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Jordan Pickford’s wife Megan and Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend Ashlyn Castro are spotted in the stands as they lead the glamorous WAGs rooting for England in the semi-final

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Jordan Pickford's wife Megan (pictured) and Jude Bellingham's girlfriend Ashlyn Castro were seen in the stands as they led the WAGs rooting for England ahead of the World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday night

Jordan Pickford‘s wife Megan and Jude Bellingham‘s girlfriend Ashlyn Castro were seen in the stands as they led the WAGs rooting for England ahead of the World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday night.

Megan, 30, and Ashlyn, 28, were the first to arrive out of the WAGs to watch England’s semi-final World Cup game against Argentina. 

Eberechi Eze wife, Naima Corbin, was later spotted in the stands ahead of the game, while Harry Kane‘s wife Kate posed for a snap outside the stadium. 

Just hours earlier, Megan was the first of the wives to throw support behind the Three Lions as they prepare to take on Argentina. 

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She took to TikTok ahead of the Atlanta game to ask fans for help on which designer outfit she should wear.

Megan first turned heads in a fitted football shirt with Jordan’s player number on it with a pair of white jeans.

Jordan Pickford’s wife Megan (pictured) and Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend Ashlyn Castro were seen in the stands as they led the WAGs rooting for England ahead of the World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday night

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Megan, 30, and Ashlyn (pictured), 28, were the first to arrive out of the WAGs to watch England's semi-final World Cup game against Argentina.

Megan, 30, and Ashlyn (pictured), 28, were the first to arrive out of the WAGs to watch England’s semi-final World Cup game against Argentina.

The influencer teamed the look with a red Celine belt and an adorable white Chanel bag.

She then switched into a mini black-and-white dress from Meshki, styled with a red Chanel bag.

‘Ladies I need help for today’s outfit? Dress or shirt,’ she penned alongside the clip.

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Just moments earlier, she took to Instagram to share a sweet tribute with their children for Jordan: ‘Today’s mood, Go Daddy’.

Megan, 30, shares children Arlo, Ostara and Misty with the goalkeeper, 32.

Their children looked adorable in football kits with ‘Daddy’ on the back as they cheered ‘Daddy, daddy!’ and jumped in circles prior to the game.

Elsewhere, Ollie Watkins’ wife Ellie took to her Instagram Stories to plug a mascara ahead of the big match. 

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This was followed by another post, showing off her chic outfit before she headed to the stadium. 

Prince William – who serves as President of the Football Association – congratulated England on their World Cup quarter-final win over Norway last week, saying they are a ‘special team’ and the result was ‘never in doubt’. 

Megan has made the most of her US jaunt with a lavish shopping spree over the last few weeks.

She ensured she splashed out on a surprise for her spouse, as she shared a snap of a £455 football-themed wallet she picked up for him during a recent trip to New York.

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Harry Kane's wife Kate posed for a selfie outside the stadium

Harry Kane’s wife Kate posed for a selfie outside the stadium 

Dean Henderson's wife Millie made her way to her seat

Dean Henderson’s wife Millie made her way to her seat 

Just hours earlier, Megan was the first of the wives to throw her support behind the Three Lions as they prepare to take on Argentina

Just hours earlier, Megan was the first of the wives to throw her support behind the Three Lions as they prepare to take on Argentina

She took to TikTok ahead of the Atlanta game to ask fans for help on which designer outfit she should wear

She took to TikTok ahead of the Atlanta game to ask fans for help on which designer outfit she should wear

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Just moments earlier, she took to Instagram to share a sweet tribute with their children for Jordan: 'Today's mood, Go Daddy'

Just moments earlier, she took to Instagram to share a sweet tribute with their children for Jordan: ‘Today’s mood, Go Daddy’

Elsewhere, Ollie Watkins' wife Ellie took to her Instagram Stories to plug a mascara ahead of the big match

Elsewhere, Ollie Watkins’ wife Ellie took to her Instagram Stories to plug a mascara ahead of the big match

She then posed a series of beaming snaps ahead of the big game

She then posed a series of beaming snaps ahead of the big game 

Ellie looked incredible in a white tank top and pinstripe mini skirt

Ellie looked incredible in a white tank top and pinstripe mini skirt 

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Megan took to Instagram Stories to document her shopping trip, and while no doubt she picked up a few designer treats, she also posted a snap of an eye-catching designer wallet with a football pitch design.

