes the 10-hour round trip to visit Ward in prison once a month, and while their relationship is unconventional, she insists Joseph is the love of her life.
She says: “I can’t wait to spend the rest of mine with him as husband and wife.”
UK Prison Brides
- Tracey Bottomley married double murderer Ernest Otto Smith in the US after meeting through a prison pen pal initiative. Tracey, from West Yorks, knew he had been given a life sentence with no possibility of parole
- Rebecca Short, from Oxfordshire, told her family she was on holiday in the US in 2022. Little did they know she was marrying double murderer Manuel Ovate Jr, who was on death row
- Paula Williamson, an actress who appeared on Hollyoaks and Emmerdale, married the infamous Charles Bronson in 2017 after they became penpals
- Karen Charves married Kenny Richey while he was on death row in 2014. He had been convicted for starting a fire in 1986 that killed his ex-girlfriend’s daughter, aged two. Karen and Kenny’s union did not last and she claimed he was abusive.
- Naomi Wise, from Essex, married Victor Oquendo, nicknamed Animal, while he was serving a 24-year prison term in a US jail. They split up in 2022 but have now rekindled their romance
Boy, 15, stabbed at school in front of horrified pupils as six teens, 13 and 14, arrested
SIX teenagers have been arrested after a stabbing at a school.
A 15-year-old boy was stabbed in the grounds of Moseley School on Wake Green Road in Birmingham just before 2pm yesterday.
He was taken to hospital with two slash injuries to his back, which are not believed to be life-threatening.
Six boys, aged 13 and 14, have been arrested on suspicion of wounding and remain in custody this morning.
West Midland Police said they are supporting the victim’s family.
The force is also working closely with the school while they examine CCTV and speak to witnesses.
Extra patrols will be taking place around the area today to offer reassurance, police added.
Det Sgt Shereen Ballintine, from Birmingham CID, said: “This was an appalling attack which has left a teenage boy with significant injuries, and other pupils at the school have been left really distressed by what has happened.
“We are working very closely with the school to build a clear as picture as possible of what happened and why, but it’s really important we hear from anyone with information or footage of what happened.”
Anyone with information has been asked to get in touch via 101, quoting 2953 of 10 June.
Love Island fans call for boy to be KICKED OFF show after ‘disgusting’ red flag comment
LOVE Island fans have called for one of the lads to be axed after he made a “disgusting” comment about Shakira Khan.
Ben Holbrough sparked immediate red flag fears among viewers after pulling bombshell Toni Laites for a private chat.
American Toni – short for Antonia – had stolen Ben from Shakira moments earlier after making her shock entrance.
Sitting down with Toni, Ben praised her for the savage move as he said Shakira “needed to be humbled”.
“I like it because it’s humbled Shakira. She needed that,” he told Toni.
Fans on the show were horrified by taxi driver Ben’s shock remark about the 22-year-old model.
Venting on X, formerly known as Twitter, one viewer raged: “Shakira needed to be humbled????? on day one?!! get Ben OUT OF THIS VILLA!”
Another fumed: “Ben saying Shakira needed to be humbled and he’s known her for three hours, he’s a weirdo he needs to leave already.”
A third added: “It humbled Shakira. She needed that.’ Put Ben in the bin pls.”
A fourth blasted: “I like it it humbled shakira she needed that” sorry?? What? Get him off my screen what a bizarre thing to say.”
And someone else agreed: “What did Ben mean by Shakria needed humbled? Its not even been 24 hours. get this p**** out.”
As a result of Toni’s arrival in the villa, Sophie Lee was savagely dumped from Love Island on Tuesday night.
Just 24 hours after she had arrived, 29-year-old Sophie was made to repack her bags and leave the villa.
Ben, 30, had originally been coupled up with Shakira but was stolen from her by Toni when she walked in.
Shakira was given one day to find a connection with another guy otherwise she would have been dumped from the island.
Unfortunately for Sophie, the brunette managed to turn Harry Cooksley‘s head and picked him to recouple with.
Her decision left Sophie single and she was sent home.
Love Island 2025 full lineup
- Harry Cooksley: A 29-year-old footballer with charm to spare.
- Sophie Lee: A model and motivational speaker who has overcome adversity after suffering life-changing burns in an accident.
- Shakira Khan: A 22-year-old Manchester-based model, ready to turn heads.
- Blu Chegini: A boxer with striking model looks, seeking love in the villa.
- Megan Moore: A payroll specialist from Southampton, looking for someone tall and stylish.
- Alima Gagigo: International business graduate with brains and ambition.
- Tommy Bradley: A gym enthusiast with a big heart.
- Helena Ford: A Londoner with celebrity connections, aiming to find someone funny or Northern.