She captioned the post: ‘Bought husband a special World Cup wallet.’ 

Like all of this year’s England WAGs, Megan had prepared a glamorous designer wardrobe to take her seat in the stands for England’s World Cup matches.

But her chance to debut her looks was hit by a week-long delay when Megan revealed her airline had lost her suitcase last month.

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Hours ahead of England’s match against Ghana on Tuesday, Megan revealed she’d finally been reunited with her suitcase.

Posting a hilarious update on her social media accounts on Monday night Megan uploaded a video of her opening the door of her hotel room to see her prized baggage.

Dressed in pink joggers and top Megan pulls the suitcase into her room and gives it a big hug as Abba‘s classic hit ‘Honey Honey’ played.

She wrote: ‘A special delivery arrived it will not be leaving my sight before tomorrow’s game,’ ending the post with the hashtag suitcasegate.

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Fellow WAG Ellie wrote ‘Hahaha so happy for you,’ while Megan added the first thing she was going to buy was an air tag to track her luggage.

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Saltburn named one of UK’s most affordable holiday spots

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Saltburn named one of UK's most affordable holiday spots

The North Yorkshire coastal town secured second place on Sykes Holiday Cottages’ Staycation Index for 2026.

Other nearby destinations also made the list, with Staithes and Thirsk coming in at fifth and sixth place respectively.

Saltburn is praised for its Victorian pier, cliff tramway, and expansive sandy beach, while also offering easy access to the dramatic scenery of the North York Moors National Park.

Accommodation options like Nancy’s Blushes, a stylish apartment for three, provide great value for visitors looking for a comfortable and affordable coastal base.

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Staithes offers an alternative seaside escape, described in the report as “one of North Yorkshire’s best-kept secrets.”

Staithes, North Yorkshire (Image: SUPPLIED)

The fishing village is known for its colourful cottages and historic harbour.

Sykes highlights Hillsover, a restored cottage set over three floors with bi-fold doors leading to a private roof terrace.

Guests can enjoy panoramic sea views and unwind after a day exploring the coast.

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Inland, Thirsk rounds out the North Yorkshire trio.

The traditional market town sits between the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales national parks.

According to Sykes, holidaymakers can experience “The traditional market town is home to independent shops, cafés and the popular World of James Herriot.”

Kemps Yard Retreat, a cottage for four, is hidden behind the gardens of a historic Friends Meeting House and accessed via a 17th-century cobbled street. It offers a peaceful stay just moments from the centre of town.

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The top 10 most affordable UK staycation destinations for 2026 are Louth, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Haworth, Hornsea, Staithes, Thirsk, Hereford, Liskeard, Okehampton, and Morpeth.

The index found that 23 per cent of Brits are choosing cheaper destinations for their holidays.

This rises to 30 per cent among Gen Z and 33 per cent among millennials.

To find out more, visit www.sykescottages.co.uk/blog/cheapest-holiday-destinations-uk/ or call 01244 617 683.

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The full list of top 10 destinations is available on the Sykes Holiday Cottages website.

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Family lose ‘almost everything they owned’ in devastating house fire

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Wales Online

The blaze is believed to have been started by a faulty electrical charger

An urgent appeal has been launched to support a young mother and her four children who lost “almost everything they owned” after their home was destroyed in a devastating blaze.

The fire, which broke out in Bro Rhos, Bethel, near Caernarfon, is thought to have been ignited by a faulty electrical charger on Tuesday. Firefighters from several nearby stations raced to the scene to battle the flames, with the road closed while emergency services attended the incident.

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In the wake of the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up by Hannah Hughes to help the family start afresh. By 1.10pm on Wednesday, more than £7,800 had been raised towards a £10,000 target. For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Local residents are also collecting physical donations of clothing, toys and household goods, as well as seeking urgent temporary housing for the family, reports North Wales Live.

In a statement posted on the GoFundMe page, Hannah Hughes wrote: “In just a few heartbreaking moments, the lives of a young mum and her four children were changed forever.

“Today, their family home in Bethel, near Caernarfon, was devastated by a house fire. While we are incredibly thankful that they are safe, they have lost almost everything they owned.

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“Their home, their belongings, their treasured memories, and the sense of security that every family deserves have all been taken from them.

“No parent ever imagines having to tell their children that they have nothing left to go home to. This young family is now facing the unimaginable – trying to comfort four frightened children while wondering what tomorrow will bring. They urgently need our help as they begin the long journey of rebuilding their lives.”

Two girls, aged 13 and eight, and two boys, aged 10 and four, lived at the property.

The GoFundMe statement continued: “As a community, we have an opportunity to remind this family that they are not facing this alone. Every donation, no matter how small, will help provide the essentials they now desperately need – clothing, food, toiletries, school items, furniture, appliances, and the everyday necessities that most of us take for granted.

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“The funds will also help ease the financial pressure while they secure temporary accommodation and begin to rebuild their lives. If you are unable to donate financially, there are many other ways you can help.

“We are looking for donations of children’s clothing, toys, bikes, furniture, appliances, and other household essentials. If you have something to give, please post it on the community page Cymuned Bethel (Facebook) so collection can be arranged or Contact Caffi’r Bedol, Bethel.

“We are also urgently looking for a house to rent in Bethel, either through a private landlord or a housing association. Any leads would be hugely appreciated. For anyone wishing to make an immediate cash donation, a collection pot has been placed at Bedol Bethel. Bethel has always been a community that looks after its own.

“Now is the time to come together once again. Whether you can donate £5, £50, offer an item, or simply share this fundraiser, you are helping to give this family hope at a time when they need it most.

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“Please keep this family in your thoughts, and if you are able, help us show them that even after the darkest day, they are surrounded by compassion, kindness, and a community that cares. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for any support you can give.

“Efforts to support the family are already well underway across the village, with residents being urged to coordinate physical donations and local housing leads to help the mother and her children recover from the disaster.”

A North Wales Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were called at 15:05 yesterday (15 July) to a property fire in Bethel. Firefighters from Caernarfon, Bangor and Colwyn Bay attended. The fire is believed to have been caused by a faulty charger.

“This incident is a reminder that electrical fires can happen at any time. Chargers can become very hot, so never leave items charging unattended or for long periods.

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“Always switch off the charger at the plug, even when it is not connected to a device. Do not mix and match chargers or use aftermarket versions; always use the charger supplied with the device.

“Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using electrical items and switch them off and unplug them before going to bed. Be prepared for a fire by ensuring you have working smoke alarms in your home and keeping escape routes clear so you and your family to exit your home as quickly as possible.”

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Elderly US woman shocked to receive racy new car licence plate

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Catherine Turnbull is smiling at the camera. She is wearing a pale blue t-shirt and dark framed glasses. Catherine has short light brown hair. She has some bushes behind her with are slightly out of focus.

An elderly woman in Florida has become the talk of her retirement community after vehicle licensing officials assigned her with a racy number plate.

Pompano Beach resident Nancy Dello Stritto says she “went ballistic” when she discovered her new license plate number was “SQZ A55”.

“I don’t think a senior who is almost 77 will be driving around with a plate that has that to say,” Dello Stritto told CBS News in Miami, adding: “How could that pass inspection?”

She said some neighbours have encouraged her to exchange the plate, while others – including family members and her sons – have told her to keep it.

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Dello Stritto said she was expecting a replacement plate and, at first, did not notice anything amiss when she got it in the mail.

Despite her displeasure, she has decided to keep the plate “just to see what happens”.

“I’m resigned to it; maybe it was destined for it to be on my car,” Dello Stritto said.

“I can handle it if I get a few honks here and there. Actually, being over 70, I might like a few honks.”

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According to CBS, Florida license plates have been manufactured at a state prison in North Florida for nearly 100 years, before being distributed through state agencies.