- Ben Hullbra: A model ready to make waves.
- Megan Clarke: An Irish actress already drawing comparisons to Maura Higgins.
- Dejon Noel-Williams: A personal trainer and semi-pro footballer, following in his footballer father’s footsteps.
- Aaron Buckett: A towering 6’5” personal trainer.
- Conor Phillips: A 25-year-old Irish rugby pro
- Antonia Laites: Love Island’s first bombshell revealed as sexy Las Vegas pool party waitress.
- Rose Selway: Beauty salon owner from Devon who runs 12 aesthetics clinics, boasting a famous clientele including former Love Islanders
Departures:
- Kyle Ashman: Axed after an arrest over a machete attack emerged. He was released with no further action taken and denies any wrongdoing.
Shakira needed a pep talk from Love Island host Maya Jama before telling the group that she wanted to recouple with the footballer.
As she was about to make her decision known, Shakira turned away from the fire pit and her voice cracked.
She whispered to Maya: “So let me just get this straight, whoever I pick, that girl gets dumped?”
Maya replied: “Yeah.”
Shakira whispered: “For f***’s sake. I still don’t know which one I’m picking.”
Have YOU got a story or an amazing picture or video? Email exclusive@the-sun.co.uk and you could even get PAID
Maya advised Shakira to go with the guy who she was most compatible with, adding: “You don’t want to regret anything later.”
Sophie, a former fire breather and dancer who was left scarred for life following a terrifying accident, has since broken her silence on her early exit.
Future of iconic comedy panel show revealed after 32 series on air
THE fate of a beloved panel show has been revealed following 32 series on air.
Iconic comedy game Never Mind The Buzzcocks first launched on BBC Two in 1996.
It combines classic comedy panel show with a pop music theme.
Following a six year hiatus, the show relaunched on Sky Max in 2021.
The programme has now been renewed for a new series – its fifth since being revived.
Greg Davies was selected as presenter when Never Mind The Buzzcocks returned to screen.
Joining the Taskmaster star is Noel Fielding, who reprises his team captain role from the original run.
Daisy May Cooper leads the other team, while Jamali Maddix is a regular panelist.
Mark Lamarr was the original presenter, followed by Simon Amstell and then Rhod Gilbert.
For several years, numerous guest hosts took over presenting duties.
Some examples include Jonathan Ross, who was the first guest presenter.
Meanwhile, Johnny Vegas, was the show’s final guest presenter.
It comes as a Noughties pop star looked unrecognisable as she featured on Never Mind The Buzzcocks.
More than 20 years had passed since Amy Studt’s chart-topping song Misfit.
Viewers watched as Amy was part of the line-up game for their noughties special.
Taking to TikTok, the star explained why she had decided to take part.
Never Mind The Buzzcocks presenters
Comedy, music-infused panel game Never Mind The Buzzcocks has seen several presenters since debuting in 1996.
These include:
- Mark Lamarr (1996-2005)
- Simon Amstell (2006-2009)
- Rhod Gilbert (2014-2015)
- Greg Davies (2021 – present)
- Various guest presenters
Amy shared: “A little while ago I took myself off to film in an episode of Never Mind The Buzzcocks in their line up game for their 00’s special.
After a little considering, I decided that having professional comedians take the p**s out of me on telly sounded like a LOT of fun and I was gonna do everything I could to win the game of not laughing.”
“If you don’t know the game, the line ups are tested to stay emotionless whilst the comedians do everything they can to make you laugh.”
Never Mind The Buzzcocks airs on Sky Max.
Élodie Yung Has Achieved Her Dream for Southeast Asian Fans Even if Fox Canceled ‘The Cleaning Lady’ After 4 Seasons
Élodie Yung’s most popular role might be Elektra in the Netflix Defenders universe, but she showed her exceptional acting side on Fox’s The Cleaning Lady. She played the lead role of Thony De La Rosa, a former Cambodian-Filipino surgeon, who becomes a cleaner for the mob to procure treatment for her sick son. Fox recently […]
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
Odds of ‘city-killer’ asteroid hitting the Moon go up again
An asteroid that, until a few months ago, was believed to be a threat to Earth is increasingly looking like it could crash into the Moon in 2032.
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Чому волосся втрачає колір під сонцем швидше — і як цьому зарадити
Сонячне світло, а особливо ультрафіолет, негативно впливає на пігмент у волоссі — як природний, так і штучний. Під його дією колір блякне, а на волоссі можуть з’являтися небажані відтінки. Щоб уникнути цього, варто користуватися засобами, що містять УФ-фільтри: вони створюють захисний бар’єр, який поглинає або відбиває шкідливі промені, запобігаючи вицвітанню, інформує Ukr.Media. У літній період важливо […]