Broward County officials have said plates that are deemed offensive can be exchanged for free.

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PSNI concerned for welfare of missing man last seen over a week ago

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Belfast Live

Adam has not been seen by his family since May 26

Police have said they are concerned for the welfare of a missing man who was last seen at the end of May in Lurgan.

Adam Mroz, 41, who is Polish but living in the Lurgan area, was last seen by his family on May 26, however, he was seen visiting the library in Lurgan on July 4. Police have said there is a chance he has travelled outside of Northern Ireland.

He has been described as 5’10 with short brown hair and of a heavy build.

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A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police and the family of Adam Mroz, 41, who is from the Lurgan area, are growing increasingly concerned for his welfare. “Adam, who is Polish, has not been seen by his family since May 26th, 2026.

“He was seen visiting the library in Lurgan on July 4th, 2026. “He is described as being approximately 5’10” tall, with short brown hair, and is of a heavy build. “Police believe there is a possibility that Adam may have travelled outside Northern Ireland. “If you have seen Adam, or if you have any information in relation to his whereabouts, please contact police via 101, and quote reference number 525 of 03/07/26.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

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England vs Argentina LIVE: World Cup 2026 latest score, match stream, goal updates and fan reaction

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England vs Argentina LIVE: World Cup 2026 latest score, match stream, goal updates and fan reaction

It is the first time in his illustrious career that Lionel Messi has ever played against England, having been suspended for their last match back in 2005. His significant threat must be contained if Thomas Tuchel’s side are to progress any further and avoid a dreaded third-place play-off. England have been boosted by the fitness of Declan Rice following illness, but Tuchel has gambled with three changes to the starting XI, with Reece James, Djed Spence and Morgan Rogers all coming in.

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The truth about Jodie is finally exposed leaving the Platts reeling | Soaps

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The truth about Jodie is finally exposed leaving the Platts reeling | Soaps
A composite image of Jodie, David and Shona

I know. We’ve said it before. But Jodie Ramsey (Olivia Frances-Brown) really is about to be exposed for all her delightfully deranged scheming – and this time, there’s no going back.

Before you even start, I feel your pain. It’s increasingly infuriating to see Weatherfield’s newest bunny boiler put her delightfully deranged plots into action each week and manipulate herself out of trouble every time.

It’s also very entertaining. This woman is no Becky Swain (Amy Cudden). She didn’t rise from the grave on her first day: although she did escape from the back of a van belonging to Emmerdale’s baddest butler,Graham Foster (Andrew Scarborough).

Since that day, this twisted sister of Shona Platt (Julia Goulding) has been going full cuckoo in the nest in a wonderfully sociopathic revenge quest to seduce her husband David (Jack P Shepherd) to pay big sis back for walking out on their family years ago. Calm down, love.

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When Jodie’s seduction went pear-shaped, and David told Jodie just how off the deep end her sister was, the bitter little schemer got kicked out of the Platts and found herself another sucker – Daniel Osbourne (Rob Mallard). After Daniel finally saw the Pound Shop Single White Female’s true colours, she had to go cap in hand back to Shona, who was willing to let bygones be bygones. Lucky for Jodie.

Jodie and David have been at war since her seduction scheme failed. (Picture: ITV)

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Not so lucky for David’s sister Sarah Platt (Tina O’Brien) however, who happened to discover her bizarre box of trinkets stolen from their neighbours.

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In a panic, Jodie attacked Sarah from behind on the very night that Theo Silverton (James Cartwright) was killed – inadvertently giving the murderer, Sarah, the best possible alibi.

Sarah knows that Jodie was her attacker. After making the discovery, she confronted Jodie, but because Jodie figured out that Sarah had lied to the police about the exact timing of the assault, they two women were left at a stalemate.

Jodie’s got good reason for wanting to keep that box under wraps, seeing as it contains a gun – the very gun that she stole from Carl Webster (Jonathan Howard) after his Mexican stand off in the garage with Ronnie Bailey (Vinta Morgan), Tyrone Dobbs (Alan Halsall) and  Kevin (Michael Le Vell). This act ironically put Carl in danger, as he was holding on to the gun of ruthless dodgy car dealing criminal Fiona Morley (Sara Poyzer).

Jodie can’t talk her way out of trouble this time. (Picture: ITV)

Jodie’s box of stolen trinkets has always been a smoking gun. Now she’s taken that literally. If the Platts discover that box, the bunny-boiling baddie is done for. And one of the Platts is about to do just that.

In next week’s episodes, Sarah finally comes clean to her boyfriend DS Kit Green (Jacob Roberts), who is shocked when she reveals it was Jodie who attacked her.

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Obviously this comes back to bite her, because this is Corrie and nobody keeps a secret for more than five seconds. Furious, Kit goes blabbing to Shona, who immediately goes charging off to demand answers from Jodie. How will Jodie get out of this one?

Not very well, it seems, as David and Shona visit Sarah later and she tells them all about Jodie’s trinket box. Will they be able to find it?

Not them, but someone else. The worst person possible. David and Shona’s daughter, Jodie’s adoring niece, Lily (Grace Ashcroft-Gardner). Once David and Shona are in bed, Lily tiptoes downstairs in search of her console.  She reaches under the sofa and pulls out Jodie’s trinket box.

What will she find – the gun? Or something worse?

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how Martin Scorsese’s film foreshadowed the manosphere

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how Martin Scorsese’s film foreshadowed the manosphere

As plumes of steam rise and dissipate from the grates of New York in the opening frames of Taxi Driver, we see the unsettled brown eyes of Travis Bickle, played by Robert De Niro in a career-defining role.

The second of Martin Scorsese’s successful collaborations with De Niro, the pair went on to make another eight feature films. Scorsese was a new breed of director, pushing the boundaries of “New Hollywood” – an era that broke the rules of the studio system to produce something rawer, darker and willing to explore the underbelly of the American dream. This kind of filmmaking was more in tune with the depressed 1970s than the upbeat films of an earlier decade.

For several years now, as part of my America on Film module, I have been teaching Taxi Driver, released in the UK 50 years ago in 1976. The course aims to show how film represents American history. Taxi Driver is an excellent example, and one that students continue to respond to in interesting ways.

This was the year of the presidential election, pitting the replacement for the disgraced Richard Nixon, Republican Gerald Ford, against the Democratic peanut farmer from Georgia, Jimmy Carter.

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The Vietnam war was still reverberating and the US was demoralised and disillusioned by the My Lai massacre, the revelation of the Pentagon Papers, the Watergate break-in and cover-up, and the subsequent resignation of Nixon. Paranoia was high. The enemy was no longer just external – this was a period of thawing of relations in the cold war – but within.

There was a flourishing of paranoid conspiracy thrillers like All the President’s Men, Klute, Three Days of the Condor and The Parallax View, which Taxi Driver taps into. Its nocturnal and hallucinatory quality makes us ask whether any of this is actually real or just happening inside Bickle’s head.

Although the US had withdrawn from Vietnam three years earlier, that conflict was still at the front of American minds. Saigon fell in 1975, reuniting the country and signalling the utter failure of imperialist US policy there.

Bickle’s masculinity mixed the American mythology of violence with the look of the Mohawk. By making him a Vietnam veteran, the film put those issues front and centre, as well as the issues vets faced after they came home: loneliness, alienation and PTSD. Taxi Driver belongs to that genre of the returning Vietnam war vet.

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It preserves in amber a 1970s New York far removed from the Disneyfied streets of today’s city, revealing a Times Square once filled with peep shows, pimps, prostitutes and hustlers. De-industrialised and dilapidated, the city was close to bankruptcy; crime was rife, drugs and rubbish were everywhere, its economy stagnated.

New York City was a very dangerous place to be, full of racism and misogyny, a biblical Sodom and Gomorrah. The chaos, crime, corruption and moral decay appal Bickle. As he notes in his diary: “All the animals come out at night: whores, skunk pussies, buggers, queens, fairies, dopers, junkies – sick, venal.” When he writes, “someday, a real rain will come and wash all this scum off the streets,” he dreams of a flood-like vengeance and justice.

De Niro becomes an icon

Taxi Driver was not De Niro’s first major screen role, nor was he Scorsese’s first choice – Harvey Keitel was, but he turned it down to play pimp Sport Higgins in the film instead. Still, it capped a trilogy of films that cemented De Niro’s reputation in Hollywood, that included Mean Streets and The Godfather Part II.

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A method actor, De Niro prepared intensely for the role, spending weeks driving a cab in New York City before the shoot. Together with the earlier Mean Streets, it helped shape De Niro’s onscreen persona as a tough streetfighter and gangster in films such as Raging Bull, Goodfellas, Cape Fear and Casino. His later roles in Analyze This and Meet the Parents parody this persona.

Scorsese on the set of Taxi Driver with De Niro.
Collection Christophel / Alamy

Bickle’s physical transformation prefigures the beefier, hypermasculine antiheroes of the 1980s. Although he begins to work out obsessively, he remains rail-thin, physically distinctive from the stars of the Reagan era such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone.

Keitel, Jodie Foster and Cybil Shepherd also starred. Screenwriter Paul Schrader infused it with his own life experiences and the thoughts of writers Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Albert Camus. Hitchcock favourite Bernard Herrmann composed the musical score, completing it only hours before he died.

Taxi Driver’s legacy

The movie chimed with the zeitgeist, receiving four Academy Award nominations and winning the Palme d’Or at the 1976 Cannes film festival. Beyond the critics, Bickle became the embodiment of a resentful, angry, self-loathing, socially inept young man with a dangerous saviour complex.

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One of them, John Hinckley, became obsessed with the film, began stalking Foster, and attempted to assassinate President Ronald Reagan in 1981 in a bid to get her attention.

Scenes and lines from the film have become iconic. For film scholar Amy Taubin, the improvised line: “You talkin’ to me?” became “arguably the most quoted scene in movie history”. Consider Vincent Cassel mimicking it (in French) in La Haine in 1995: “C’est à moi que tu parles?”

Fight Club (1999) is a modern remake of Taxi Driver, featuring another method actor, Edward Norton, another decidedly unreliable narrator who also has trouble sleeping. Bickle also inspired the titular character of Joker in 2019.

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If made today, though, it would be called Uber Driver. But then, most likely, Travis Bickle would be immersed in the online and misogynistic manosphere of mixed martial arts and Maga, admiring figures like Andrew Tate and being an avid keyboard warrior rather than going out into the urban jungle.

He’d be deep into Pornhub rather than the adult cinema Bickle takes Betsy to. He’d have access to an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle. Speaking about Taxi Driver earlier this year, screenwriter Schrader reflected on men like Bickle: “We call them incels now.”

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Will the England World Cup bank holiday also be in Wales and Scotland?

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Wales Online

If England win the World Cup, would Wales and Scotland also get a bank holiday? Here’s what the rules say and what could happen next.

England are just one win away from the World Cup final, but if they go on to lift the trophy, would people in Wales and Scotland also get an extra bank holiday?

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It’s a question many outside England are asking ahead of tonight’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina, with reports suggesting the UK Government is preparing plans for an extra day off if the Three Lions become world champions.

Would Wales get the bank holiday?

Almost certainly, yes.

Bank holidays are a reserved matter, meaning they are decided by Westminster for England and Wales together.

While no official announcement has been made, it would be highly unusual for England to receive a bank holiday without Wales also being included.

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In fact, Wales has no powers to create its own bank holidays, making it the only UK nation unable to do so.

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What about Scotland?

Scotland is different.

The Scottish Government has powers over public holidays, meaning ministers in Edinburgh would decide whether to follow suit, but it’s highly unlikely.

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Scotland already has nine bank holidays compared with eight in England and Wales.

Last month, Scotland announced a separate national holiday to mark the country’s first appearance at a men’s World Cup finals since 1998.

And Northern Ireland?

Northern Ireland also has devolved powers over public holidays and currently enjoys 10 bank holidays each year.

Any decision there would rest with the Executive rather than Westminster.

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Why has this become a talking point?

Many in Wales have long campaigned for St David’s Day to become a national bank holiday.

Successive UK governments have rejected those calls, arguing an additional permanent holiday would have a significant economic impact.

If Wales were to receive a day off because England won the World Cup, some critics argue it would reignite debate about why Wales still cannot decide its own national holidays.

What has Keir Starmer said?

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has not confirmed a bank holiday but has strongly hinted one remains possible.

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Speaking earlier this month, he said: “On the question of a bank holiday, I don’t want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final.”

Reports suggest the Government could announce plans as early as Thursday if England beat Argentina, with Friday, July 24 earmarked as the most likely date should England go on to beat Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final.

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Fury as Argentina fans boo so loudly that God Save the King is drowned out – before England supporters boo rivals’ anthem

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There was fury this evening after Argentina fans booed loudly enough to drown out God Save the King in Atlanta's World Cup stadium

There was fury this evening after Argentina fans booed loudly enough to drown out God Save the King – before England fans returned the favour. 

Both Argentinian and England fans jeered their opponent’s national anthems before kick-off for tonight’s World Cup semi-final. 

The packed-out stadium in Atlanta was filled with rival fans who certainly made their voices heard, ahead of England’s most important football match since 1966.

Thomas Tuchel‘s side lined up on the pitch alongside their Argentinian opposition, but while both sides were seen singing along to their respective anthems, fans at home could barely make out the tune.

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Tens of thousands of fans on each side determinedly booed and jeered throughout, leaving supporters in Britain to follow along based on their lips.

There are fears tempers will fray tonight as the high-stakes match sees England take part in its fourth-ever semi-final.

Only once, in 1966, have they progressed to the final while Argentina has won its last five consecutive World Cup last-four games.

The match kicked off at 8pm in Georgia – and while thousands of supporters have travelled stateside to watch England play, millions more are watching screenings of the game across the country. 

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There was fury this evening after Argentina fans booed loudly enough to drown out God Save the King in Atlanta’s World Cup stadium

England lines up for the national anthems ahead of their semi-final World Cup tie against Argentina

England lines up for the national anthems ahead of their semi-final World Cup tie against Argentina

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Ahead of kick-off, both teams ran out onto the pitch in what is expected to be one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament so far.

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But England fans were less than impressed by the Argentinians’ opening display, with some accusing them of having no ‘respect’ for God Save the King.

As well as jeering, some fans in the stadium were seen singing ‘Whoever doesn’t jump is English’ during the anthem.

‘Argentine supporters have no respect for the English national anthem. Come on England,’ said one.

‘Argentina’s fans are too loud, you can’t even hear the England anthem,’ said a second on social media.

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A third branded the behaviour ‘disappointing’ – but England fans were not to be outdone. 

Even before the opening notes of Argentina’s anthem rang around the stadium, supporters of the Three Lions were already jeering, determined to return the favour.

Many fans watching at home described the South American side’s players as appearing ‘angry’ or ‘passionate’ in their singing, as tens of thousands of fans joined in from the stands.

Once the whistle blew, the competition got off to a feisty start with combative challenges which resulted in arguments both on and off the pitch.

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England fans in Manchester sing along to God Save the King as they watch the semi-final

England fans in Manchester sing along to God Save the King as they watch the semi-final

The flags of England and Argentina are seen before the World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and Argentina in Atlanta

The flags of England and Argentina are seen before the World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and Argentina in Atlanta

Early competition between the two sides saw some feisty confrontations on the pitch

Early competition between the two sides saw some feisty confrontations on the pitch

While players stepped in to prevent any physical altercations on-field between Kane and Lionel Messi’s teams, Tuchel was seen remonstrating with officials on the touchline.

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Earlier, England fans said they are optimistic that the Three Lions can secure a place in the World Cup final, but highlighted concerns that Messi may stand in their way.

Thousands of England supporters have descended on Atlanta ahead of Wednesday’s semi-final against defending champions Argentina.

The old rivals go head-to-head at the air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz Stadium – and superfan Gary Holliday said he spent around £2,500 on a ticket for the match.

Speaking outside the stadium in Atlanta, Mr Holliday, 46, from Birmingham, said: ‘I’ve been chatting to the lads in the WhatsApp group and I’m mildly optimistic, to be honest.

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‘If Bellingham turns up, I honestly don’t think these are as good as, certainly what they think they are.

‘I think Bellingham is going to run all over them, to be honest – Kane has been off the boil for the last couple, I think he owes us a game as well.

‘So I’m quite optimistic – I’ve spent a small fortune on a ticket for the final so fingers, toes and anything else long enough crossed.’

Also outside the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Colin Leslie, 63, originally from Salisbury, said: ‘I’m absolutely petrified.

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‘It’s going to be a long trip home if it goes wrong.’

Asked if he was confident of a result, he added: ‘The same as every tournament – yes. And we’ve got a Bellingham so we should be all right, and we’ve got a Kane as a back-up for Bellingham, and I believe Mr (Declan) Rice might be joining us today.’

Liam Pearce, 29, from Wiltshire, added: ‘I’m very nervous, it’s the semi-final of a World Cup.

‘It’s a big game, it’s a big rivalry, so it will be interesting to see how it goes.’

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Mr Holliday conceded that he was ‘mildly concerned’ about the threat posed by Argentina captain Messi.

‘You’ve got to be mildly concerned haven’t you?’ he said.

‘But Messi of four years ago is not the same player he is now.

‘I think he looks brilliant against really, really average teams, and I don’t think we’re average – I think Elliot Anderson and Declan (Rice) will get around him and hopefully smash him.’

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He continued: ‘I’ve been to every tournament since 2014 and I have literally waited my entire life to see England play Argentina.’

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‘Heartbreakingly excellent’ Belfast drama available to stream now

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James Norton’s Belfast-filmed drama has been praised by viewers who have been left in tears.

A heartbreaking film that audiences claim will take you on a deeply moving experience from start to finish is available to steam

Inspired by a true story, Nowhere Special chronicles the story of single father John (portrayed by James Norton), who receives a terminal diagnosis.

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Throughout his remaining months, he undertakes one crucial endeavour: to secure a new adoptive home for the four-year-old son he must leave behind following his death.

The picture, which was released in 2020, was filmed and set in Belfast and was written, directed, and produced by Uberto Pasolini, reports the Irish Mirror.

A synopsis reads: “When single father John is given only a few months left to live, he tries to find the perfect family for his young son while shielding the boy from the terrible reality of the situation.

“As he struggles to find the right answer for the impossible task, he meets a social worker who opens him up to solutions he never would have considered.”

Presently, the picture holds a Rotten Tomatoes score of 100 per cent and has garnered widespread acclaim from those who’ve watched it, with numerous viewers reduced to tears.

One viewer commented: “Perfectly beautiful, devastating with a bittersweet ending. It was perfect! A gut-wrenching, soul-searching experience, where the characters draw you in and keep you the whole way through.”

Another person wrote: “It’s a beautiful, heartbreaking movie. Well acted and heart touching. It’s all about love. Deffo watch it.”

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Another viewer remarked: “Most touching film I can remember watching. This will break your heart from the first scene onwards, but stick with it, and I promise that it will also: 1. Inspire you 2. Make you look at all sorts of things through another light, and most importantly, 3. Leave you as a better person.”

While a fourth enthused: “Heartbreakingly excellent. A film to remember and such a fine performance by James Norton and the little boy. A truly emotional journey, and Pasolini’s direction and screenplay are breathtaking.”

Previously, James Norton admitted he was moved to tears upon reading the script, and one particular scene required several reshoots as he repeatedly broke down, with the director keen for his character to come across as composed.

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He once revealed to Sky News’ Backstage podcast: “What’s interesting about this film and the script, particularly as I read it… even though it was very pared down and simple, I was crying by the end of the read.

“So I knew that there was something there, the kind of kernel of something very special, and it wasn’t just the fact that it was a film about someone dying, approaching death, there was equally something uplifting about the love story between this father and son.

“And, you know, when you read that script and you find yourself crying by the end, you know you’ve got to make it.”

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Nowhere Special is available to stream on Prime Video and ITVX

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